By OBAKENG MAJE
3 June 2025- The Northern Cape Department of Education said it has officially launched the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI), creating employment opportunities for 4 838 young people as Educator Assistants and General School Assistants. The department said these roles provide vital support to schools, both inside and outside the classroom.
The Northern Cape Department of Education spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe said the initiative introduces several categories of support roles, including Curriculum Assistants, E-cadres, Reading Champions, Care and Support Assistants, Sport Enrichment Assistants and Laboratory and Workshop Assistants. Van der Merwe said these roles aim to address critical academic challenges such as, curriculum coverage, literacy and reading development.
“This includes mathematics and science support and remedial education. In addition, the initiative helps tackle long-standing systemic issues by supporting such as school infrastructure maintenance and learner psychosocial services.
“A key objective of the BEEI is to modernize the basic education system by integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into classrooms. This equips learners with digital skills essential for success in an evolving, technology-driven world,” he said.
Van der Merwe further said the BEEI is designed to empower unemployed youth by providing them with valuable skills and real-world experience. He added that training is provided in various areas such as classroom support and curriculum management, reading and literacy coaching, ICT skills for managing school administration systems such as SASAMS and HRMS.
“Although the current intake includes 4 838 youth, the broader initiative has created opportunities for young people across the province. In doing so, it not only strengthens the capacity of the education sector but also opens up pathways for long-term employment and professional development.
“The department would like to thank all School Governing Bodies and School Management Teams for their unwavering support in ensuring the successful administration process in the appointment of youth applicants onto the BEEI project,” said van der Merwe.
He said this initiative is a significant step toward improving education outcomes, while empowering the youth of the Northern Cape to build brighter futures.
The Guardian 