Teacher Assistant Applicants to Be Contacted This Week

Thousands of hopeful young South Africans who applied for the latest round of Teacher Assistant and General School Assistant positions under the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) can finally breathe a sigh of relief. This week marks a major milestone in the recruitment process as shortlisted applicants begin receiving calls and SMS notifications confirming their selection for the next stage.

If you applied through the SAYouth.mobi platform, this is the week to keep your phone close and your mind hopeful — notifications are being rolled out, and you might be one of the lucky candidates chosen to work in a local school.

Shortlisting in Progress Across Provinces

According to sources involved in the implementation of the initiative, schools and district officials across the country have started contacting shortlisted applicants. These communications are happening primarily via SMS and phone calls.

This shortlisting of teacher and general assistant applicants will run throughout the week, from 19 May t0 23 May 2025. Remember, the timing may vary slightly depending on the province, school readiness, and application volume in each district.

What to Expect if You Are Shortlisted

Applicants who are shortlisted will receive either an SMS, a WhatsApp message, or a direct phone call from a school or education district official. This communication may include:

• The name of the school where you have been placed or considered.
• Instructions to attend an interview
• A request to bring specific documents for verification.

Documents You May Be Asked to Bring:

• Certified copy of your ID.
• Proof of residence.
• Matric certificate or highest qualification.
• Police Clearance
• Recommendation Letter
• Any other documents uploaded during your SAYouth application.

When Do the Jobs Start?

Teacher and General Assistant successful applicants will start the job on 02 June 2025. However, before diving into their daily responsibilities, all new assistants are required to attend orientation and induction sessions, which will take place a few days prior to the start date at selected participating schools or district offices. 

These sessions are compulsory and play a vital role in preparing you for the work ahead. During the orientation, you will:

• Be introduced to the school staff and key contacts.
• Learn about your specific roles and responsibilities
• Receive training on school policies, code of conduct, and child safety protocols.
• Get familiar with daily schedules, attendance procedures and how to interact respectfully with learners and staff.
• Be guided on how to log your hours and submit performance reports (if applicable).
• Receive your placement letter or contract (in some cases).

This preparation ensures you are well-equipped, confident, and ready to make a meaningful contribution from your very first day on the job.

Stipend and Duration

Shortlisted candidates who are officially appointed will receive a monthly stipend of approximately R4000. This includes R30 to cover data costs, which many assistants use to access educational content, digital learning tools and to communicate with teachers and coordinators when required. It's especially useful for tasks such as attending virtual meetings, accessing training materials, or using digital tools to support learners.

The posts are contract-based, and last for 6 months, starting from June to November 2025. During this time, assistants are expected to commit fully to their assigned duties and be present on all working school days.

Please Note: While the standard duration is six months, there is a possibility of contract extensions. Extensions depend on available government funding, the performance of the assistant, and the needs of the school.

 However, extensions are not guaranteed, so assistants are encouraged to use the opportunity wisely—gain valuable work experience, build skills, and make a positive impact in the school environment.

What If You Don’t Hear Back This Week?

It’s important to remain patient. Not everyone will be contacted at the same time. If you don’t receive a message this week, it doesn’t necessarily mean your application was unsuccessful. Some schools may take longer to complete the shortlisting and notification process. Only consider your application unsuccessfully if you have not received communication by 02 June 2025. 

Beware of Scams

With the excitement around job notifications, scammers often take advantage. Please remember:

• You do not need to pay any money to get the job.
• All communication will come from official SAYouth sources, schools, or education departments.
• If someone asks you to pay for a placement, report them immediately via the SAYouth platform or contact the Department of Basic Education.

Final Words: Stay Hopeful, Stay Alert

The Teacher and General Assistant posts offer a life-changing opportunity for young South Africans to gain work experience, earn an income, and contribute meaningfully to education. Being shortlisted is just the beginning of a promising journey.

If you applied, this week could bring great news. Keep your phone close, respond quickly to any messages or calls, and prepare your documents in advance. Whether or not you’re shortlisted this round, remember that many more opportunities will be coming through SAYouth and other government initiatives.

We wish all applicants the very best!