Teaching Assistants Begin Work Across South Africa Under BEEI Phase 5. Today marks a powerful turning point for youth employment in South Africa, as approximately 200,000 young South Africans report for duty at public schools across the country. This is the launch of Phase 5 of the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI), a cornerstone of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme, which has returned after a one-year pause.
From bustling inner cities to remote rural villages, youth have stepped into meaningful work opportunities under the Teaching Assistant programme, giving hope to thousands of households while contributing directly to education outcomes in over 20,000 schools nationwide.
BEEI: A National Effort to Tackle Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment remains a pressing issue in South Africa, with millions of young people eager to contribute to the economy but lacking access to opportunities. The Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI), launched in 2020 by the Department of Basic Education, is one of the most impactful responses to this challenge.
The programme is part of the broader Presidential Employment Stimulus, designed to create work and training opportunities for the country’s youth. It is jointly funded by the UIF Labour Activation Programme and national government, and delivered through provincial education departments.
Work Starts for 200,000 Teaching Assistants
As of today, 200,000 young men and women have officially started working in schools across all nine provinces. These new Teaching Assistants are spread across over 20,000 public schools, including township schools, farm schools, special needs schools, and schools in both urban and rural communities.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his weekly newsletter, called the programme a “source of hope, energy, and income” for areas where economic opportunities are often limited. He praised the youth for stepping up to improve the country’s education system while simultaneously building their own futures.
Roles and Responsibilities of Teaching Assistants in 2025
The Teaching Assistants play diverse roles depending on the needs of the schools they are placed in. The aim is not only to support teachers and learners but also to help the assistants develop professional skills that can lead to long-term employment. These roles include:
| Role | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Assistants | Support teaching in maths, science, and technology |
| Reading Champions | Encourage literacy and reading habits |
| Lab & Workshop Assistants | Assist with technical and vocational subjects |
| IT & Admin Support | Help manage school records and digital systems |
| Care & Support Assistants | Work with vulnerable learners and support teams |
| Maintenance Assistants | Help maintain facilities, gardens, and infrastructure |
| Arts, Sports & Culture Facilitators | Support extracurricular activities and creativity |
Hands-On Experience for South African Youth
By joining the BEEI Phase 5, youth gain more than just a payslip, they acquire real workplace experience that boosts employability. Some of the essential skills developed during the programme include:
- Time management and meeting deadlines
- Communication and teamwork
- Digital literacy and administrative skills
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
These are exactly the skills most South African employers say they look for when hiring.
“Participants undertake roles aligned to school priorities, adding real value and improving the learning environment,” said President Ramaphosa.
Real-Life Impact: Sibongile’s Success Story
One of the many shining stars of the programme is Sibongile Joni, who previously worked as a Curriculum Assistant at Emsengeni Primary School in the Eastern Cape. Today, she works at a prominent youth NGO, Masinyusane, showing how the BEEI can be a stepping stone to long-term success.
Her advice to new Teaching Assistants?
“Be reliable and professional. Take initiative and treat every task with care. Build strong relationships — people open doors for those they trust.”
She also encouraged patience and consistency, reminding newcomers that growth is a journey, not a race.
Building Futures Beyond the Classroom
President Ramaphosa emphasized that this programme is just the beginning. Many of the youth will go on to study further, find permanent jobs, or even start their own businesses.
“They won’t be starting from scratch. They will carry invaluable skills and experience that set them apart in a tough labour market,” the President stated.
For many, this is the first real job, a gateway to South Africa’s broader economy. The combination of mentorship, training, and community service lays a strong foundation for future opportunities.
Call to Employers and the Community
As these young people complete their roles in schools, employers and communities must step up to support them. The President urged the private sector to consider BEEI participants for job openings and internships, pointing out their experience in high-pressure environments and their demonstrated reliability.
“To employers we say: give them their next opportunity, mentor their talent, and support their growth,” said President Ramaphosa.
Conclusion
The start of Phase 5 of the Teaching Assistants programme is more than a job rollout — it is a symbol of South Africa’s commitment to youth empowerment, quality education, and socioeconomic transformation. With 200,000 young people now working in schools, the ripple effects will be felt in communities, classrooms, and homes across the nation.
