City of Joburg EPWP Jozi Ihlomile Programme 2026: A Youth Employment Opportunity Rooted in Community Health

The City of Johannesburg’s EPWP Jozi Ihlomile Programme 2026 has opened an important door for young South Africans who want to gain work experience while serving communities across the city. Designed as a short-term employment opportunity under the Expanded Public Works Programme, the initiative focuses on public health education, social support, and community-based outreach in Johannesburg’s municipal regions.

Applications are open for youth aged 18 to 35 who live in specified wards across Regions A to G. The closing date for applications is 24 June 2026, and applicants are expected to submit their applications online before the deadline.

At its core, the programme is not just a temporary work opportunity. It is also a community intervention aimed at strengthening awareness around HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Sexually Transmitted Infections, substance abuse, Gender-Based Violence, stigma, discrimination, and access to support services.

A Public Health Programme With an Employment Mission

The EPWP Jozi Ihlomile Programme 2026 is being implemented through the City of Johannesburg Health Department as part of the broader Expanded Public Works Programme. The initiative combines two urgent priorities: creating short-term work opportunities for unemployed youth and improving health awareness in communities.

The programme is structured around community-based service. Participants will work in wards across Johannesburg, helping residents access information, referrals, and support related to key health and social issues. This makes the programme particularly relevant in communities where household-level engagement can improve awareness, early intervention, and connection to public services.

The official programme details are as follows:

Employer: City of Johannesburg Health Department
Programme: EPWP Jozi Ihlomile Programme 2026
Reference Number: STC 006/2026
Programme Duration: Short-term contract not exceeding 12 months
Location: Various wards across Regions A to G in Johannesburg
Closing Date: 24 June 2026

Who the Programme Is Looking For

The City of Johannesburg is recruiting for three categories of EPWP Jozi Ihlomile opportunities:

EPWP Jozi Ihlomile Educators
EPWP Jozi Ihlomile Site Coordinators
EPWP Jozi Ihlomile Data Coordinators

These roles are designed to support different parts of the community health outreach system. Educators will work directly with residents, Site Coordinators will supervise field activities and outreach teams, while Data Coordinators will support the programme’s information and reporting needs as advertised by the City of Johannesburg.

Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend. Educators will receive R4 000 per month, while Site Coordinators will receive R4 300 per month. The stipend for Data Coordinators is listed as As advertised by the City of Johannesburg.

What EPWP Jozi Ihlomile Educators Will Do

The Educator role is the most community-facing part of the programme. Educators will conduct door-to-door health education in communities, engaging households directly on health and social matters.

Their work will include raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections. They will also educate residents about substance abuse and help address stigma and discrimination. In addition, Educators will refer community members to relevant services and support vulnerable households.

The position also carries administrative responsibilities. Educators will be expected to complete reports and maintain administrative records, which helps the programme monitor activities and track community support needs.

Requirements for Educators

Applicants for the EPWP Jozi Ihlomile Educator positions must have Grade 12 / Matric or NQF Level 4.

They must also have knowledge of HIV/AIDS, TB, STIs, and related social issues. Because the work involves direct engagement with residents, good communication skills are essential. Applicants must also have basic numerical skills and the ability to write reports.

The role requires applicants to be able to use electronic devices. Knowledge of email and internet usage is also required.

Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35 and must reside within the specified ward where they apply. They must provide an affidavit confirming no criminal record, as well as proof of residence in the ward through a councillor’s confirmation letter or an affidavit from an authorised body.

Site Coordinators: Supervising Outreach and Supporting Delivery

The Site Coordinator role is aimed at applicants who can help manage field activities and support the smooth implementation of community health programmes.

Site Coordinators will supervise field activities and monitor educator performance. They will support outreach teams, compile reports, conduct quality assurance activities, and liaise with Regional Health officials.

This position is particularly suitable for applicants who already have experience in community health programmes and can demonstrate leadership ability.

Requirements for Site Coordinators

Applicants for the Site Coordinator positions must have Grade 12 / NQF Level 4 and must be between the ages of 18 and 35.

