2025 Teacher Assistant Applications Now Open

As of 22 April 2025 the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has officially opened the online applications for the 2025 Teacher Assistant and General School Assistant positions under the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) in South African schools. This is an exciting opportunity for unemployed youth across the country to gain valuable work experience, earn a monthly stipend, and make a real difference in local schools.

2025 Teacher Assistant Online Applications Now Open

The Teacher Assistant Programme, introduced under the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI), aims to provide unemployed youth with temporary employment opportunities in schools across South Africa. Participants assist teachers in classrooms, help with administration, or support learners with special needs.

This initiative has helped thousands of young people gain work experience and earn a monthly stipend while also easing the workload of teachers and improving learning outcomes in schools.

Teacher Assistant Available Opportunities - 2025

• 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)

Roles of Each Available Opportunity:

Education Assistant - Curriculum

These candidates work directly with teachers in classrooms, supporting learning activities. These assistants play a vital role in helping educators deliver quality education while gaining valuable first-hand experience in a school environment.

Education Assistant - ICT/e-Cadres

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. 

Education Assistant - 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. 

General School Assistant - Child & Youth Care Worker

Child and Youth Care Workers (CYCW), will provide learners with much needed psychosocial support within the school 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. 

General School Assistant - Handyman (no matric required)

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.

General School Assistant – Sports and Enrichment Agent (no matric required)

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.

Who Can Apply for Teacher Assistant Posts in 2025

To be eligible for the 2025 teacher assistant and general school assistant posts, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• You must have a valid South African ID book or smart card
• Must be between 18 and 34 years old or you must be 34, turning 35 on or before 31 March 2025
• If you have participated in previous you must still meet all current requirements to reapply
• Must live within 5 km of the school you are applying to (or 30 km for rural/farm areas)
• Only one opportunity per household is allowed
• Must meet requirements per category and sub category role applied for (Teacher/General Assistants)
• You must not be working, studying, or training 
• Youth studying teaching undergraduate degree on a part time, distance or online learning will be prioritised for placement
• Youth in possession of the NQF Level 6 or 7 qualification will be prioritised as well
• You must not be receiving any other form of stipend, wage, or salary
• You must not currently be in a learnership programme
• You cannot be part of another government youth employment initiative (e.g., EPWP, CWP, Learner Support Agents, Food Handlers, bus controller etc.)
• You must not have a criminal record
• Young people must apply for the police clearance record as it will be required if called for interview
•  If you are living with a disability, you must provide a medical certificate confirming the nature of the disability

About this Opportunity - Teacher and General Assistants 2025

The Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) Phase V is a national effort by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), in collaboration with the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL), to combat youth unemployment while improving the quality of education in public schools. This initiative forms part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus and builds on the success of previous phases (I to IV), which collectively created hundreds of thousands of job opportunities for South African youth.

In Phase V, the programme aims to create 200,000 temporary employment opportunities for unemployed youth in schools across all nine provinces of South Africa. These positions are divided between Education Assistants and General School Assistants, each offering unique responsibilities aimed at supporting schools and promoting learning.

This phase will run from 01 June 2025 to 30 November 2025 
 

Successful applicants will receive:

• A monthly stipend of R4,000 for six months  
• An additional R30 for data

Teacher Assistants Application Dates for 2025

The Teacher and General Assistants Online applications for 2025 are open from Monday, 22 April 2025, and will close on Friday, 09 May 2025. It's important to submit your application as early as possible before the closing date to avoid disappointments. Late applications will not be allowed. 

How to Apply Online for Teacher Assistants Posts in 2025

All applications must be submitted online through the official SAYouth platform. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Visit the SAYouth Portal at https://sayouth.mobi NO DATA NEEDED!!
• Click on the "Join Now"
• Click on the "I'm ready to Join"
• Answer a few questions 
• Build your profile and keep your contact details up to date

Final Thoughts

The opening of the 2025 Teacher and general Assistant applications is a perfect opportunity for unemployed youth to gain valuable experience, make a difference in education, and earn an income. With thousands of posts available nationwide, this initiative aims to uplift communities and empower the next generation of leaders and professionals.

Remember: Apply early. Stay informed. Be ready to grab this life-changing opportunity.

If you found this post helpful, please share it with friends, family, and your community—let’s help more young people access this opportunity!