In a significant overhaul aimed at cleaning up one of government’s most criticized recruitment systems, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has announced that all applications for jobs under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) will henceforth be processed exclusively through an online platform. The sweeping change, unveiled during a media briefing in Pretoria, is designed to eliminate the corruption and nepotism that have long plagued the programme, which provides temporary work opportunities to millions of unemployed South Africans.
Macpherson acknowledged that the EPWP, despite its noble objectives of offering income relief and skills development, has been undermined by opaque manual processes that have allowed political connections and bribes to determine who gets hired. “For too long, vulnerable South Africans have been exploited by gatekeepers who turned job opportunities into commodities to be traded,” Macpherson said. “This digital transformation will restore dignity and fairness to the system by ensuring that every application is treated equally and transparently.”
Under the new system, applicants will register their personal details, qualifications, and preferences through a centralized government portal. An algorithm will then match candidates to available positions based on objective criteria such as location, age, and prior programme participation, eliminating human intervention at the selection stage. The minister emphasized that the online system will also be accessible via mobile phones and community hubs to ensure that those without internet access at home are not excluded.
Civil society organizations have cautiously welcomed the move, though some have raised concerns about digital literacy and connectivity gaps in rural areas. Macpherson assured the public that the department would roll out an extensive awareness campaign and provide support at local Thusong service centres to assist applicants. The pilot phase is expected to commence in September, with full implementation scheduled before the end of the year. The minister has urged all current and prospective applicants to prepare their documentation in advance.
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