Over 200,000 Youth Hired in South African Schools to Tackle Unemployment Crisis

On the 2nd of June 2025, more than 200,000 young people across South Africa began their first day of work in over 20,000 schools. This milestone marks the launch of Phase Five of the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI), the largest youth employment programme in the country’s history. For many, this is not just a job, but a vital step towards building a brighter future.

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A Flagship Programme for Youth Empowerment

The Presidential Employment Stimulus launched the Basic Education Employment Initiative in 2020 as a flagship effort to tackle South Africa’s high youth unemployment. The Department of Basic Education and provincial education departments implement the programme, which now receives funding from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) Labour Activation Programme and the national government..

Real Work, Real Skills

Participants in the initiative are not just filling positions — they are gaining meaningful work experience across a range of roles that directly support schools and learners. The programme is designed to develop essential skills that employers value, such as time management, teamwork, problem-solving, IT proficiency, and administrative ability.

Young people are placed in roles that match their qualifications and interests, including:

• Curriculum Assistants: Support teachers in maths, science, and technology, allowing educators more time for lesson preparation.
• Reading Champions: Promote literacy and foster a culture of reading.
• Lab and Workshop Assistants: Help with technical subjects and practical lessons.
• IT and Administration Support: Ensure the smooth running of school operations.
• Care and Support Assistants: Work with school support teams to identify and assist at-risk children.
• Maintenance and Groundskeeping: Tackle essential repairs, painting, gardening, and playground upkeep.
• Sports, Arts, and Music Facilitators: Inspire learners, uncover talents, and build community pride.

Building a Pathway to the Future

The impact of this initiative goes far beyond the school gates. Participants leave with valuable skills, work experience, and a sense of responsibility that will serve them well in the broader job market. As President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted, these young people are gaining experience in high-pressure environments, learning to meet deadlines, and making a real difference in their communities.

A former participant, Sibongile Joni, who worked as a Curriculum Assistant, shared her advice:
“Be reliable: your consistency builds trust. Be willing to learn, ask questions, accept feedback, and grow daily. Take initiative: if something needs to be done, do it without waiting to be told. Treat every task as important, because excellence in the small things builds your reputation. Always be professional: your attitude, respect, and conduct matter. Build strong relationships with staff and learners. Lastly, make the most of the trainings offered, they equip you with the skills you’ll need for your next step.”

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A Call to Employers and Society

While the BEEI provides a crucial first step, the transition from temporary work to long-term employment or entrepreneurship remains a challenge. President Ramaphosa urged employers to recognise the value these young people bring:
“To employers, we say: give them their next opportunity, mentor their enthusiasm, help take their potential to the next level.”

The President also called for greater support for young entrepreneurs, emphasising the need to connect them with finance, training, markets, and networks.

Looking Ahead

The Basic Education Employment Initiative is just one part of the broader effort to tackle youth unemployment in South Africa. Through this and similar programmes, government has demonstrated its commitment to empowering young people with skills and experience that can open doors to further education or formal employment.

However, as President Ramaphosa noted, much more remains to be done. The hope is that the lessons learned and the momentum gained from initiatives like the BEEI will inspire further action from all sectors of society.

Making A Difference

As over 200,000 young South Africans embark on their first day of work in schools, the nation celebrates not just their achievement but also the promise of a more inclusive, opportunity-rich future. Their journey is a testament to the power of partnership between government, communities, and the private sector in tackling the country’s most pressing challenges.

For more information, read the full statement from The Presidency.