Over 1.9 Million Youth Apply for 204,000 Education Assistant Positions Amid High Unemployment

Over 1.9 Million Youth Apply for 204,000 Education Assistant Positions Amid High Unemployment. Image for illustration purposes only, generated with AI.

The Department of Basic Education has received a staggering 1.9 million applications for just 204,000 available positions in its Education Assistant Programme, highlighting the severe youth unemployment crisis in the country.

President Ramaphosa Visits Youth Employment Initiative

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to visit Sefako Makgatho Primary School in Saulsville, Pretoria, as part of his tour of flagship programs aimed at tackling youth unemployment. The Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) and the Presidential Youth Stimulus are designed to provide temporary work experience and skills development for young South Africans.

These initiatives place youth in various sectors, including schools as education assistants, agriculture through farming vouchers, and arts through project funding. However, concerns remain over the temporary nature of these roles, with participants only employed for six months to a year before returning to an uncertain job market.

Phase Five of Basic Education Employment Initiative

Department of Basic Education spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga confirmed that 204,000 young people have been placed in schools nationwide since June 2 as part of Phase Five of the program.

“These young people assist teachers with tasks such as marking and classroom support, while others work as general assistants maintaining school facilities,” Mhlanga explained. He emphasized that while the program is not permanent employment, it provides crucial skills and exposure to improve future job prospects.

Youth Unemployment Crisis Persists

South Africa’s youth unemployment rate stands at a staggering 62.4% for those aged 15 to 24, and 46% for those aged 15 to 34, according to recent statistics. The overwhelming demand for the education assistant program—with 1.9 million applicants for only 204,000 spots—underscores the dire need for sustainable job opportunities.

Mhlanga acknowledged the limitations of the initiative, stating, “We wish more private sector companies would partner with us to absorb these skilled young people after their training.” However, with the economy struggling to create jobs, many graduates of the program still face unemployment once their contracts end.

President to Assess Program Impact

During his visit, President Ramaphosa is expected to engage with beneficiaries and assess the program’s effectiveness since its launch in 2020. Critics argue that while such initiatives provide short-term relief, long-term solutions—including economic reforms and private sector collaboration—are urgently needed to address systemic unemployment.

As South Africa’s youth continue to bear the brunt of joblessness, the government faces mounting pressure to transition temporary work opportunities into permanent employment pathways.

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