The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has refuted rumours that it is accepting applications for "Phase 7" of its Teaching Assistant Programme. The department issued an official statement to address misinformation spreading online, which falsely claimed that the programme’s latest phase was open for applications.
DBE Spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga warned the public to be cautious of these false claims and confirmed that no new phase of the programme has been launched. He urged South Africans to verify any information about the Teaching Assistant Programme through official channels to avoid falling victim to scams.
Please beware of fake information. The truth is that there are no new developments regarding the Teacher Assistants Programme
He went on to label the circulating claims as "false, fake, and fraudulent."
The Teaching Assistant Programme, formally known as the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI), was launched as part of the DBE’s efforts to combat youth unemployment while providing essential support to South Africa's education system. Since its inception, the programme has created over one million jobs for young people, offering roles such as education assistants and general school assistants.
These positions include a variety of roles designed to support schools, including Curriculum Assistants, Reading Champions, E-Cadres, and Care and Support Assistants. Participants in the programme receive practical work experience and are paid a monthly stipend aligned with South Africa’s minimum wage.
The BEEI has two core objectives: addressing the high youth unemployment rate, which currently sits at 63.9% for individuals aged 15 to 24, and equipping participants with a mix of soft and technical skills to enhance their future employability. Through these efforts, the programme has provided critical opportunities for young people while also helping to alleviate pressure on the country’s overstretched education system.
Despite its success, the long-term future of the Teaching Assistant Programmhttps://www.careersportal.co.za/news-updates/pyei-teacher-assistant-applications-not-open-for-next-phasee remains uncertain due to budgetary challenges. The DBE has yet to announce any updates about future phases, and the public is advised to disregard any unofficial claims regarding new application rounds. For accurate information, the DBE recommends monitoring its official website and communication platforms.
The department's statement serves as a reminder to the public to remain vigilant against disinformation and to rely only on verified sources for updates regarding government initiatives.
