Presidential Youth Employment Initiative BEEI

The Presidential Youth Employment Initiative and the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI). In the face of rising youth unemployment and economic uncertainty, the South African government has taken a bold and proactive step to uplift its young population through the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI). This groundbreaking programme aims not only to combat the chronic levels of joblessness among youth but also to contribute meaningfully to national development across critical sectors. One of the flagship programmes under this initiative is the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI), a focused intervention that places unemployed youth in public schools across the country to support teaching and learning while gaining essential work experience.

Launched in 2020 as a response to the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, the PYEI is more than just a temporary relief measure it is a strategic investment in the country’s future. At the heart of the initiative is a belief that young people, if given the right tools and opportunities, can be catalysts for social and economic transformation. The BEEI serves this vision by deploying thousands of unemployed youth as Education Assistants (EAs) and General School Assistants (GSAs) to primary and secondary schools in all nine provinces.

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These roles are not only instrumental in lightening the administrative and operational load on educators but also provide an invaluable opportunity for young people to engage in the education system, often within their own communities. Participants are exposed to real work environments, earn a stipend, receive on-the-job training, and in some cases, gain accredited qualifications that enhance their future employability.

What sets the BEEI apart from many other youth employment schemes is its scale and structure. It directly addresses two national priorities: improving the quality of education and tackling youth unemployment. By targeting unemployed youth aged 18 to 34, particularly those who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), the initiative bridges the gap between economic participation and public service delivery.

Moreover, the programme places a strong emphasis on inclusivity, with a deliberate focus on reaching out to young women, people living in rural areas, and individuals with disabilities. By using accessible, zero-rated digital platforms like SAYouth.mobi for recruitment and applications, the initiative ensures that participation is as broad and fair as possible.

As South Africa continues to face the dual challenge of economic inequality and a strained education system, the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative and specifically the Basic Education Employment Initiative stands as a beacon of hope. It provides a tangible way for the country’s youth to contribute to society, gain meaningful work experience, and build pathways toward sustainable employment. This article explores the full scope of the BEEI, from its objectives and implementation to its impact on schools, learners, and the lives of the youth it employs.

Further Details on Presidential Youth Employment Initiative BEEI

The Presidential Youth Employment Initiative implemented as the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) seeks to confront the devastating economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of government’s broader economic recovery agenda. It is a large scale public employment intervention targeting unemployed youth, who are 18 – 35 years old. The intervention also seeks to address the high levels of youth unemployment in South Africa.

Youth who are currently neither in education/training, nor receiving any form of government grant, as well as young people living with disability and women, are eligible and encouraged to apply for this enriching experience, when the application period is open. Candidates who are selected for placement will have an opportunity to receive training on various skills that will equip them for future employment opportunities.

All successful candidates will be placed in schools for 5 months, for the following available opportunities:

Education Assistant – Curriculum
Education Assistant – ICT/e-Cadres
Education Assistant – Reading Champions
General School Assistant – Child & Youth Care Worker
General School Assistant – Handyman (no matric required)
General School Assistant – Sports and Enrichment Agent (no matric required)

To qualify as an Education Assistant, you must have passed matric English, while an NQF Level 4, 6 and 7 qualification certificate, will be an added advantage. However, for placement as a General School Assistant, a matric certificate is not required for Infrastructure Support and Sports and Enrichment Agents, although Trade certificates will be an added advantage.

To work in the education environment, you must have a good ability to work with people, and within groups, have good communication skills and be a good listener and have interest in academics.

As part of the initiative, there is a strong emphasis on training participants, with a view to adding to their skills set, as well as setting them up for improved employment prospects. Young people recruited for the Basic Education Employment Initiative can expect to receive training in the following areas:

e-Cadres/ ICT Support

To work in IT, one has to be computer savvy and enjoy working on IT systems. The e-Cadres will add value in the classroom by assisting teachers and learners with troubleshooting of ICT equipment, and uploading educational content on learners’ and teachers’ devices. The need for this transformation is critical and timely, given that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need to move towards a digital future, where lessons can be provided virtually. When learners and teachers receive the right support for digital learning, the response is often noticeable. e-Cadres will be deployed in all public schools.

Child and Youth Care Workers (CYCW)

Child and Youth Care Workers (CYCW), will provide learners with much needed psychosocial support within a COVID-19 environment. Psychosocial support is critical, even on an elementary level, as it will assist in reducing the risk of learners dropping out of the system. It can also contribute to an improvement in learner behaviour and academic performance.

Reading Champions

Reading Champions will contribute towards improving the culture of reading and literacy rates among learners. Reading Champions deployed in the Foundation Phase will also make a contribution towards improving early grade reading. In Phase I, Reading Champions assisted in reviving school libraries, initiating reading clubs and creating reading corners. This is in line with the sector priority on improving early grade reading.

Infrastructure maintenance

There is continued focus to support schools in infrastructure maintenance. This will be done by allocating handymen to schools where they are most needed. These cadre of youth will be provided with the necessary training to ensure that they provide good quality work.

Learner Support Agents

Learner Support Agents will be appointed among the General School Assistants to support the implementation of sports, arts and culture activities in public schools.

Sports and Enrichment Agents

During Phase II of the initiative, a new category for young people who are keen in sports enrichment programmes was introduced. To participate as a Sports Enrichment Agent, one must be fit, active and have a keen interest to assist schools with facilitating cultural and sports activities.