If you're looking to apply for a teacher assistant or school assistant position, the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) offers a great opportunity for unemployed youth in South Africa.
The Teaching Assistants jobs are very popular as they available all over the country, and the successful applicants will be placed in schools near their homes. So you don't have to endure the time and expense of a long travel journey to and from work..
Applications for Phase 5 of the programme open on 22 April 2025, and all applications must be submitted online via SAYouth.mobi.
This initiative, run in partnership with the Department of Basic Education and the Presidency’s Youth Employment Service (PYEI), has created thousands of temporary job opportunities at schools nationwide—helping young people gain valuable work experience and contribute to the education system.
What Is the BEEI Teacher Assistant Programme?
The BEEI programme allows young South Africans to be placed as:
Education Assistants (EAs) – supporting teaching and learning in classrooms
General School Assistants (GSAs) – helping with school admin, infrastructure, and learner support
These roles are designed to give youth meaningful work experience while supporting South Africa’s public education system.
Who Can Apply To Be A Teaching Assistant?
To qualify, you must:
- Be a South African citizen, aged 18–34 (not turning 35 before 31 March 2026)
- Be currently unemployed and not studying full-time
- Live within 5km of a school, or 30km for rural/farm schools
- Have a minimum qualification of Matric (NQF Level 4) for Education Assistant roles
- Not be participating in another government-funded programme
- Have no criminal record
How to Apply for a Teacher Assistant Position on SAYouth.mobi
Follow this step-by-step guide:
Go to SAYouth.mobi
Register your profile using your ID number and personal details
Log in using your newly created profile
In the search bar, type “school assistant” or search for the name of a nearby school
Browse through the list of available opportunities in your area
Click “Read More” to view details of a specific opportunity
If interested, click “Apply Now” and follow the prompts
Provide the required details and submit your application
You’ll receive a confirmation message once your application is successful
Only applications submitted on SAYouth.mobi will be accepted. Avoid unofficial or fake websites.
Required Documents for Your Interview (If Shortlisted)
If you're contacted for an interview, bring the following:
Certified copy of your South African ID
Certified Matric certificate or other relevant qualification (NQF 4 or higher)
Up-to-date CV
Testimonial letter (e.g. from a teacher, religious leader, or community member)
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via SMS or phone call by the school.
To apply go to the SAYouth.mobi website and register an account.
