Category: Career Development

Looking to take the next step in your career? At Mzansi Brief, we provide expert tips, resources, and guides tailored to help South Africans build successful career paths. Whether you’re a recent graduate, job seeker, or working professional, our career development content covers everything from CV writing and interview preparation to upskilling opportunities and workplace growth strategies.

Explore our practical advice to improve your job prospects, gain confidence, and achieve long-term success in today’s competitive job market.

Empowering Education: Your Guide to Becoming a Teacher Assistant in South Africa (for Youth)

Posted on by David Johnson

Are you a young, enthusiastic South African looking to make a real difference in your community? Do you have a passion for learning and helping others? Becoming a Teacher Assistant (also known as an Education Assistant or General School Assistant) could be your ideal entry point into the world of education!

These vital roles, often part of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI), now known as the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI), offer unemployed youth invaluable work experience, a monthly stipend, and a chance to contribute to the future of South Africa’s learners.

The latest phase of the BEEI (Phase 5) commenced in June 2025, providing thousands of opportunities across the country, including right here in Farmall, Gauteng. If you missed the initial application window (which typically opens in April), don’t despair! Keep an eye out for future phases and be prepared.

What Does a Teacher Assistant Do?

Teacher Assistants play a crucial role in supporting teachers and the overall school environment. Your responsibilities can vary depending on the specific role you secure, but generally fall into these categories:

  • Education Assistant (Curriculum/ICT/Reading Champion):
    • Assisting teachers in the classroom with lessons and activities.
    • Providing individual or small group support to learners.
    • Helping with administrative tasks like preparing teaching materials, photocopying, and capturing marks.
    • Supporting ICT integration (e.g., helping with computers, troubleshooting devices).
    • Promoting reading and literacy among learners, often by assisting with school libraries or reading clubs.
  • General School Assistant (Infrastructure/Sports & Enrichment/Care & Support):
    • Assisting with the upkeep and maintenance of school buildings.
    • Supporting sports, arts, and cultural activities.
    • Providing basic psychosocial support to learners.
    • Assisting in laboratories or workshops.

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria for Youth

The BEEI aims to provide opportunities to unemployed youth. To be eligible for these positions, you generally need to meet the following criteria:

  • Age: Be between 18 and 34 years old (or turning 35 on or before March 31, 2026, for Phase 5).
  • Citizenship: Hold a valid South African ID book or smart card.
  • Employment Status: You must NOT be currently in education, employment, or training (NEET). This means you shouldn’t be working, studying full-time, or part of another learnership or government youth employment initiative (like EPWP, CWP, etc.).
    • Note: Youth studying a teaching degree part-time, distance, or online are often prioritized.
  • Qualifications:
    • For Education Assistant roles: A Matric certificate (NQF Level 4) with English as a pass is usually required. NQF Level 6 or 7 qualifications are often prioritized.
    • For General School Assistant roles: A Matric certificate might not be a strict requirement for certain roles like Infrastructure Support or Sports and Enrichment Agents, but it can be an advantage.
  • Proximity to School: You should ideally live within 5 km of the school you’re applying to (or 30 km for rural/farm areas).
  • Household Rule: Generally, only one opportunity per household is allowed.
  • No Criminal Record: You must not have a criminal record. A police clearance certificate will be required if you are shortlisted.
  • No Other Income: You must not be receiving any other form of salary, wage, or stipend.
  • Previous Participation: If you’ve participated in previous phases of the BEEI/PYEI, you may be able to reapply if you still meet all the current requirements.

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How to Write a CV for Entry-Level Positions in South Africa

Posted on by David Johnson

Creating a professional CV is one of the most important steps when starting your career. If you’re applying for entry-level positions in South Africa, your CV should clearly show your skills, education, and potential, even if you have limited or no work experience. In this guide, we’ll explain how to write a CV that stands out and gets you noticed by employers.

1. What is a CV?

A CV, or Curriculum Vitae, is a document that outlines your background, education, skills, and any experience you may have. It helps employers understand who you are and why you’re a good fit for a job. For entry-level roles, a well-organized CV can make all the difference.

