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. The initiative is being rolled out in partnership with the private sector.
Who is eligible to receive a voucher?
Unemployed persons with a valid SA ID who have applied for a job and secured an interview with one of our partner employers.
How do I get a voucher?
Vouchers are not available to the general public. They will be offered to jobseekers by partner employers during the recruitment process.
How can employers 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.
Where can the vouchers be used?
Vouchers can only be used on Golden Arrow Bus Services from Monday to Friday (weekdays) between 8am and 4pm.
Is there a limit on the number of vouchers a jobseeker can receive?
Yes, jobseekers can only receive one voucher. One voucher gives access to 12 free trips valid until 31 March 2025.
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 you have been registered by a partner employer, 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. Download our flyer for more information on "how it works".
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 12 free trips onto your Gold Card.
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 within 30 days of receiving the SMS. The voucher will expire after 30 days and you will not be able to receive another voucher.
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
- South African Passport
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 expires on the 31st of March 2025.
How many trips do I get?
Your voucher product contains 12 free trips.
What is a trip?
A trip is one bus ride.
How long is my voucher valid for?
The voucher is valid until 31 March 2025.
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 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.
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 FAQs
How can employers 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?
A jobseeker with a valid SA ID who has been registered by a partner employer will be eligible to receive a voucher.
Can I register the same jobseeker more than once?
No, each jobseeker is only eligible to receive one voucher.
Is there a limit on the total number of jobseekers I can register?
Yes, to ensure there are enough seats for jobseekers on Golden Arrow Bus Services, partner employers can only register a limited number of jobseekers per month. Further details will be provided to partner employers once they have signed up to participate.
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
