FAQs - Getting YOU to Work

GENERAL FAQs

What is the Getting You to Work initiative?

Getting YOU to Work is a pilot programme implemented by the Western Cape Government, which assists unemployed jobseekers to find work by offering them free travel vouchers to attend interviews or look for employment opportunities. 

Who is eligible to receive a voucher?

Unemployed persons with a valid SA ID who have been nominated for a voucher by one of our partner organisations.

How do I get a voucher?

Vouchers are not available to the general public. They will be offered to jobseekers by registered partner organisations. 

How can employers, NGOs or NPOs get involved?
 

If you would like to partner with the Western Cape Government on this transformative initiative, please register on the Getting YOU to Work online portal.
To view the list of diverse organisations who have partnered with us to support jobseekers in their journey to meaningful employment, click here.

Where can the vouchers be used?

Vouchers can only be used on Golden Arrow Bus Services from Monday to Friday (weekdays) between 9am and 3pm.
Is there a limit on the number of vouchers a jobseeker can receive?
Currently, you can only receive one voucher. If a jobseeker is registered on or after 1 April 2025, one voucher will give them access to 6 free trips valid until 31 March 2026. 
Which areas are covered by the initiative?
Vouchers can be used on any Golden Arrow Bus Service, which primarily operate in the Cape Town metro. Visit the Golden Arrow Bus Services website to see their timetables and routes, or contact the Transport Information Centre on 0800 65 64 63 (toll free).

JOBSEEKER FAQs
How do I get my voucher?

Once registered by a partner organisation, you will receive an SMS with login details and instructions on how to complete your registration on the Getting YOU to Work online portal. Once you have registered, you will receive another SMS with details on how to collect your voucher. You can then visit a GABS kiosk, van or independent vendor with a valid South Africa ID or Passport to collect a Gold Card or top-up your own Gold Card with the voucher product.  

What is a Gold Card?

The Gold Card is a plastic card that looks like a bank card. It stores GABS tickets and can be used to tap onto buses when boarding, rather than paying for the trip in cash. If you don’t have a Gold Card, you will receive one for free when you visit a GABS kiosk. The agent or seller will load a product providing 6 free trips onto your Gold Card. 

How can I find the nearest GABS kiosk or independent vendor?

Please contact the Transport Information Centre on 0800 65 64 63 (24-hour toll-free service) or visit the GABS website. You can also download our map with information of GABS kiosks, vans and independent vendors.
 

What happens if I was registered on or before 31 March 2025?

If you were registered on or before 31 March 2025, your free rides would have expired on 31 March 2025. If you had 6 or more rides remaining at the time of expiry and are still unemployed, you are eligible to receive 6 new free rides. You can get your free rides by visiting a GABS kiosk and presenting your Gold Card and SA ID. If you used all your free rides by 31 March 2025, you are not eligible for new rides. 

What happens if my Gold card gets lost, damaged or stolen?

Please report it immediately to your nearest GABS agent. The agent will log a request to block your old card and for your remaining trips to be transferred onto a replacement card. Please provide the agent with the location where you want to pick up your replacement card. Your replacement card will be available for pick up after 24 hours. Note that you will have to pay the agent R35 for your replacement card.

How long do I have to collect my voucher after receiving the SMS?

You must collect your voucher before 31 March 2026, as free trips loaded from 1 April 2025 will expire then.
 

What documents do I need to take to the GABS kiosk or independent vendor when I collect my voucher?
 

You must present one of the following forms of identification:
•    Green South African ID book or smart card ID or a temporary ID
•    South African Passport
•    A valid South African Driver’s Licence 

Does my Gold Card have an expiry date?

No, the card itself does not have an expiry date, but the voucher product loaded on the card from 1 April 2025 will expire on 31 March 2026. 
How many trips do I get?
Any voucher product loaded from 1 April 2025 contains 6 free trips which are valid until 31 March 2026.

What is a trip?

A trip is one bus ride.

How long is my voucher valid for?

A voucher loaded from 1 April 2025 is valid until 31 March 2026.
 

How many trips can I use per day?

There is no limit on the number of trips you can use per day.
 

If I transfer from one bus to another to get to my interview, does that mean I have used two trips?

You may need to use two or more trips to reach your destination. If you transfer from one bus to another within two hours of tapping on the first bus, then you will only use one trip. If you do not transfer within the two-hour window, another trip will be deducted. Your transfer expiry time will be printed on the ticket you receive after tapping your Gold Card on the first bus.
 

Can I get extensions for the voucher on my Gold Card if I have unused rides?
 

No extensions, exchanges or refunds will be possible. Please take note of this when collecting your voucher.
Is my information protected under POPIA?
Yes, all information captured is protected under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
 

How can I find information on GABS services, including routes and timetables?
 

Please contact the Transport Information Centre on 0800 65 64 63 (24 hour toll free service) or visit the GABS website.
 

My card is not working on the bus, what do I do?
 

For any Gold Card related queries please email fares@gabs.co.za or call 021 937 8816. Kindly note that this office is open:
•    Mondays to Thursdays - 08h15 to 16h30
•    Fridays - between 08h15 and 15h15.
 

PARTNER EMPLOYER, NGO or NPO FAQs
How can partner organisations get involved?

If you would like to partner with the Western Cape Government on this transformative initiative, please visit the Getting YOU to Work online portal. You will be asked to register by creating an employer profile. Once you’ve registered, you’ll be able to allocate travel vouchers to jobseekers.
 

How do I register a jobseeker for a free travel voucher?
 

On the Getting YOU to Work online portal select “add”, enter the beneficiary's details and then click “register beneficiary”. A button with the text “issue voucher” will appear next to the newly registered beneficiary, click this to issue the voucher to the beneficiary.  The beneficiary will then receive an SMS with further instructions on how to complete their registration and collect their voucher.
 

Who is eligible to receive a voucher?
 

An unemployed jobseeker with a valid SA ID who has been registered by a partner organisation will be eligible to receive a voucher.
 

Can I register the same jobseeker more than once?
 

Currently, each jobseeker can only be registered once on the portal.
Is there a limit on the total number of jobseekers I can register?
No, there is no limit to the number of jobseekers that can be registered by a partner organisation. 
 

How do I change or reset my password?
 

Your password can be changed under Profile Settings on the Getting YOU to Work online portal. Select “login” then “forgot password” and follow the instructions.
 

I am having trouble logging into or using the Getting YOU to Work online portal, what do I do?
 

For assistance with the portal, please contact the Western Cape Government’s Contact Centre on 0860 142 142, or email  service@westerncape.gov.za.
The Contact Centre is operational between:
•    Monday to Friday - 8am to 4pm
•    Saturday and Sunday - 8am to 1pm
•    Public holidays - closed