A Golden Arrow Bus in Cape Town. Image: Western Cape Government.
Western Cape Government launches free transport for job seekers
The Western Cape Government has partnered with Golden Arrow Bus Service to provide job seekers free travel to interviews.
A Golden Arrow Bus in Cape Town. Image: Western Cape Government.
The Western Cape Government has officially launched Getting YOU to Work – a pilot initiative offering job seekers free travel to interviews using Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS).
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Provincial Minister of Mobility Ricardo Mackenzie officially launched the initiative on Wednesday, 14 February.
WESTERN CAPE GOVERNMENT PILOTS INITIATIVE FOR JOB SEEKERS
The jobseeker transport voucher is being piloted in partnership with the private sector to remove transport barriers and enable job opportunities for unemployed jobseekers.
The Western Cape Government said the free travel voucher is offered to interview candidates by registered employers. The vouchers can be used on any weekday GABS bus from 8:00 to 16:00.
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During the launch, Premier Alan Winde emphasised the importance of the project.
Winde said Getting YOU to Work is part of the government’s Growth 4 Jobs Strategy.
“We are doing everything we can to grow the economy, create jobs, and tackle unemployment, which currently stands at 20%. We have spoken to people who do not have work so that we understand the challenges they face and where the provincial government can support them,” he said.
Winde said one of the biggest hurdles reported is the transport cost, especially for those who live far away from economic hubs.
“I am thrilled that this initiative will provide tangible support to the many actively seeking work. I encourage entrepreneurs and businesses to register to become participating employers. By making the travel voucher available to job seekers, employers can pick the best candidates that the Western Cape offers,” he added.
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EMPLOYERS URGED TO PARTICIPATE
The Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Ricardo Mackenzie, said unemployed job seekers don’t have money for transport, which makes it a significant struggle to look for work and attend interviews.
“The free travel voucher that we launched removes this initial barrier, with 12 free trips included in the voucher, helping jobseekers find the work they so desperately need.”
Getting YOU to Work is being piloted in Cape Town and is available to job seekers who have secured an interview with a participating employer.
The Western Cape Government has encouraged employers who want to participate to register on the online portal or visit the website (https://www.westerncape.gov.za/tpw/to-work) for more information.
