The City of Johannesburg has announced Relief Worker short-term contract opportunities within its Community Development Department, under the Library and Information Services branch. The positions are aimed at young people living in the Johannesburg community who meet the advertised requirements.
The successful candidates will assist librarians with daily library operations, administrative duties and services provided to members of the public. The opportunity offers practical workplace experience for young people interested in administration, customer service and community development.
This is a short-term contract opportunity that will not exceed 18 months. The advertised monthly stipend is R3,500, and successful applicants must be prepared to work 40 hours per week, including weekends.
Applicants must have Matric or Grade 12, computer literacy and the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and library visitors. The programme is open to youth in the Johannesburg community, and only residents of the City of Johannesburg will be considered.
Applications are open to both internal City of Johannesburg employees and external applicants. The closing date is Friday, 16 October 2026, and applications must be submitted online through the designated application link.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
What is the Relief Worker opportunity?
The Relief Worker position is a short-term opportunity within the City of Johannesburg’s Library and Information Services branch. The role is designed to support the daily running of public libraries and help maintain accessible services for community members.
Relief Workers will work alongside senior librarians and librarians, assisting with administrative activities and general library operations. Their contribution will help library staff manage routine tasks while providing assistance to people who use library facilities.
The overall objective is to support efficient library services and give eligible young people an opportunity to gain practical experience in a public-sector working environment.
Why could this opportunity be valuable?
For young people entering the job market, the Relief Worker position could provide useful exposure to a professional workplace and help develop transferable skills.
Candidates may gain experience in administrative support, customer service, communication, teamwork and basic computer-based tasks. Working in a public library can also help employees develop organisational skills, attention to detail and an understanding of how public services operate.
This experience may be useful when applying for future opportunities in local government, office administration, reception, customer service, information services and community development.
Employers often value candidates who can demonstrate reliability, professionalism, good communication and the ability to follow instructions. Practical workplace experience can help applicants provide examples of these qualities during future interviews.
Quick Overview
Item Details Opportunity Relief Worker Company City of Johannesburg Location Various regions of Johannesburg Closing Date Friday, 16 October 2026 Salary/Stipend R3,500 per month Employment Type Short-term contract, not exceeding 18 months Industry Community Development / Library and Information Services Target Group Youth in the Johannesburg community; only City of Johannesburg residents will be considered Application Method Online application
What will successful candidates do?
Successful candidates will support the daily activities of public libraries across various regions of Johannesburg. They will assist library professionals with routine tasks that contribute to the smooth operation of library facilities and services.
The position also involves supporting administrative processes and helping maintain an organised environment for staff and members of the public. Candidates should be comfortable working with colleagues, following instructions and completing assigned duties carefully.
Through these responsibilities, Relief Workers will contribute to the delivery of library and information services while gaining practical experience in administration and public service.
Main responsibilities include:
- Assist librarians with routine administrative duties and daily library operations.
- Support the smooth delivery of library and information services to the public.
- Help library staff carry out assigned operational tasks.
- Follow instructions and work collaboratively with other library personnel.
Who should apply?
This opportunity is suitable for young people who live in Johannesburg, have completed Matric and want to gain practical work experience. It may particularly appeal to applicants seeking an entry point into administration, customer service or the public sector.
The ideal candidate should be comfortable using computers, communicating with members of the public and working as part of a team. Applicants should also demonstrate honesty, attention to detail, professionalism and the ability to follow instructions.
Previous participation in the programme is not permitted under the advertised eligibility conditions. Applicants should therefore ensure that they meet all the requirements before submitting their applications.
Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements stated in the City of Johannesburg advertisement:
- Matric or Grade 12, equivalent to NQF Level 4.
- Computer literacy.
- Must not have previously participated in the programme.
- Must be able to work 40 hours per week, including weekends.
- Must be a youth living in the Johannesburg community.
- Must be a resident of the City of Johannesburg, as only Johannesburg residents will be considered.
Applicants must also complete the online application form and attach the relevant, updated supporting documents.
The advertisement states that applicants may be required to provide proof of original documents during the selection process.
Salary or Stipend
The City of Johannesburg has disclosed a monthly stipend of R3,500 for the Relief Worker position.
The contract period will not exceed 18 months. The advertisement does not specify additional employee benefits, so applicants should not assume that benefits beyond the stated stipend are included.
Important Working Conditions
Applicants should take note of the following working conditions:
- Working hours: 40 hours per week.
- Weekend work: Candidates must be available to work weekends.
- Location: Various regions of Johannesburg.
- Contract duration: The short-term contract will not exceed 18 months.
Applicants should ensure that they can meet the required working hours before applying.
Insider Tip
Insider Tip: When preparing your CV, highlight your Matric qualification, computer skills, communication abilities and any relevant experience involving administration, helping customers, volunteering or working with the public. If you have no formal employment history, include relevant school projects, community activities or other responsibilities that demonstrate reliability, teamwork and attention to detail. Keep your CV clear and accurate, and make sure your identification document and qualifications are certified where required.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their applications online using the application link provided in the advertisement. Applications submitted by email will not be accepted.
Application link:
https://share.hsforms.com/17TNLYbcdQMCEeFMZTwqZ4A469tl
Applicants can also visit the official City of Johannesburg website at https://www.joburg.org.za for vacancy information and application guidance.
Closing date: Friday, 16 October 2026
Before submitting your application, ensure that the online form is complete and that all required documents are attached.
The advertisement lists the following supporting documents:
- Updated CV.
- Certified qualifications and certificates, where applicable.
- Certified identity document.
Applicants may be asked to present original documents during the selection process. The application also requires a brief description of work experience relevant to the vacancy.
Internal applicants must provide their employee number. Applicants who belong to professional bodies must provide their membership number and expiry date, where applicable.
For enquiries only, applicants may contact Winnifred Lekabe at WinnifredL@joburg.org.za. Applications and supporting documents sent to this email address will not be considered.
The City of Johannesburg states that it does not charge applicants any fees for job placement. Candidates should be cautious of anyone demanding payment in exchange for employment.
Final Thoughts
The City of Johannesburg Relief Worker vacancy offers eligible Johannesburg youth an opportunity to gain practical experience in library operations, administration and public service. Applicants with Matric, computer literacy and good communication skills may find this position suitable for their career goals.
The monthly stipend is R3,500, and the contract will not exceed 18 months. The experience could help successful candidates strengthen their CVs and prepare for future opportunities in administration, customer service and other public-sector roles.
Eligible applicants should ensure that they meet the residency and programme requirements, prepare their supporting documents and submit their applications before Friday, 16 October 2026.
Applicants who meet the requirements should submit their application before the closing date.