Urban Job Crisis Eased : In a major move aimed at combating soaring unemployment rates in urban centres, the South African government has announced a new Urban Unemployment Relief Grant. Beginning August 2025, eligible residents in 15 of the country’s largest cities will receive a monthly cash grant of R1,800 for a period of 6 months. The initiative, launched in partnership with the Department of Employment and Labour, is expected to provide much-needed financial relief to millions of urban job seekers struggling with rising living costs and declining job opportunities. Urban unemployment has reached alarming levels post-pandemic, especially among youth and informal workers. With limited access to sustainable jobs and rising inflation, many are unable to meet basic needs like rent, food, and transport. This new Urban Unemployment Relief Grant aims to close that gap, offering direct support to those actively looking for employment in cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and others. The program also serves as a pilot for a potential long-term solution. Officials hope to gather data from the rollout to explore whether targeted urban relief can become a recurring social safety net. Importantly, the grant will be disbursed digitally through approved banking channels and mobile payment systems, ensuring fast and secure access. Applicants must meet several criteria, including proof of active job-seeking status and residence in one of the 15 listed metros. Applications will open on 1 August 2025, and all submissions must be made via the official uGrant portal or registered partner offices. Verification will be automated using Home Affairs and SASSA-linked databases to ensure speedy approval. Let’s explore all the crucial aspects of this grant, from eligibility to payout dates, and how you can apply in time to receive the first R1,800 payment.
What Is the Urban Job Crisis Eased Relief Grant?
This R1,800 monthly grant will provide emergency income support to unemployed individuals in metropolitan areas who are not receiving any other government grant.
- Grant amount: R1,800 per month
- Duration: 6 months (August 2025 to January 2026)
- Areas covered: 15 major cities/metropolitan municipalities
- Target group: Urban unemployed aged 18–55
- Application window: Opens 1 August 2025
- Platform: Online portal, SAYouth.mobi, and Labour Department centres
- Disbursement: Bank account, e-wallet, or Postbank card
List of 15 Cities Eligible for the Urban Job Crisis Eased
Only residents of the following cities can apply. The government has prioritised metros with the highest urban joblessness and cost of living.
| City Name | Province | Unemployment Rate (%) | Population Affected | Grant Payout Centre | Service Partner | Contact Centre Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | Gauteng | 38.4 | 1.2 million | Randburg Labour Office | Harambee Youth Employment | 0800 111 111 |
| Cape Town | Western Cape | 34.1 | 900,000 | Bellville Employment Hub | SAYouth Portal | 0860 101 101 |
| Durban (eThekwini) | KwaZulu-Natal | 36.7 | 850,000 | Umlazi Labour Office | YES Programme | 031 361 1234 |
| Tshwane (Pretoria) | Gauteng | 35.6 | 780,000 | Sunnyside Centre | SAYouth | 012 345 6789 |
| Ekurhuleni | Gauteng | 37.2 | 700,000 | Germiston Labour Office | Harambee | 011 999 9999 |
| Nelson Mandela Bay | Eastern Cape | 39.5 | 540,000 | Gqeberha City Hall | SAYes | 041 506 5555 |
| Mangaung (Bloem) | Free State | 33.9 | 430,000 | Rocklands Office | Labour Department | 051 409 8888 |
| Polokwane | Limpopo | 30.5 | 380,000 | Civic Centre | Labour Youth Desk | 015 295 2222 |
| Mbombela | Mpumalanga | 34.8 | 350,000 | Riverside Mall Outreach | YES | 013 766 4343 |
| Pietermaritzburg | KwaZulu-Natal | 35.1 | 330,000 | Liberty Midlands Mall | Departmental Desk | 033 897 8000 |
| Rustenburg | North West | 37.9 | 310,000 | Waterfall Mall Station | SAYouth | 014 590 6000 |
| East London | Eastern Cape | 36.2 | 300,000 | Vincent Hub | Harambee | 043 722 0001 |
| Kimberley | Northern Cape | 32.7 | 250,000 | Galeshewe Centre | Labour Department | 053 830 0000 |
| Vereeniging | Gauteng | 33.3 | 210,000 | Civic Centre Desk | YES | 016 421 2000 |
| George | Western Cape | 31.8 | 180,000 | Garden Route Mall Office | SAYouth | 044 874 2000 |
Who Is Eligible for the R1,800 Urban Job Crisis Eased?
The Department of Employment and Labour has released strict eligibility criteria to ensure the funds go only to those truly in need.
- Must be unemployed and not receiving UIF, SRD, or any SASSA grant
- Must be aged between 18 and 55 years
- Must be actively seeking work (verified via SAYouth, Harambee, or YES portals)
- Must be a permanent resident or citizen of South Africa
- Must reside in one of the 15 listed cities
- Must not be enrolled in full-time education
How to Apply for the Urban Job Crisis Eased ?
Applications are only accepted online or through verified government centres. Paper applications or walk-ins will not be processed.
| Application Channel | How to Access | Documents Required | Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAYouth.mobi Portal | Visit www.sayouth.mobi | ID, Proof of Residence, Job Search Proof | 5–7 working days |
| Department Labour Office | Nearest office in your metro | ID, Application Form, Reference Letter | 7–10 working days |
| Harambee Portal | www.harambee.mobi | ID, Resume, Contact Details | 3–5 working days |
| Mobile Outreach Vans | Pop-up locations in malls and townships | ID, Verbal Interview | Instant pre-approval |
How Will the Grant Be Paid?
Grant payments will begin on 15 August 2025 and continue monthly for six months. The Department has partnered with secure financial platforms to streamline disbursements.
- Direct deposit into bank accounts (ABSA, FNB, Nedbank, Capitec, etc.)
- Postbank Gold Card withdrawals
- Cellphone-based wallets (e.g., eWallet, Instant Money)
- No cash payments will be made
Key Dates and Milestones You Must Know
Keep an eye on these important dates to avoid missing out on your R1,800 grant:
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 August 2025 | Applications Open |
| 10 August 2025 | First Batch of Verifications Completed |
| 15 August 2025 | First Payment Cycle Begins |
| 1 September 2025 | Second Round of Approvals |
| 10th Monthly | Grant Disbursal Dates Each Month |
| 31 January 2026 | Final Payment Disbursement |
| 10 February 2026 | Post-Pilot Review and Future Plans |
Department Contact Details for Help
If you face any issues or need assistance, reach out to the official support centres:
- Department of Employment and Labour
- Website: www.labour.gov.za
- Toll-Free: 0800 030 007
- Email: [email protected]
- Walk-In Helpdesk: All metro labour centres listed above
- SAYouth Support
- Portal: www.sayouth.mobi
- WhatsApp Help: +27 60 012 3456
- Postbank Queries
- Customer Care: 0860 111 502
- Email: [email protected]
- YES Programme Contact
- Website: www.yes4youth.co.za
- Call Centre: 0800 118 900
FAQs of Urban Job Crisis Eased
1. Can I apply if I already receive a child support grant?
No. This grant is only for individuals not receiving any other social grant.
2. How long will the R1,800 payments last?
The relief grant is scheduled for 6 months – from August 2025 to January 2026.
3. What happens if I move out of the city after applying?
You must remain in one of the 15 designated cities during the payment cycle to remain eligible.
4. Can students apply for the urban unemployment grant?
No. Full-time students are not eligible for this grant.
5. Is there a way to appeal if my application is rejected?
Yes. You can file an appeal via the SAYouth portal or at the labour office within 15 days of rejection.
