The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has issued a warning to youth around South Africa not to apply for placement in the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI). This comes after fake circulars have been published on various social media platforms calling on youth to sign up.
The DBE reminded youth that the implementation of the PYEI has concluded in most provinces around South Africa. It is also unknown whether or not there will be another phase of the programme.
Young people to steer clear of any counterfeit circulars they may encounter and not sign up for programmes claiming to be part of the PYEI. These circulars falsely claim to offer opportunities related to the PYI initiative, which could mislead unsuspecting individuals.
Nonetheless, the Department of Basic Education strongly encourages the youth not to fall for any misleading communications but, instead, to seek accurate and official information directly from the programme's official website.
Background Of The PYEI
The PYEI in the Education sector was referred to as the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI). The initiative played a significant role in providing employment opportunities for South Africa's youth.
The programme has been instrumental in combating the country's alarming youth unemployment rate, which currently stands at 63.9% for individuals aged 15 to 24.
Under the BEEI, youth were employed in schools around South Africa as education and general school assistants. The initiative's fourth phase has focused on equipping youth with a diverse range of soft and hard skills essential for the workforce.
Youth participants have assumed roles as Curriculum Assistants, Reading Champions, E-Cadres, Care and Support Assistants, Sports and Enrichment Assistants, and Handymen/Women. In return for their valuable contributions, they have received a monthly stipend of R4,081.44, aligning with the legislated minimum wage threshold.
A vital aspect of the BEEI has been the provision of compulsory training courses to provide them with skills which increase the chances of youth finding work after the initiative's conclusion.
These training courses have covered a wide array of topics, including digital literacy, online privacy, fact-checking, and advocacy for change. Participants have received comprehensive training on various aspects of the digital world and its influence on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and digitization.
The programme has also empowered young individuals with knowledge and skills related to Microsoft Office, cybersecurity, and digital technology, with some of these courses being accredited and offered free of charge.
In addition to this, the DBE also offered youth PYEI-BEEI entrepreneurial training, providing vital information to youth on opportunities for learning, earning, and entrepreneurship.
UIF For Teaching Assistants
Youth employed under the PYEI are eligible to receive Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) benefits as they previously contributed to the UIF while they were working. Their UIF contributions were deducted from their monthly remuneration before being paid into their bank accounts.
