Basic Education Employment Initiative Phase V

Details of Basic Education Employment Initiative Phase V for Empowering Youth, Supporting Education. Unemployment among young people in South Africa remains a persistent challenge. As a response to this issue, the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) was introduced as part of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) to provide meaningful work experience and temporary employment to the country’s unemployed youth. Now in Phase V, the initiative continues to address two national priorities: reducing youth unemployment and enhancing the quality of education in public schools.

This page explores the goals, structure, application process, and broader impact of BEEI Phase V.

Start your Basic Education Employment Initiative Phase V Application now.

What Is the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI)?

Launched in 2020 by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Basic Education Employment Initiative is part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme, a government-led intervention aimed at rebuilding the economy following the economic effects of COVID-19. BEEI was developed to place unemployed youth in public schools as Education Assistants (EAs) and General School Assistants (GSAs).

Each phase of the BEEI has provided young people with temporary employment, helping them gain skills, workplace experience, and an income. The initiative also relieves pressure on overburdened teachers and improves the learning environment for students.

Phase V builds on the success and lessons of previous phases and is set to create thousands more opportunities for eligible youth.

Objectives of BEEI Phase V

BEEI Phase V remains rooted in two central objectives:

Youth Empowerment through Employment
- Provide temporary employment for unemployed youth, many of whom are classified as NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training).
- Offer workplace skills, digital literacy, and training to improve long-term employability.
Support for Basic Education
- Strengthen administrative and academic support in schools.
- Enhance learner performance by enabling teachers to focus more on instructional tasks.
- Improve school operations through the deployment of general assistants.

Who Can Participate in Phase V?

BEEI Phase V targets unemployed youth who meet specific eligibility requirements. The initiative is designed to prioritize those most in need of work and who can benefit significantly from work readiness exposure.

Eligibility Criteria:

Age: Must be between 18 and 34 years.
Education: A minimum of Grade 12 (Matric) is required. Additional qualifications are an advantage, particularly for specialist roles like Reading Champions and e-Cadres.
Employment and Education Status: Must not be in employment, education, or training at the time of application and appointment.
Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen with a valid ID or smart card.
Location: Applicants must live within 5km of the school (30km for farm or rural schools).
Criminal Record: No criminal background, especially offenses against children.

Types of Positions Available

BEEI Phase V offers roles under two main categories:

1. Education Assistants (EAs):

These assistants provide direct academic support to teachers and learners.

Curriculum Assistants: Help with lesson planning, resource preparation, and learner support in classrooms.
Reading Champions: Support reading development, especially in early grades, and work closely with language teachers.
e-Cadres: Focus on ICT and digital education. They assist with tech-based learning, device maintenance, and administrative computer work.

2. General School Assistants (GSAs):

These positions support the overall functioning of the school.

Infrastructure and Maintenance Assistants: Help maintain and repair school infrastructure.
Health and Safety Assistants: Promote health protocols, hygiene, and safety practices.
Sports and Enrichment Assistants: Support physical education, arts, and extracurricular activities.

Duration and Stipend

Successful candidates in Phase V will be employed for approximately five months, subject to provincial timelines and school requirements. They will receive a monthly stipend of R4,081, which includes a UIF contribution.

Additionally, assistants will receive training opportunities, including:

Basic computer skills
Professional behavior and ethics
Health and safety procedures
Child safeguarding

These training components enhance the participants’ skills and increase their employability for future roles.

How to Apply for BEEI Phase V

Applications for BEEI are made exclusively online via the SAYouth.mobi platform, which is part of the zero-rated Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI). This means the site can be accessed without data charges on all major networks in South Africa.

Steps to Apply:

Visit https://sayouth.mobi
Register (if you’re a new user) by entering your personal information, educational background, and location.
Log in and search for “Education Assistant” or “General School Assistant” vacancies in your area.
Complete your profile and submit your application for available positions at nearby schools.
Check your messages regularly. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via SMS or phone.

What Happens After You Apply?

Once you’ve applied, your application is reviewed against the set criteria. If shortlisted, you may be invited to an interview at the school. Successful candidates will undergo orientation and training before assuming their duties.

Impact of BEEI

The previous phases of the Basic Education Employment Initiative have demonstrated significant positive impacts:

Over 850,000 youth employed between 2020 and 2024.
Increased learner support in schools, especially in reading and literacy.
Improved school operations through reliable support staff.
Enhanced employability of young people through skills development and work experience.

Many former participants have gone on to secure permanent employment, internships, or further educational opportunities.

Challenges and Improvements in Phase V

While the initiative has been largely successful, past phases faced some challenges, such as:

Delays in stipend payments
Uneven distribution of resources between urban and rural schools
Limited access to application platforms for some youth

To address these, Phase V incorporates better monitoring systems, improved communication, and more inclusive digital access.

Why BEEI Phase V Matters

With youth unemployment hovering around 60%, initiatives like BEEI are essential. Phase V provides young people with:

A pathway out of unemployment
Valuable workplace skills
A chance to contribute meaningfully to their communities
A foundation to build toward future employment or entrepreneurship

For schools, the initiative offers much-needed support, helping educators improve learner outcomes and manage administrative workloads.

The Basic Education Employment Initiative Phase V is more than a temporary job program—it is a critical intervention in South Africa’s efforts to uplift its youth, strengthen public education, and boost the national economy. With a clear focus on development, equity, and sustainability, the initiative gives young people a real opportunity to gain confidence, earn an income, and gain vital experience that opens doors for future success.