CAPE TOWN – The Barcelona Informal Settlement in Gugulethu witnessed scenes of hope on Wednesday as Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku launched the latest phase of the province’s groundbreaking Jobseeker Travel Voucher Programme. The initiative, delivered in partnership with Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS), forms part of meaningful Mandela Day community upliftment efforts across the Western Cape.
The programme addresses a critical barrier facing unemployed South Africans: the inability to afford transport to job interviews, training sessions, and employment opportunities. Through the initiative, qualifying jobseekers receive free GABS Gold Cards preloaded with trips, effectively removing financial obstacles that often prevent people from accessing work opportunities.
Overwhelming community response demonstrates programme’s value
The enthusiasm surrounding Wednesday’s registration drive was palpable, with nearly 100 jobseekers queuing to sign up for the life-changing programme. Minister Sileku described the turnout as “overwhelming” and a powerful reminder of how deeply communities value support that opens doors to opportunity.
Among the beneficiaries was Ms Lilitha Ngamso from Barcelona, who expressed how the voucher brings her renewed hope and possibility. “For her, and many others, it’s more than a ride, it’s a lifeline to opportunity,” Minister Sileku explained during the launch event.
The programme has also attracted young job seekers like 19-year-old CJ Skennelth, a 2024 matriculant from the local area who is actively seeking employment to help improve his family’s circumstances. His determination exemplifies the programme’s core philosophy that recognises mobility as a key that unlocks opportunity for unemployed individuals across the Western Cape.
Impressive success rates drive programme expansion
Since its official launch in February 2024, the Jobseeker Travel Voucher Programme has demonstrated remarkable success in connecting unemployed residents with employment opportunities. More than 6 000 jobseekers have registered for the programme, collectively completing over 8 300 free trips to potential work opportunities.
The programme’s impact extends far beyond simple transport provision. Early outcome surveys reveal that approximately 40% of participants have successfully found employment after using the service. The demographic breakdown shows that youth and women comprise the vast majority of beneficiaries, addressing key unemployment challenges in these vulnerable groups.
Perhaps most significantly, more than 90% of programme users reported that the travel voucher made a meaningful difference in their job search journey, underlining the critical role that transport accessibility plays in employment outcomes.
Strategic partnerships
The success of the Jobseeker Travel Voucher Programme stems from strategic collaboration between government and private sector partners. The Western Cape Mobility Department has partnered with private companies, non-governmental organisations, and Golden Arrow Bus Services to expand both the reach and impact of the initiative.
This collaborative approach ensures sustainable funding while maximising the programme’s accessibility to communities most in need of employment support. The partnership model also demonstrates how public-private cooperation can address complex social challenges affecting unemployment in South Africa.
Programme expansion proof of growing success
Minister Sileku emphasised that the programme’s expansion to the Barcelona community demonstrates its growing momentum and the government’s unwavering commitment to bringing opportunities closer to communities experiencing the highest levels of unemployment.
The targeted approach of launching in informal settlements and economically disadvantaged areas ensures that resources reach those who face the greatest barriers to employment access. This strategic focus aligns with broader Western Cape government priorities around inclusive economic growth and job creation.
The programme’s evolution from pilot phase to expanded community roll-out illustrates how evidence-based policy making can scale successful interventions to benefit larger populations of unemployed residents.
To register with the programme, visit: https://gettingyoutowork.westerncape.gov.za/
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