If you’re a young person in South Africa looking for a job, the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) is offering you a chance to gain valuable work experience in schools across the country. Phase V of this initiative is ready to launch in June 2025, and it comes with over 200,000 job opportunities for youth between the ages of 18 and 34. Here’s everything you need to know to get ready and apply.
What is the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI)?
The BEEI is a programme from the Department of Basic Education (DBE), in partnership with the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL). It aims to provide young people with jobs in schools, giving them skills and experience while supporting teaching and learning. The programme has already created over 1.1 million jobs in Phases I–IV, and now Phase V is adding 204,676 more.
These jobs will start in June 2025 and end in November 2025, with youth receiving R4,000 per month for six months, plus R30 monthly data.
Requirements
To qualify for a position, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be aged 18–34 (turning 35 by March 2026)
- Live within 5 km of a school (or 30 km for rural/farm areas)
- Be unemployed and not in school or training (NEET)
- Only one opportunity allowed per household
- Hold a South African ID
- Not currently earning a stipend, wage, or salary
- No involvement in another government programme like EPWP or CWP
- Must not have a criminal record (you’ll need a Police Clearance Certificate)
- Must not be studying full-time
- Youth with disabilities are encouraged to apply (a medical certificate is needed)
- Preference is given to those with NQF level 6 or 7 qualifications, or those studying teaching on a part-time or remote basis
How to Apply
Applications open from 22 April to 09 May 2025 and must be submitted on SAYouth.mobi. Walk-in applications at schools are not allowed.
Here’s how to get started:
- Register on SAYouth.mobi
- If you’ve already registered, just update your login details.
- Search for BEEI Jobs
- Use keywords like “Education Assistant” or “General School Assistant.”
- Prepare Your Documents
- Valid South African ID
- Updated CV
- Police Clearance Certificate (apply early from SAPS)
- Check Your Location
- Jobs are assigned based on your proximity to schools.
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Types of Jobs Available
There are three main roles:
1. Education Assistants
- Help teachers with reading, writing, and ICT tasks
- Curriculum Assistants and e-Cadres fall under this role
2. General School Assistants
- Offer care and support to learners
- Help in school maintenance, admin, and sports activities
3. Reading Champions
- Support literacy and reading improvement in foundation and intermediate phases
All roles focus on professionalism, self-confidence, and self-esteem and offer both soft and hard skills training.
Why This Matters
This programme is more than just a job. It’s a stepping stone to a career. Many young people who joined previous phases found pathways into further education and long-term employment.
With the job market being so tough, especially for youth, this initiative helps bridge the gap by offering:
- Work readiness skills
- Communication and admin experience
- Mentorship and teamwork opportunities
The Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) Phase V offers an incredible opportunity for young South Africans to gain valuable work experience, earn an income, and develop essential skills for future careers. With over 200,000 job openings across the country, this initiative is designed to help youth between the ages of 18 and 34 gain hands-on experience in schools, contributing to the improvement of education while simultaneously building their personal and professional growth.
