This is how much teacher assistants earn in SA

Teacher assistants continue to play an important role in South Africa’s education system, supporting teachers in classrooms and helping learners improve academically. With the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) under the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI), thousands of young South Africans have found temporary employment as teacher assistants in schools across the country. 

In this article, we break down the teacher assistant salary in 2025, payment structures, types of positions available, contract duration, working hours, and whether this opportunity is worth considering in the current job market.

Overview of the Teacher Assistant Program

The teacher assistant program was first introduced in 2020 to address youth unemployment while simultaneously supporting the struggling education sector. 

The Department of Basic Education, in partnership with the Department of Employment and Labour, launched this initiative to place unemployed youth in public schools as teacher assistants or general school assistants.

By 2025, the program has continued under various phases, with each phase typically running for 5 to 6 months. It has become a lifeline for many unemployed youth aged 18 to 35, especially those without formal qualifications or experience.

Teacher Assistant Salary in 2025

In 2025, teacher assistants earn a stipend of R4000 per month plus R30 data. This stipend is paid monthly and is not taxed, as teacher assistant positions are considered part of a temporary public employment program. 

Different Categories and Their Pay

There are two main types of assistants hired under the program:

• Education Assistants (EAs):

They assist teachers directly with classroom-related duties, including preparing learning materials, helping with reading programs, marking, and supervising learners.

Stipend in 2025: R4000 per month plus 30 Data

• General School Assistants (GSAs):

They support the school in roles such as cleaning, administration, IT support, or infrastructure maintenance.

Stipend in 2025: R4000 per month plus 30 Data

Working Hours and Duties

Teacher and General assistants work five days a week (Monday to Friday), for around 7 hours a day, from approximately 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM. These hours can vary slightly depending on the school schedule.

How Long Are the Contracts?

The contracts for teacher assistants in 2025 remain temporary, with most lasting 5 to 6 months. Some schools or provinces might extend contracts depending on funding and performance, but there is no guarantee of permanent employment once a contract ends.

Participants must reapply for each new phase if they wish to be considered again. The competition is high, and not all applicants are successful in getting placed, even if they’ve participated before.

Requirements to Qualify in 2025

To qualify as a teacher assistant in 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be 18 to 35 years old.
• Be unemployed and not in education or training.
• Be a South African citizen with a valid ID or passport.
• Live within 5km of the school (rural) or 1km (urban/peri-urban).
• Not have held the position for more than two previous phases.
• Have a Matric certificate, especially for education assistant roles.
• Some roles, like ICT support, require basic computer skills or short courses like Microsoft Office or Google Suite.

How Payment Works

Funds are released by the Department of Basic Education. After submission of daily attendance registers and confirmation by school principals, payments are processed and made into each assistant’s bank account.

Assistants are advised to open a bank account under their own name to avoid payment delays. In some instances, incorrect banking details or late attendance submissions can cause delayed payments.

Is the Teacher Assistant Program Worth It?

Despite the modest pay, the teacher assistant program is worth it for several reasons:

• Work Experience: Participants gain work readiness skills, including communication, time management, and computer literacy.
• Certifications: Many schools or NGOs offer short courses or certificates during the contract period.
• References: Participants can request letters of recommendation to help with future job applications.
• Networking: Assisting at a school can open doors to bursaries, internships, and even permanent posts in education or admin.

Conclusion

In 2025, teacher assistants in South Africa earn R4000 per month, a stipend meant to help unemployed youth gain experience while supporting public schools. Although not a high salary, the program offers valuable work experience, skill development, and a stepping stone into the job market. For many young people, it’s not just a job — it’s a chance to build a better future.