Update: 19 June 2025
The Mitchells Plain Town Centre Library buzzed with hope last week as unemployed residents lined up for Gold Cards that would change their job-hunting reality.
Today, the Western Cape Government launched Phase 2 of its groundbreaking ‘Getting You to Work’ travel voucher programme, addressing one of unemployment’s biggest problems: transport costs, Cape {town} Etc reports.
According to the Head of Communication at the Western Cape Mobility Department, Muneera Allie, since February 2024, over 3 700 job seekers have used the vouchers to attend interviews, training, and first workdays, with Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, and Delft showing particularly high demand.
‘Transport becomes the obstacle to residents achieving their full potential. This programme is about opening doors and restoring dignity,’ Muneera added.
What’s new in Phase 2?
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Self-registration online (no employer referral needed)
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Six free trips per voucher, valid weekdays from 9am –3pm
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Extended until March 2026
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Employers can still sign up to refer candidates
Meanwhile, Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku shared: ‘Data shows voucher users are more likely to land jobs. This is how we grow our economy, by removing obstacles.’
With Golden Arrow’s partnership, the programme ensures no one is left behind for lack of a bus fare because a ride to work shouldn’t cost a day’s wages.
The Western Cape Government has launched Phase 2 of its successful ‘Getting You to Work’ Jobseeker Travel Voucher Programme, providing unemployed residents with free transport to job interviews and employment opportunities.
First piloted in February 2024, the initiative offers free Golden Arrow bus vouchers to help job seekers overcome the financial hurdle of travel costs. With the pilot proving effective, Phase 2 will now extend support to more unemployed Capetonians.
According to the Western Cape Mobility Department, it will officially be unveiled at a public launch event on Tuesday, 10 June. The event, which will begin at 10:30am at the Mitchells Plain Town Centre Library (Melody Square), will feature key addresses by Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku, alongside senior department officials and project partners.
Attendees will gain first-hand insights into the programme’s next phase, such as enhanced accessibility for job seekers across more communities, streamlined processes for voucher distribution and long-term plans to sustain the initiative’s impact.
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Picture: Western Cape Mobility Department
