Open Day helps more George residents access free jobseeker travel

Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, joined hundreds of unemployed residents at the Jobseeker Travel Voucher Programme Open Day in Pacaltsdorp, George, on 24 July 2026, where 341 residents registered for the programme and 191 GO GEORGE Gold Cards were issued.

Since the programme launched on 25 and 26 June 2026, 2 348 unemployed residents have registered, 1 304 GO GEORGE Gold Cards have been issued, and participants have already taken approximately 1 300 free bus trips to attend job interviews, submit job applications and access employment opportunities.

The programme provides qualifying unemployed residents with free travel on the GO GEORGE bus service, helping remove transport costs as a barrier to looking for work.

Minister Sileku said the growing uptake shows the programme is addressing a real need. "This programme is about more than free bus travel. It is about removing barriers to opportunity and giving people a fair chance to find employment. We remain committed to helping more residents connect with opportunities that can improve their lives while supporting George's growing economy."

One of those residents, Mrs Jakobus from Pacaltsdorp, recently lost her job and said the programme would help her continue searching for work. "I'm very grateful for this assistance. Since I lost my job, money has been tight and transport costs make it difficult to look for work. These free bus vouchers will help me travel into town to drop off my CV, attend interviews and look for new opportunities."

The George Local Municipality and Garden Route District Municipality welcomed the partnership, saying it helps remove barriers to employment, connect residents with opportunities, and demonstrates what can be achieved when government works together to create hope and support economic growth.

"Behind every registration is a person working to build a better future for themselves and their family. By removing the cost of transport, we are doing more than providing free bus travel. We are helping residents take that important first step from unemployment towards opportunity," concluded Minister Sileku

Residents who could not attend the Open Day can still apply online at gettingyoutowork.westerncape.gov.za. Once approved, applicants can collect their GO GEORGE Gold Card from a participating collection point and begin using the free travel vouchers while searching for work.

Media Enquiries
Byron La Hoe
Acting Media Liaison Officer to Minister Isaac Sileku
Western Cape Mobility Department
Email: Byron.laHoe@westerncape.gov.za