2. Why is a CV Important for Entry-Level Jobs?

Entry-level roles often receive many applications. Your CV is your first impression. A good CV:

  • Shows your qualifications and strengths
  • Highlights your education and training
  • Shows you’re serious and professional
  • Helps employers decide to call you for an interview

Even without job experience, your CV can still show your readiness to learn and grow.

3. Basic Structure of an Entry-Level CV

Here is a basic structure to follow:

  1. Contact Information
  2. Professional Summary
  3. Education
  4. Skills
  5. Experience (if any)
  6. Achievements
  7. References

Let’s break these down.

4. Contact Information

Always start your CV with your personal details at the top:

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Email address (use a professional email)
  • Location (City, Province)
  • LinkedIn profile or portfolio (if available)

Example:

Thabo Mokoena
thabomokoena@gmail.com
083 123 4567
Johannesburg, Gauteng
linkedin.com/in/thabomokoena

5. Professional Summary

This is a short paragraph (2-3 lines) at the top of your CV. It should summarize who you are, your career goal, and what you bring to the job.

Example:

“Motivated and detail-oriented recent graduate with a diploma in Business Administration. Strong communication and teamwork skills. Looking to begin a professional career in a dynamic organization.”

6. Education

List your most recent education first. Include the name of the institution, qualification, and years attended.

Example:

Diploma in Information Technology
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria
2021 – 2023

Matric Certificate
Orlando High School, Soweto
2016 – 2020

You can also add key subjects or achievements if they are relevant.

7. Skills

Mention both soft skills (people skills) and hard skills (technical or specific skills). Choose skills that match the job description.

Examples of soft skills:

  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving

Examples of hard skills:

  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Social media marketing
  • Data entry
  • Coding (HTML, CSS, Python)

8. Experience (If Any)

Even if you don’t have formal work experience, you can list:

  • Internships
  • Volunteer work
  • School projects
  • Part-time or holiday jobs

Example:

Intern, Admin Assistant
Department of Health, Limpopo
Jan 2023 – March 2023

  • Helped with filing and data entry
  • Assisted with scheduling meetings
  • Answered phones and emails

Volunteer, Youth Sports Program
Local Community Centre, Durban
2022

  • Assisted in organizing youth events
  • Registered participants and handed out equipment

9. Achievements

Highlight any awards, certificates, or accomplishments that show your dedication or skills.

Examples:

  • Top 10 in matric class
  • Certificate of Attendance: Digital Skills Workshop by Google
  • Debating Club Vice President

10. References

You can add 1–2 references or simply write: “References available on request.” Make sure your references know you are listing them.

Example:

Mr. Dlamini
Lecturer, University of Johannesburg
dlaminim@uj.ac.za

11. Tips to Make Your CV Stand Out

  • Keep it 1–2 pages long
  • Use a clean, easy-to-read layout
  • Save as PDF unless instructed otherwise
  • Avoid spelling and grammar errors
  • Match your CV to the job ad (use similar keywords)

12. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using informal language
  • Including unnecessary personal info (e.g., ID number, religion)
  • Having no clear structure
  • Using an unprofessional email
  • Listing fake experiences

13. Tools and Templates

You can use free online tools to create a professional-looking CV:

These tools offer modern templates that are easy to edit.

14. Final Checklist Before Sending

Before you submit your CV, ask yourself:

  • Is all the information accurate?
  • Is the format clean and consistent?
  • Have I used action words (e.g., managed, assisted, created)?
  • Does my CV show I’m motivated and willing to learn?

15. Conclusion

Writing a CV for entry-level jobs in South Africa doesn’t have to be stressful. By following a clear format and highlighting your strengths, education, and motivation, you can create a CV that helps you get interviews and launch your career. Always keep your CV updated and tailor it to each job you apply for.

Start small, stay confident, and remember—your first job is just the beginning of your journey.

You may also want to read the articles below for extra income.

How to Make Quick Cash in South Africa

How to Make Money as a Student in South Africa

Side Hustles for Women in South Africa: A Full Guide

How to Make Money on Instagram in South Africa

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