Phase 7 of the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) Teacher Assistant Programme is now open. If you are unemployed, between 18 and 34 years old, and looking for paid school-based work experience in 2026, this is the opportunity you have been waiting for.
Applications are submitted exclusively through SAYouth.mobi — the official, 100% data-free government platform. This guide covers everything you need: what Phase 7 is, who qualifies, the monthly stipend, all available roles, and a step-by-step application process.
| ⚡ PHASE 7 IS NOW OPEN The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has opened Phase 7 Teacher Assistant and General School Assistant applications for 2026. Apply on SAYouth.mobi as soon as possible — slots fill up fast. Applications are matched to schools near your home address. Official DBE portal: www.education.gov.za |
Read: SA Youth Portal 2026: Step-by-Step Guide to Register Online
What Is the BEEI Teacher Assistant Programme?
The Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) is the school-based arm of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI). It places unemployed young South Africans inside public schools as paid Education Assistants and General School Assistants.
The programme is implemented by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) in partnership with provincial education departments, with stipends funded by the National Treasury and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). Stipend disbursements are administered by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
Since it launched, the BEEI has created more than 1.1 million job opportunities across Phases 1 through 6, making it one of the largest youth employment initiatives in South African history. Phase 7 continues this work for 2026.
Why SAYouth.mobi? (100% Data-Free Application)
SAYouth.mobi is the only official portal accepted by the DBE for Phase 7 applications. The platform is zero-rated on all major South African mobile networks, meaning you can register, browse, apply, and track your status without spending a single megabyte of mobile data.
| Network | Zero-Rated? |
| Vodacom | ✅ Yes — No data charged |
| MTN | ✅ Yes — No data charged |
| Cell C | ✅ Yes — No data charged |
| Telkom | ✅ Yes — No data charged |
| ⚠️ SCAM WARNING from the DBE The Department of Basic Education has warned the public: SAYouth.mobi is the ONLY legitimate recruitment platform for BEEI 2026. Do NOT apply through any other website, WhatsApp group, or individual asking for payment or personal information. Walk-in applications at schools are also not accepted. |
Available Positions Under BEEI Phase 7
Two main categories are available in Phase 7. Check the descriptions carefully before applying — your Matric results and your school’s needs will determine which role you qualify for.
1. Education Assistants (Teacher Assistants)
Education Assistants work directly inside classrooms, supporting teachers and learners. These roles include several sub-categories:
| Sub-Role | What You Will Do | Key Requirement |
| Curriculum Assistant | Help teachers with lesson plans, materials and classroom support | Matric required |
| Reading Champion | Improve reading and literacy skills in Foundation and Intermediate Phases | Matric + strong literacy |
| e-Cadre | Support ICT integration, troubleshoot devices, upload digital content | Matric + basic computer skills |
| Care & Support Assistant | Provide psychosocial support to learners in need | Matric required |
| Laboratory Assistant | Assist teachers during science laboratory sessions | Matric with Science helpful |
| Workshop Assistant | Support practical lessons in school workshops | Matric required |
| Sports & Enrichment Assistant | Organise and support learner sport and extracurricular activities | Matric required |
Note: Reading Champions are a focus area for Phase 7, as the DBE is prioritising reading and literacy improvements in the Foundation and Intermediate Phases.
2. General School Assistants (GSA)
General School Assistants support the broader school environment outside the classroom. Some GSA roles may accept applicants without Matric, depending on the specific category and school.
- Administration support (filing, printing, record keeping)
- Library assistance and resource management
- Learner supervision during breaks and sports
- Basic maintenance and school grounds support
- Sports and extracurricular support
Requirements to Apply for BEEI Phase 7 (2026)
To be considered for the Teacher Assistant Programme, you must meet all of the following criteria:
| Requirement | Details |
| Age | 18 to 34 years old (or turning 35 by 31 March 2026) |
| Citizenship | South African citizen with a valid RSA ID |
| Employment status | Currently unemployed |
| Study status | Not enrolled in full-time education or training |
| Government grants | Not currently receiving any government grant |
| Location | Must live within approximately 5km of the school applied to (30km for farm schools) |
| Education (EA roles) | Minimum Grade 12 / Matric certificate |
| Education (GSA roles) | Matric preferred; some roles may accept below Matric |
| Criminal record | Clean criminal record required — schools check the National Sexual Offender Register |
| Previous BEEI phases | If you participated in Phases 1, 2, or 3, confirm eligibility on the platform before applying |
Priority is given to youth who are women, persons living with disabilities, and those who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
| �� IMPORTANT: Police Clearance CertificateApplicants are strongly advised to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) before or during the application process. This is a formal requirement at the placement stage. You can apply for a PCC at your nearest South African Police Service (SAPS) branch. |
Monthly Stipend and Benefits for 2026
Successful Teacher Assistant and General School Assistant participants receive a monthly stipend for the duration of the programme contract.
| Benefit | Amount / Detail |
| Monthly stipend | R4,000 (subject to 1% UIF deduction) |
| Monthly data allowance | R30 worth of data for online learning and communication |
| Contract duration | Approximately 5 to 6 months |
| Funding source | National Treasury and Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) |
| Stipend administered by | Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) |
DISCLAIMER: The R4,000 stipend figure is based on the confirmed Phase 5 amount. The DBE has not yet officially confirmed the exact Phase 7 stipend. Monitor the official DBE website (www.education.gov.za) and SAYouth.mobi for official confirmation before applying.
