How a Free Voucher Helps Jobseekers Get to Their Interviews

A free voucher by the Western Cape Government, in collaboration with Golden Arrow Bus Services, can now open real doors. It’s a step towards helping people show up and get a fair shot at employment.

Getting to an interview should be the easy part. But for many jobseekers, transport costs get in the way. You have the opportunity. You have the appointment. But without a way to get there, everything gets put on hold. The Western Cape Government has recognised this and has partnered with Golden Arrow Bus Services to help Western Cape candidates move forward. Jobseekers can access limited bus rides at no cost when heading to interviews with a free voucher.

Getting YOU to Work: The Western Cape Government’s Jobseeker Travel Free Voucher Programme

What started small has already reached over 3000 jobseekers with the support of more than 150 businesses. And nearly half of those who used their free voucher found work.

Now, the programme is growing. Whether you are a school leaver or were previously employed, you can now sign yourself up for the programme directly. Here’s how to get involved and what you need to know.

What The Programme Offers

Getting YOU to Work gives unemployed jobseekers free transport in the Cape Town metro to attend interviews. By partnering with Golden Arrow Bus Services, the programme removes one of the biggest obstacles faced by those looking for work – the cost of getting to an interview.

Your free voucher gives you 12 trips on a GABS bus. That means you can get to interviews and back home again safely, without spending anything on transport. These trips cover your full route, including any bus transfers, and they can be used on weekdays between 8am and 4pm.

How To Register Yourself

When the programme first launched in February 2024, only partner employers could nominate jobseekers to receive vouchers. Now, you can register yourself online if you meet the criteria.

To sign up, visit https://gettingyoutowork.westerncape.gov.za and select Jobseeker Registration. You will need:

1. A valid South African ID.

2. Your personal details.

3. To select whether you are a school leaver or previously employed.

4. To accept the terms and register

Once you are registered, you will receive updates via SMS with information on collecting your travel voucher.

How the Employer Partner Programme works

Over 100 businesses have already come on board as part of the Employer Partner Programme. If you are interviewing with one of these employers, they can nominate you for a voucher.

Here is how the process works:

1. You are scheduled for an interview with a partner employer

2. The employer offers you a voucher

3. They register your details on the system

4. You receive an SMS with login information

5. You complete your registration on the online portal

6. You are then sent an SMS on how to collect your voucher

7. You collect your voucher, which is loaded onto a GABS Gold Card

8. You use your Gold Card to tap and board any GABS bus for your free ride.

Who Qualifies For The Programme?

If you are unemployed and have a valid South African ID, you are eligible to apply through the self-registration process.

For those using the Employer Partner Programme, you need to:

* Have an interview scheduled with a partner employer

* Provide a valid South African ID

This approach helps make the programme accessible in the areas where unemployment is highest, including the Cape Flats.

Where to Get Assistance 

Want to know more or need help registering? Reach out through the contact details below:
Phone: 0860 142 142

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