Umzimvubu Local Municipality has announced the creation of eighty (80) jobs through a strategic partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), aimed at promoting environmental sustainability while addressing unemployment in the area.
The recruitment took place on 19 February 2026 at KwaBhaca Town Hall, where participants from all Umzimvubu wards were officially welcomed during an induction programme conducted in collaboration with the DFFE, represented by Ms Sindiswa Siyangaphi. The group consists of seventy-five (75) General Workers, four (4) Supervisors and one (1) Clerk.
Portfolio Heads for Citizens and Community Services, Corporate Services and Local Economic Development attended the induction, formally receiving the new recruits. The Municipality has provided participants with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and tools of trade to ensure the safe and effective execution of their duties.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment will be responsible for the payment of stipends or salaries, including contributions to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) for all participants.
Addressing the recruits on behalf of the Mayor, Cllr Inga Nodali emphasised the importance of proper conduct in the workplace and highlighted the programme’s role in fighting unemployment within the municipality. The initiative forms part of Umzimvubu’s commitment to becoming the cleanest and greenest municipality in the district.
Participants will be responsible for services including litter picking, waste collection and disposal, street sweeping, landscaping and beautification, tree planting and pruning, grass cutting, and the greening of public open spaces.
One of the participants, Amanda Mkhwebula, expressed appreciation for the opportunity.
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Expanded Public Works Programme here in Umzimvubu. Signing this contract has given me hope, dignity, and a renewed sense of purpose. Through the Expanded Public Works Programme, I am not only able to support my family but also contribute meaningfully to the development of my community. This opportunity has opened doors for growth, skills development, and a brighter future for us all,” she said.
The programme is expected to improve environmental conditions across communities while providing much-needed employment and skills development opportunities. The Municipality believes the collaboration marks a significant step toward sustainable development, cleaner communities and an improved quality of life for residents.