Beyond the financial stipend, participants also gain:
- Formal work experience in a school environment (a major CV builder)
- Training in soft skills: workplace ethics, communication, time management
- Digital skills and child safety training (for Education Assistants)
- An improvement in future employment prospects
How to Apply for BEEI Phase 7 on SAYouth.mobi (Step-by-Step)
Applications are done entirely online through SAYouth.mobi. No walk-in applications at schools are accepted. Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Visit the Official SAYouth Portal
Open your phone or computer browser and go to: https://sayouth.mobi
No app download is required. The site works on any browser. It is data-free on Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, and Telkom.
Step 2: Register or Log In
New users: register using your South African ID number and a working cellphone number. If you are already registered, simply log in. Do not create duplicate accounts — this can delay your application.
Step 3: Update Your Profile Completely
This is the most critical step. Your profile is your digital CV. Schools use it to shortlist candidates. Ensure the following information is accurate and complete:
- Home address — must be your actual residential address (the system matches you to schools within 5km–10km)
- Contact cellphone number — schools call shortlisted candidates directly
- Education level and Matric details
- Any volunteer experience, training certificates, or additional skills
| �� Address accuracy is criticalIf your home address is incorrect, the system will not show you schools near your actual location. Double-check your address before submitting. This is the number one reason applicants miss opportunities. |
Step 4: Search for Opportunities
Use the search bar and type any of the following keywords:
- “Teacher Assistant”
- “Education Assistant”
- “General School Assistant”
- “Reading Champion”
- “BEEI Phase 7”
Browse results and select schools near your home. Prioritise schools closest to you — proximity significantly improves your chances of selection.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Click Apply on the role you want. Your profile acts as your CV — you do not need to upload a separate CV document unless the specific listing requests it. Submit as soon as possible; opportunities close when positions are filled.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once applications close, the school principal and district officials review all profiles and shortlist candidates. Here is what to expect:
| Stage | What It Means |
| Pending | Your application was received. The school is still reviewing applications. This is normal — do not panic. |
| Shortlisted | You have been selected for further consideration. Keep your phone on and charged. |
| Contacted by school | A school official will call you directly using the number on your SAYouth profile. |
| Orientation | Selected candidates attend an orientation before their placement begins. |
| Placement begins | You start working at the school. Contract begins from this date. |
Important: Schools contact shortlisted candidates by phone call. Make sure your number is correct and always accessible, especially during shortlisting periods.
Smart Tips to Maximise Your Chances
- Apply early — do not wait until the deadline. Earlier applicants are reviewed first.
- Complete every section of your profile, including volunteer experience and informal work.
- Add any free online courses or skills certificates to your profile before applying.
- Apply only to schools close to your home — distance disqualifies many applicants automatically.
- Keep your phone charged and available during the shortlisting period.
- Never share your SAYouth login details with anyone.
- Obtain your Police Clearance Certificate in advance to avoid delays at placement.
Need Help? SA Youth Toll-Free Support
If you experience problems registering, updating your profile, or submitting your application, contact the SA Youth support line:
| Support Channel | Details |
| Toll-Free Number | 0800 72 72 72 (free from any network) |
| DBE Official Website | www.education.gov.za/Programmes/BEEI.aspx |
| SAYouth Platform | sayouth.mobi |
Frequently Asked Questions — BEEI Phase 7 Teacher Assistant 2026
Is SAYouth.mobi really data-free?
Yes. The platform is zero-rated on Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, and Telkom. You can register, apply, and check your status without using mobile data.
Do I need to upload a CV?
No. Your SAYouth.mobi profile acts as your CV. Ensure it is complete and accurate before applying.
What does ‘Pending’ mean on my application?
It means the school is still reviewing applications. It does NOT mean you were rejected. Keep your phone accessible in case a school contacts you.
What is the age requirement?
You must be between 18 and 34 years old, or turning 35 by 31 March 2026.
Can I apply if I participated in a previous BEEI phase?
This depends on which phase you participated in. Applicants who participated in Phases 1, 2, or 3 may not be eligible for Phase 7. Check the SAYouth.mobi platform directly for your eligibility status before applying.
Do I need Matric to apply?
Matric (Grade 12) is required for Education Assistant roles. Some General School Assistant roles may accept applicants without Matric, depending on the category. Check the specific listing on SAYouth.mobi.
How will the school contact me?
Schools contact shortlisted candidates by phone call using the number registered on your SAYouth.mobi profile. Make sure your number is correct and reachable.
How long does the contract last?
The contract period is typically 5 to 6 months. Exact Phase 7 dates will be confirmed by the DBE on official platforms.
DISCLAIMER
This article is produced for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy using publicly available official sources (DBE, SAYouth.mobi, National Treasury), programme details including the Phase 7 stipend amount, specific application dates, and eligibility rules are subject to change by the Department of Basic Education without notice. Always verify current information directly on SAYouth.mobi and the official DBE website at www.education.gov.za before applying. This site does not recruit on behalf of any government department and does not charge any fees for application assistance.