The Gauteng Department of Health has officially announced the opening of 195 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) jobs for 2026, offering unemployed South Africans a short-term but valuable opportunity to gain government work experience within the Johannesburg Health District.
These positions are offered on a fixed-term, three-month contract, running from 19 January 2026 to 31 March 2026, and are specifically targeted at previously disadvantaged individuals who have never benefited from EPWP before.
With applications closing on 11 January 2026, this is a time-sensitive government recruitment drive that requires immediate action from eligible candidates.
Why Gauteng Health EPWP Jobs Matter in 2026
South Africa continues to face high unemployment levels, particularly among youth and low-skilled job seekers. The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) was designed as a national intervention to:
- Provide short-term employment relief
- Transfer basic workplace skills
- Expose beneficiaries to structured government environments
- Improve employability after contract completion
While EPWP roles are not permanent, they often serve as a critical entry point into government, municipal, and healthcare support careers.
For many applicants, this opportunity represents their first formal job, making it an important stepping stone rather than a final destination.
Quick Overview: Gauteng Health EPWP Jobs 2026
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) |
| Department | Gauteng Department of Health |
| Reference Number | JHB/EPWP195 |
| Total Posts | 195 |
| Job Categories | Administration Clerks, Cleaners, Groundskeepers |
| Location | Johannesburg Health District facilities |
| Contract Duration | 3 months |
| Contract Period | 19 January 2026 – 31 March 2026 |
| Monthly Stipend | R3 500 |
| Closing Date | 11 January 2026 |
| Application Method | Email only |
EPWP Positions Available for 2026
The Gauteng Department of Health has divided the 195 posts across three key occupational categories, ensuring a wide range of entry-level opportunities.
Administration Clerks (85 Posts)
These positions are ideal for candidates interested in office administration, data handling, and clerical work within government facilities.
Minimum Requirements
- Certified Grade 12 (Matric) certificate or equivalent
- Certification stamp not older than six months
- Good verbal and written communication skills
Key Responsibilities
- Typing, printing, scanning, copying, and filing documents
- Capturing meeting minutes and maintaining registry systems
- Data capturing and record keeping
- Completing administrative forms and documentation
- Providing daily support to supervisors and office teams
These roles offer practical exposure to government administration systems, making them highly valuable for future clerical or public service opportunities.
Cleaners (80 Posts)
Cleaner positions form a critical part of healthcare operations and are well suited to candidates seeking entry-level work in facilities management or healthcare support services.
Minimum Requirements
- Certified school report or qualification
- Certification not older than six months
- Basic communication skills
Key Responsibilities
- Cleaning clinics, offices, and hospital facilities
- Sweeping, mopping, dusting, and polishing surfaces
- Cleaning windows and furniture
- Waste disposal and disinfecting allocated areas
- Monitoring and managing cleaning supplies
These roles provide stable exposure to structured workplace routines and are often a pathway into longer-term facilities or municipal employment.
Groundskeepers (30 Posts)
Groundskeeper roles focus on outdoor maintenance and are ideal for individuals interested in landscaping, environmental maintenance, or municipal services.
Minimum Requirements
- Certified school report or equivalent
- Good communication skills
Key Responsibilities
- Lawn mowing, watering, weeding, and fertilising
- Maintaining gardens, pavements, and walkways
- Tree cutting and trimming
- Removing litter and maintaining outdoor cleanliness
This category suits applicants who prefer hands-on, physical work and outdoor environments.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To ensure fair access and compliance with EPWP regulations, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be currently unemployed
- Have no criminal record
- Reside within the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality
- Live near the health facility they are applying to
- Provide valid proof of residence
- Must not have benefited from EPWP previously
Applicants who have participated in EPWP before are not eligible, regardless of how long ago the contract ended.
How to Apply for Gauteng Health EPWP Jobs 2026
Applications must follow the official government process exactly. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.
Step 1: Complete the NEW Z83 Application Form
Only the new Z83 form is accepted for government applications. Ensure all sections are fully completed and signed.
Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents
Attach the following documents:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copies of qualifications or school reports
- Proof of residence
All certifications must be within the last six months.
Step 3: Indicate Your Preferred Health Facility
Clearly state the nearest health facility on your Z83 form to support placement within your residential area.
Step 4: Submit Your Application by Email Only
Send your complete application to:
JhbHealth.DistrictJobApplications@gauteng.gov.za
Important:
- No hand-delivered applications
- No postal submissions
Important Notes for Applicants
- People living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
- If you are not contacted within 30 days after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful
- The Department reserves the right not to fill all advertised posts
Career Growth After Completing EPWP
Although EPWP contracts are short-term, the experience gained can unlock future opportunities, including:
- Permanent general worker positions
- Hospital support and facilities roles
- Municipal cleaning or grounds maintenance jobs
- Entry-level administration clerk posts
- Government learnerships and internships
Many employers value government workplace exposure, even when the contract duration is limited.
Strategic Advice for EPWP Beneficiaries
EPWP should be approached with a long-term mindset:
- Use the experience to strengthen your CV
- Apply for learnerships and internships immediately after your contract
- Build workplace discipline, punctuality, and confidence
- Secure references from supervisors
EPWP is not the destination. It is the launchpad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this a permanent job?
No. EPWP roles are fixed-term contracts lasting three months only.
Will I earn a salary?
You will receive a monthly stipend of R3 500, not a permanent salary.
Can I apply for more than one position?
Applicants are advised to apply for one position only, preferably closest to their residence.
Do all positions require Matric?
No. Matric is required for Administration Clerk posts only.
Can EPWP help me secure permanent employment?
While not guaranteed, EPWP significantly improves employability by providing government work experience.
Closing Date Reminder
Applications close on 11 January 2026.
Late applications will not be considered.
Final Word
The Gauteng Health EPWP Jobs 2026 recruitment drive offers a rare and urgent opportunity for unemployed residents of Johannesburg to gain meaningful government work exposure. With only 195 posts available and a strict closing date, eligible candidates are encouraged to apply immediately and submit complete, compliant applications.
