The City of Ekurhuleni has opened applications for its 2026 Youth Employment Programme, offering temporary municipal work opportunities to unemployed young people who hold a Grade 10 or Grade 12 qualification. With a closing date of 3 June 2026, eligible candidates have a narrow window to apply for one of three available roles linked to the city’s Rodent Control Programme.] City of Ekurhuleni Youth Employment Programme 2026
The programme is designed to give young South Africans practical exposure to community-based public service work, covering areas such as door-to-door health education, data capturing, environmental awareness, and basic team coordination. For many applicants, this may represent a first step into structured, paid employment within a municipal environment.
What Is the City of Ekurhuleni Youth Employment Programme?
The City of Ekurhuleni Youth Employment Programme is a temporary work initiative that places young, unemployed residents in short-term roles that support essential municipal services. Rather than functioning as a training course or internship in the traditional sense, the programme embeds participants directly into active service delivery teams — in this case, those responsible for managing rodent control across the city’s residential areas.
Participants gain hands-on experience in public health awareness, community outreach, administrative reporting, attendance management, and field surveys. For candidates with limited formal work history, this type of practical exposure can be a meaningful addition to a CV and a useful foundation for future opportunities in municipal service, community development, or environmental health.
The 2026 iteration of the programme focuses specifically on the Rodent Control Programme, which involves educating residents, conducting property surveys, distributing public health materials, and compiling field reports for submission to Environmental Health Practitioners.
Related Opportunities 2026
• Funding Bursaries
• Youth Opportunities
• Internship Programme
• Learnership Programme
• Online Courses
Three Roles Are Available: Which One Is Right for You?
The programme offers three distinct positions, each with its own responsibilities, educational requirements, and remuneration. Applicants should read each role carefully and apply only for the position that matches their qualifications and working style.
1. General Worker: Rodent Control Programme
Reference Number: SPHESD0003_26 Minimum Qualification: Grade 10 or equivalent Monthly Remuneration: R4 100
The General Worker role is a field-based position that involves direct engagement with community members across residential areas. Successful candidates will conduct door-to-door visits, educate households on rodent control and environmental health, and distribute informational pamphlets. Each General Worker is expected to inspect a minimum of 30 premises per day and maintain accurate daily records of all visits, pamphlets handed out, and any infested properties identified.
This role suits candidates who are physically active, comfortable speaking with members of the public, and able to keep methodical written records under field conditions. No prior work experience is specified, making it an accessible entry point for young people entering the workforce for the first time.
2. Team Leader: Rodent Control Programme
Reference Number: SPHESD0001_26 Minimum Qualification: Grade 12 or equivalent Monthly Remuneration: R6 340
The Team Leader role carries slightly more responsibility than the General Worker position. Candidates in this role will be expected to coordinate a small team of General Workers, verify attendance, ensure daily work plans are followed, and consolidate field reports for submission to the supervising Environmental Health Practitioner.
Absent Rodent Control Ambassadors must also be reported through this channel, making accuracy and consistency critical. This position is well suited to Grade 12 candidates who are organised, dependable, and capable of basic supervisory functions without requiring extensive prior management experience.
3. Data Capturer: Rodent Control Programme
Reference Number: SPHESD0002_26 Minimum Qualification: Grade 12 or equivalent Monthly Remuneration: R7 150
The Data Capturer role is an office-based position that supports the administrative side of the Rodent Control Programme. Responsibilities include processing and recording programme data, maintaining service standards, assisting with customer satisfaction processes, and completing tasks assigned by a supervisor.
Applicants for this role must demonstrate advanced computer literacy and a sound understanding of office administration practices. Good communication skills and strong interpersonal abilities are also required. The Data Capturer position offers the highest remuneration of the three roles and is likely to attract candidates with prior administrative exposure or strong computer skills developed through their schooling.
Why This Programme Matters for Young Job Seekers
South Africa continues to face significant youth unemployment challenges, and short-term municipal programmes of this nature offer more than just a monthly income. They provide structured work experience that many young people in townships and urban communities simply do not have access to through other channels.
Through participation in the Ekurhuleni Youth Employment Programme, successful candidates can develop a range of transferable skills, including:
- Community outreach and public engagement
- Environmental and public health awareness
- Data collection and record-keeping
- Administrative reporting and documentation
- Team coordination and attendance management
- Workplace discipline and professionalism
- Customer service in a community setting
Beyond skills development, the programme connects participants to actual municipal operations — a form of exposure that can make a measurable difference when applying for future positions in local government, public health, or community development.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guidance
All applications must be submitted online through the City of Ekurhuleni’s eRecruitment platform. There is no postal or walk-in application process. Each of the three roles has its own dedicated application link, so candidates must ensure they are applying through the correct portal for their chosen position.
Data Capturer: Rodent Control Programme
Applications must be submitted through the official online application portal.
