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Phase 5 Teaching Assistant Applications Open for Previous Participants – BEEI 2025
The Department of Basic Education (DBE), in collaboration with the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL), has announced a significant update for Phase V of the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI), part of the Presidential Youth Employment Stimulus. Starting June 2025, over 200,000 job opportunities will be available for youth across South Africa’s nine provinces.
A major change for this phase: previous participants from Phases I–IV can now reapply, reversing earlier restrictions and offering a fresh chance for experienced teaching assistants to return to schools.
Programme Details
- Start Date: June 2025
- End Date: November 2025
- Target: 204,676 job opportunities
- Applications Open: 22 April 2025
- Applications Close: 9 May 2025
- Interviews & Contracting: 19–31 May 2025
Announced on 7 April 2025, Phase V builds on the success of previous phases, which created over 1.1 million opportunities since 2020. Supported by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) for stipend disbursements, this phase targets youth aged 18–34 (turning 35 by 31 March 2026), with a focus on enhancing education outcomes through skilled support in schools.
Job Opportunity Allocation by Province
| Province | Total Opportunities |
|---|---|
| Eastern Cape | 28,709 |
| Free State | 11,408 |
| Gauteng | 36,186 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 45,658 |
| Limpopo | 27,366 |
| Mpumalanga | 17,495 |
| Northern Cape | 4,838 |
| North West | 13,687 |
| Western Cape | 19,329 |
| Total | 204,676 |
Funding comes from the National Treasury (NT) and Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), ensuring a stipend of approximately R4,000 per month (based on Phase IV’s R4,081.44 rate).
Who Can Apply?
This phase opens eligibility to both new applicants and previous BEEI participants, a shift from the prior rule barring repeat involvement. Requirements include:
- Age: 18–34 (turning 35 by 31 March 2026).
- Status: Unemployed, not in education or training, and not receiving government grants (e.g., SASSA).
- Location: Living within 5 km of a school (or 30 km for rural/farm schools).
- Education:
- Education Assistants: Minimum Matric certificate.
- General Assistants: No Matric required.
The DBE encourages applications from women, youth with disabilities, and those in local communities to promote inclusivity and reduce transport costs.
Roles and Responsibilities
Participants will take on diverse support roles, supervised by mentors, including:
- Reading Champions: Support literacy in Foundation and Intermediate Phases.
- Curriculum Assistants: Aid teachers with classroom tasks (not teaching).
- e-Cadres: Assist with ICT integration.
- Care & Support Assistants: Provide basic psychosocial support.
- Laboratory & Workshop Assistants: Help with practical lessons.
- Sports & Enrichment Assistants: Lead sports, arts, and cultural activities.
- Handymen/Women: Maintain school facilities.
This phase prioritizes literacy improvement, aligning with the 7th Administration’s education goals.
Skills and Training
Phase V offers both soft skills (e.g., communication, professionalism) and hard skills (e.g., ICT, maintenance). Training includes:
- Orientation: School ethos and inclusive education basics.
- Specialized Training: For assistants in special schools or with disabilities.
- Exit Pathways: IDC-managed programs like financial literacy to boost future employability.
For returning participants, this is a chance to build on prior experience, while newcomers gain a foothold in the workforce.
How to Apply
Applications are online only via SAYouth.mobi:
- Register/Update Profile: Create or refresh your SAYouth account with your ID and contact details.
- Apply: From 22 April to 9 May 2025, select a nearby school and specify your role preference.
- Documents: If shortlisted, submit:
- Certified ID copy.
- Matric certificate (for Education Assistants).
- Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill or affidavit).
- Police Clearance: Recommended to obtain in advance, as it may be required.
The platform is zero-rated (no data costs), ensuring accessibility. No walk-ins are permitted at schools.
Why This Change Matters
Previously, the DBE excluded past participants to spread opportunities across South Africa’s youth population. However, with over 1.7 million jobs created through the broader Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI), Phase V’s inclusion of returning assistants reflects confidence in their value. Experienced participants bring familiarity with school systems, enhancing the programme’s impact on learning outcomes.
Take Advantage Now
Whether you’re a past BEEI assistant or a first-time applicant, Phase V offers a meaningful opportunity to earn, learn, and contribute. Applications open 22 April 2025 on SAYouth.mobi—don’t miss out! Monitor the DBE’s official social media for updates, and contact the SAYouth helpline at 0800 72 72 72 for support. Join over 200,000 youth in shaping South Africa’s education future this June!
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