They must have at least one year of relevant experience in HIV/AIDS door-to-door education. Good communication skills are required, and applicants must be computer literate and able to use electronic devices.

As with the Educator positions, applicants must reside within the specified ward and provide proof of residence. They must also provide an affidavit confirming no criminal record.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience managing community outreach activities.

Johannesburg Regions Covered by the Programme

The EPWP Jozi Ihlomile Programme 2026 covers multiple communities across Johannesburg’s seven municipal regions. This wide geographic spread means the programme is intended to reach communities across the city rather than being limited to one area.

Applicants may only apply within the ward where they reside, making proof of residence a key part of the application process.

Region A

Areas include Rabie Ridge, Kanana, Kaalfontein, Diepsloot, Riverside and Ebony Park.

Region B

Areas include Pennyville, New Canada, Zamimpilo, Slovo Park, Sophiatown, Northcliffe and Randburg.

Region C

Areas include Braamfischer, Jukskei, Doornkop, Cosmo City, Zandspruit and Tshepisong.

Region D

Areas include Naledi, Orlando East, Jabavu, Dlamini and Zondi.

Region E

Areas include Klipfontein, Wynberg, Marlboro and Orchards.

Region F

Areas include Bellavista, South Hills, Joubert Park, Berea and Denver.

Region G

Areas include Orange Farm, Finetown, Lawley, Protea South, Lehae and Freedom Park.

Documents Applicants Need to Prepare

The document requirements are an important part of the application process. Applicants should prepare their documents before starting the online application to avoid delays or incomplete submissions.

The required documents include:

Updated CV
Certified copy of ID
Certified copy of Matric certificate
Relevant certificates, if applicable
Proof of residence
Ward councillor letter or affidavit
Affidavit confirming no criminal record

The City of Johannesburg may request original documents during the recruitment process. Applicants should therefore make sure that the documents they submit are accurate, valid, and consistent with the information provided in the application form.

How the Online Application Process Works

The online application process is designed to ensure that applicants apply for opportunities linked to the ward where they live. This is important because the programme is ward-based and community-focused.

Applicants must first download and read the City of Johannesburg Jozi Ihlomile Vacancy Circular. After reviewing the circular, they should select the ward where they reside and complete the online application form.

They must then upload all required documents and submit the application before 24 June 2026.

Only online applications will be accepted.

Click here to download the City of Johannesburg Jozi Ihlomile Vacancy Circular

Why the Programme Matters for Youth and Communities

The City of Joburg EPWP Jozi Ihlomile Programme 2026 is significant because it addresses employment and public health at the same time. For unemployed youth, the programme offers short-term work experience, exposure to community health systems, and a chance to build practical communication, reporting, and outreach skills.

For communities, the programme supports health awareness and social support at household level. Door-to-door education can help residents better understand issues such as HIV/AIDS, TB, STIs, substance abuse, stigma, discrimination, and Gender-Based Violence. It can also help connect vulnerable households to relevant services.

This combination of youth employment and community health intervention makes the programme especially valuable in areas where public awareness and service referrals can make a direct difference.

What Applicants Should Keep in Mind Before Applying

Applicants should pay close attention to eligibility requirements, especially age, ward residence, proof of residence, educational qualifications, and document requirements. Since applicants may only apply within the ward where they reside, applying for the wrong ward could affect eligibility.

The closing date is 24 June 2026, and applicants are encouraged to apply early. Waiting until the final day can increase the risk of missing the deadline due to technical issues, missing documents, or incomplete uploads.

Applicants should also ensure that their CV is updated and that certified documents are clear and readable. Since original documents may be requested during recruitment, all submitted information should be accurate.

Conclusion: A Practical Opportunity With Community Impact

The City of Joburg EPWP Jozi Ihlomile Programme 2026 offers more than a short-term stipend. It is an opportunity for young people to participate in community health awareness, gain practical work experience, and contribute to public service delivery across Johannesburg.

With opportunities available for Educators, Site Coordinators, and Data Coordinators, the programme is suited to youth who are committed to community development and public health awareness.

Eligible applicants aged 18 to 35 who reside in the listed wards should prepare their documents carefully and submit their online applications before 24 June 2026.