City of Johannesburg Youth Employment Opportunity (Relief Workers): Everything You Need to Know Before You Apply

Check this first: I couldn’t confirm a Relief Worker round that is open today (8 October 2026). The most recent one I could verify closed in 2024. The City’s Relief Worker call for various regions had a closing date of 12 November 2024. The City advertises new youth opportunities regularly, so this guide explains how the programme works and how to apply when a new round opens. I haven’t invented a link to a posting I couldn’t verify.

Where to apply

• Official City portal: www.joburg.org.za. Open the Vacancies or Work section and look for the latest circular.
• Application tips from the City: . I found this link in search results but couldn’t open it myself, so check that it loads.

Each circular has its own online form hosted on HubSpot (a link starting with share.hsforms.com). Circulars state that only online applications will be considered, and they give a form link alongside the main website. Always take the link from the circular for the post you want. A form link from an old circular belongs to a closed post.

What is a Relief Worker?

A Relief Worker is a temporary, stipend-based position for unemployed young people. It gives you work experience, a reference and some workplace confidence while you look for permanent work. It is not a permanent City job.

In the last round I verified, the posts were in Community Development under Library and Information Services. The role assisted the Senior Librarian or Librarian in serving the public and helped with the library’s administrative operations. You would typically help with:

• Welcoming and assisting library visitors
• Admin tasks such as filing, capturing data and keeping records tidy
• Supporting the librarian’s daily operations
• Learning how a public service department runs

Pay

The 2024 library posts paid a monthly stipend of R3 500. A stipend is a fixed allowance, not a full municipal salary. Other City programmes pay differently. For example, a Metrobus EPWP Team Leader post offered a monthly stipend of R6 000. Always check the amount in the circular for the exact post.

Requirements

Requirements change by round, so read the current circular. In the last Relief Worker round, applicants needed Matric/Grade 12 (NQF level 4), computer literacy, and the ability to work 40 hours a week. The post was open to youth living in Johannesburg, and people who had already taken part in the programme would not be considered.

In plain terms:

1. Matric certificate. Some programmes ask for less. A recent General Worker post asked only for Grade 8 and no previous experience.
2. Johannesburg residency. You must live in the City of Johannesburg.
3. Youth status. The City generally defines youth as ages 18 to 35. One recent EPWP programme listed its target group as youth aged 18 to 35.
4. Basic computer skills. You should be able to use email, a browser and simple documents.
5. First-time participant. If you have been through the same programme before, you will likely be excluded.
6. Availability. Be ready to work full-time hours if the post says 40 hours a week.

Documents to have ready

Scan these into clear PDFs or photos on your phone before the form opens:

• Certified copy of your South African ID
• Matric certificate and any other qualifications
• An up-to-date CV
• Proof of residence in Johannesburg, such as a utility bill, lease or affidavit
• Proof of disability, if you are a person with a disability. EPWP circulars say persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply, with proof submitted.

City circulars also say applicants may be asked to prove their original documents and give a short description of their work experience. If you are shortlisted for some City posts, the City may carry out a credit record check, CV validation and an employment record check. Make sure everything you submit is true and matches your documents.

How to apply

1. Go to www.joburg.org.za and open the current vacancies.
2. Find the Relief Worker or youth EPWP circular and read it all the way through.
3. Check the closing date, the post location and the requirements.
4. Open the application link in the circular.
5. Fill in every field, upload your documents and submit.
6. Save a screenshot or confirmation email.
7. Keep your phone on and check your email, including spam, in the weeks after the closing date.

Apply early. Forms can get busy near the deadline, and a failed upload at the last minute can cost you the opportunity.

A different route for some programmes

Not every City programme uses the same form. Some Metrobus EPWP posts use the Department of Employment and Labour’s system instead. Applicants register on the ESSA database at www.labour.gov.za (individual registration), or complete an application at any Department of Labour centre. If a circular names this route, follow it instead of the City form.

Beware of scams

Fake job adverts spread quickly on social media during recruitment season. The City’s circulars say it will not demand payment in any form for any job placement. Protect yourself:

• Never pay anyone to “secure” a post.
• Apply only through links on joburg.org.za or in official circulars.
• Be careful with WhatsApp messages and Facebook posts that ask for personal details.
• Don’t share your banking PIN or passwords with anyone.

Tips for a stronger application

• Keep your CV to one or two pages. Put your contact details at the top and your education next.
• Use a professional email address, something like
• Double-check your ID number and phone number. A typo means the City can’t reach you.
• Give your experience even if it isn’t paid. Volunteering, church or community work, and school leadership all count.
• Don’t miss the closing date. Late applications are generally not considered.

If you miss this round

Other City youth programmes may suit you, and some have lower entry requirements. These include EPWP posts (such as Metrobus roles), internships for qualifying youth, and bursaries. A City bursary round is open right now: 200 bursaries for youth who permanently live in Johannesburg, with a closing date of Friday, 30 October 2026. You can also visit a City Opportunity Centre, where job-seekers can hand in their CVs and complete a form about the sector they want to work in. joburdailymaverick

Final thoughts

A Relief Worker post is a real first step into the working world. The City says all vacancies are advertised on its website, so that is the most reliable place to look. Prepare your documents now, follow the circular exactly and apply before the deadline.

---

I can’t promise a particular readability score, but I kept the language plain and the sentences short. Would you like this as a Word document or PDF, or shortened into a social media post?