Team Leader: Rodent Control Programme
Applications must be submitted through the official online application portal.
General Worker: Rodent Control Programme
Applications must be submitted through the official online application portal.
Before beginning an application, candidates should have the following ready:
- A certified copy of their qualification (Grade 10 or Grade 12 certificate, or equivalent)
- An updated CV reflecting their current contact details and relevant experience
- Proof of the NQF level associated with their qualification, where applicable
- Their correct ward number, which can be determined based on their home address
- The name of their suburb or township
The ward number and residential details are particularly important. Because these roles are community-based and tied to specific service delivery areas, the programme requires that applicants indicate where they live. Providing incorrect address details may affect the outcome of an application.
Candidates are advised to complete their applications well before the 3 June 2026 deadline. Online recruitment platforms often experience increased traffic as closing dates approach, and technical delays can result in missed opportunities.
What Happens After You Apply?
The City of Ekurhuleni has indicated that if candidates do not receive any feedback within six weeks of the closing date, they should consider their application unsuccessful. There is no requirement to follow up if this timeframe passes without communication.
For candidates who are shortlisted, the next steps will be communicated through the contact details provided in the application. It is therefore important to ensure that phone numbers and email addresses are current and correct at the time of submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the City of Ekurhuleni Youth Employment Programme 2026? Unemployed young people who hold a Grade 10 or Grade 12 certificate, or an equivalent qualification, are eligible to apply. Grade 10 qualifications are accepted for the General Worker role, while Grade 12 is required for the Team Leader and Data Capturer positions.
Is there an age limit for applicants? The programme is a youth employment initiative, though the specific age criteria are not stated in the available role descriptions. Applicants are encouraged to confirm eligibility requirements directly with the City of Ekurhuleni before applying.
What is the closing date for applications? Applications close on 3 June 2026. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
How are applications submitted? Applications must be submitted online through the City of Ekurhuleni’s eRecruitment portal. Each role has its own application link. Walk-in, postal, or emailed applications are not accepted.
What documents are needed to apply? Applicants should have a copy of their qualification, an updated CV, proof of their NQF level where required, and accurate residential details including their ward number and suburb or township name.
How much do the roles pay? The General Worker position pays R4 100 per month, the Team Leader pays R6 340 per month, and the Data Capturer pays R7 150 per month.
Are these permanent positions? No. All three roles are temporary assignments linked specifically to the Rodent Control Programme. Candidates should apply with the understanding that these are short-term opportunities.
What do General Workers do on a daily basis? General Workers conduct door-to-door visits, educate residents about rodent control and environmental health, distribute pamphlets, and inspect a minimum of 30 premises per day. They also maintain attendance registers and daily records of their activities.
Can I apply for more than one role? The programme does not explicitly prohibit multiple applications, but candidates should carefully consider which role best matches their qualifications and experience. Applying for a role that does not match the stated requirements is unlikely to result in a successful outcome.
How do I find my ward number? Ward numbers are determined by residential address. Candidates can search for their ward number on the City of Ekurhuleni’s official website or contact the municipality directly using the details below.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the programme? The City of Ekurhuleni can be reached by phone at 0860 54 3000 or by email at call.centre@ekurhuleni.gov.za.
Contact the City of Ekurhuleni
For general enquiries about the Youth Employment Programme or the application process:
- Phone: 0860 54 3000
- Email: call.centre@ekurhuleni.gov.za
Final Note for Applicants
The 2026 City of Ekurhuleni Youth Employment Programme is a practical, community-facing opportunity for Grade 10 and Grade 12 candidates who are ready to engage in meaningful public service work. The roles on offer — General Worker, Team Leader, and Data Capturer — each serve a specific function within the Rodent Control Programme and offer varying levels of responsibility and remuneration.
For young people seeking their first formal work experience, or those looking to build municipal sector exposure, this programme represents a genuine opportunity. With the application deadline set for 3 June 2026, interested candidates should act promptly, prepare their documents carefully, and ensure that every detail on their application is accurate before submitting.
Disclaimer: This article has been written for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information about the City of Ekurhuleni Youth Employment Programme 2026. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, programme details, deadlines, and role requirements are subject to change at the discretion of the City of Ekurhuleni. Applicants are encouraged to verify all information directly with the municipality before submitting an application. This publication is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the City of Ekurhuleni or any of its associated departments.
Thato Sabethwa is a passionate education advocate and digital content creator dedicated to helping young South Africans access valuable career and learning opportunities. With a strong belief in the power of skills development, Thato writes informative articles about learnerships, internships, bursaries, and job readiness. Through OnlineLearnership.co.za, Thato aims to guide students and job seekers toward the right opportunities that can shape their future. Her content focuses on practical advice, career tips, and reliable updates to empower readers to make informed decisions about their education and career paths.
