South African youth who are looking for employment opportunities will be familiar with SAYouth. This national youth program connects unemployed young people with opportunities for skills development, employment, and career advancement. The network was created as part of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention to empower inexperienced youth by providing practical training and work experience. Since its inception, SAYouth has helped thousands of young people prepare for and secure opportunities in the job market.
Qualification to Join
Due to the increasing number of youth seeking employment, more and more young people are registering with SAYouth to prepare themselves for the opportunities offered through the platform. To qualify for SAYouth, you must:
- Be between 18 and 34 years of age (not turning 35 before March 31, 2026)
- Be a South African citizen or have appropriate documentation (refugee ID or permanent residency)
- Not be enrolled in any education or training facility (NEET status)
- Not be currently employed
Benefits of SAYouth
If you are an unemployed youth in South Africa, joining the SAYouth platform offers numerous advantages:
- Your profile will be saved in the SAYouth network database
- You’ll receive notifications about available opportunities
- You can apply for skills development programs such as the Department of Basic Education (DBE) Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) Phase V
- You can access the platform with zero data costs
- You’ll receive support and training to enhance your employability
BEEI Phase V Program Overview
The Department of Basic Education, in collaboration with the Department of Employment and Labour, is currently implementing the BEEI Phase V program targeting a start date of June 2025. This initiative is part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus and follows the successful implementation of Phases I-IV, which created more than 1.1 million job opportunities for youth.
Phase V aims to create over 200,000 job opportunities across all nine provinces, offering positions such as:
- Reading Champions – Supporting reading and literacy in Foundation and Intermediate Phases
- Curriculum Assistants – Helping teachers with classroom activities
- e-Cadres – Assisting with ICT integration in teaching and learning
- Care and Support Assistants – Providing basic psychosocial support to learners
- Laboratory Assistants – Supporting lessons in laboratories
- Workshop Assistants – Supporting lessons in workshops
- Sports and Enrichment Assistants – Supporting sports, arts, and cultural activities
- Handymen and Women – Helping with school maintenance and infrastructure
Successful applicants will receive a monthly stipend of R4,000 for six months, plus R30 for data. They’ll also undergo orientation and training in various aspects of their roles.
Step-by-Step Guide to Register and Apply
Before registering for SAYouth to apply for BEEI Phase V, prepare your South African Identity document (citizenship, permanent residency, or refugee number) and know the postal code of your residence.
Registration Process:
- Visit the SAYouth website at the Join page
- Click on “I’m ready to join” to begin registration
- Fill in your personal information based on your identity document
- Provide your WhatsApp phone number for contact purposes
- Create a password for your account
- Answer all the profile questions (this takes approximately 4 minutes)
- Complete your educational qualifications and any previous work experience
BEEI Phase V Application Process:
Applications for BEEI Phase V are open from April 22, 2025, to May 9, 2025. To apply:
- Log in to your SAYouth account
- Search for “Education Assistant” or “General School Assistant” positions
- Apply to schools near your home (within 5km, or 30km for rural schools)
- Ensure your profile details are accurate and complete
- Submit your application through the platform
Important dates to remember:
- Applications: April 22 to May 9, 2025
- Interviews and contracting: May 19 to May 31, 2025
- Program commencement: June 1, 2025
- Program conclusion: November 30, 2025
Password Reset Process
If you’ve forgotten your password or need to reset it:
- Go to the SAYouth login page
- Click on “Forgot Password”
- Enter your registered phone number or email address
- Follow the instructions sent to reset your password
- If you’ve changed your phone number, contact SAYouth support at 0800 72 72 72 (Monday to Friday, 9AM-4:30PM) or via WhatsApp at 082 046 8553
Training and Exit Opportunities
Successful BEEI Phase V participants will receive training to develop both soft and hard skills required in the workplace. The program focuses on:
- Orientation on inclusive education and working with learners with disabilities
- Development of workplace skills and professionalism
- Digital skills training
- Career development support
The Department of Basic Education is collaborating with various organizations to provide exit pathways for participants after the program ends. Funds have been set aside for Exit Opportunities, which will be administered by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
Conclusion
SAYouth.mobi offers a wide range of opportunities for unemployed South African youth to develop skills and gain valuable work experience. The BEEI Phase V program provides an excellent entry point into the education sector while also developing transferable skills for future employment.
Remember to apply early for the BEEI Phase V program through the SAYouth platform, as this initiative can be a stepping stone to greater career prospects. The experience and training gained through this program will help you become more competitive in the job market.
For any assistance with the SAYouth platform or BEEI Phase V applications, contact the toll-free support line at 0800 72 72 72 or email support@sayouth.org.za.