Spirits were high in the Barcelona Informal Settlement on Wednesday as Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku, in partnership with Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS), launched the next leg of the Jobseeker Travel Voucher Programme.
Marking Mandela Day with purpose, the event drew close to 100 eager jobseekers who queued up to register for the initiative, which offers free GABS Gold Cards preloaded with trips to help unemployed individuals attend interviews, training and job opportunities.
“Today’s overwhelming turnout is a powerful reminder of just how deeply communities value support that opens doors,” said Minister Sileku. “For many, this is more than just transport – it’s hope.”
Among the first to register was Ms Lilitha Ngamso, a local resident, who shared how the voucher offers her a renewed sense of purpose. Likewise, 19-year-old CJ Skennelth, a 2024 matriculant, expressed his drive to support his family by actively searching for work – something made easier with the travel support now in hand.
Since its February 2024 launch, the programme has already enabled over 8300 free trips and registered more than 6000 jobseekers. Preliminary results show promise: around 40% of participants have landed jobs, with women and youth forming the majority of beneficiaries. An impressive 90% of users said the programme made a real impact on their job hunt.
Minister Sileku added, “Expanding this to Gugulethu reflects our commitment to reaching communities most in need. Mobility must never be a barrier to progress.”
Local councillor Betty Duli-Makinase praised the initiative: “The youth here are excited. We thank Minister Sileku, his team, and Golden Arrow for bringing this lifeline to our doorstep.”
Jobseekers and employers are encouraged to sign up and become part of a growing movement that’s helping rebuild the province – one trip at a time.
How to register for the free Jobseeker Travel Voucher
The second phase of the jobseekers free transport programme brings a few changes. The first being the opening of self-registration.
“Jobseekers can now register online directly, removing the previous requirement to go through a registered employer,” the announcement reads.
Vouchers now carry six free trips per voucher, usable between 9am and 3pm, Monday to Friday.
To register or find out more, register at: https://gettingyoutowork.westerncape.gov.za
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