On April 2020 South African President Cyril Ramaphosa launched many initiatives to fight the covid 19 pandemic that had hit so many countries and caused thousands of job losses. Initiatives like the SRD Grant and the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative. All South African citizens had the opportunity to apply as General Assistants (GAs) and Educational Assistants (EAs) online in Phase 1. They were earning around R3500 per month, now in 2023 we are in Phase 4. Now the question has PYEI Contract Extension 2023 possible?
The main goal was to give young people chances to work, learn skills, and get training. This would make it easier for them to find jobs and also help the country’s economy get better after the pandemic. Over the period of Phase 1 to Phase 3, their first contracts were extended.
What Is PYEI
PYEI is an Abbreviation for Presidential Youth Employment Initiative which is in South Africa a program aimed at addressing youth unemployment. It’s an initiative launched by the South African government to create job opportunities and provide skills training for young people.
The goal was to help young individuals find employment and gain the necessary skills and experience to contribute to the country’s economy and their own future careers. The initiative emphasizes the importance of youth empowerment and reducing unemployment rates among the younger population in South Africa.
Number OF GAs & EAs Required Per Province
Number of Job opportunities that are allocated per province for the PEYI program:
- Eastern Cape: 40,100 spaces starting May 1, 2023.
- Free State: 15,500 spaces starting May 1, 2023.
- Gauteng: 40,000 spaces starting May 1, 2023.
- KwaZulu-Natal: 59,500 spaces starting May 1, 2023.
- Limpopo: Ensuring 35,000 youth benefit.
- Mpumalanga: 22,000 spaces.
- Northern Cape: 7,000 spaces.
- North West: 16,000 spaces.
- Western Cape: 21,000 spaces.
Requirements for PYEI Application
Participants will receive a gross monthly stipend of R4081.44, with minimal UIF deductions. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be 18 to 34 years old (18 or above when applying, or turn 35 on or before March 31, 2024).
- Reside within 5 km of the school’s location (30 km for farm and rural schools).
- Meet category and sub-category requirements.
- Be NOT in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET).
- Not be engaged in distance, online, part-time, or full-time studies.
- Not receive government grants (e.g., NSFAS, SASSA grants).
- Not receive other stipends, wages, or salaries.
- Not be in a Learnership.
- Not participate in previous PYEI phases.
- Not be unfairly advantaged due to relations with staff members.
- Not be in other Department of Education programs.
- Not have a criminal record.
- Provide medical certificates for disabilities.
- Possess a valid South African ID or Passport with a work permit.
How To Apply For EAs & GAs Job
To apply for PYEI Phase 4:
- Visit SaYouth to register your profile.
- Enter your area code for nearby school opportunities.
- If you are already registered on SA Youth or Harambee, log in using the exact details.
Job Opportunities Offered By PYEI Program
Under Phase 4, job opportunities include:
- Education Assistants (EAs) positions require at least matric, preference for tertiary qualifications.
- Roles like Reading Champions, E-Cadres, Curriculum Assistants, and Care and Support Assistants (CSA).
- General School Assistant (GAs) positions with no matric requirement
- Including Sport & Enrichment Assistants (SEA) and Handymen/women.
The PYEI Contract Extension 2023
This is the contract that some of the PYEI participants received. It clearly indicates that the PYEI VI Contracts have been extended until December. I Quotes it says:
“We hope this letter finds you well. The purpose of this communication is to address matters regarding the extension of contracts for beneficiaries under Phase IV of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI).
- Background: Phase IV of the PYEI initiative commenced on 01 February and was initially set to conclude on 30 September 2023, in alignment with the contracts that were signed. As we acknowledge that various beneficiaries joined the program at different intervals within this period, we would like to provide an important update.
- Contract Extension: We are pleased to inform you that the contracts of beneficiaries who are officially registered in our system as of 01 August 2023 will be extended for an additional three months, covering the period from 01 October to December 2023.
- Applicability: This contract extension pertains exclusively to beneficiaries located in the Gauteng region and is made possible through the support of the Gauteng Provincial Government.
- Terms and Categories: The extension does not alter the categorization under which each Education Assistant (EA) and General School Assistant (GSA) has been initially placed, based on their assignment start date.
- Stipend Details: The gross monthly stipend will continue to remain unchanged at R4081.44 per month for each full month worked. However, please note that a 1% deduction for the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) will be applicable, resulting in a net stipend of R4040.63.
- Data Allowance: We would like to clarify that the contract extension does not include the provision of a data allowance of R30 per month.
- Reference and Information: We encourage you to review your initial placement contract and the Code of Conduct for further understanding of the terms and conditions associated with your participation in the PYEI Phase IV.
- Contact Information: For any inquiries or clarifications, please do not hesitate to contact your respective District Coordinator, whose contact details are available in your records.
Thank you for your commitment and dedication to the PYEI Phase IV initiative. We trust that this extension will provide you with additional opportunities to contribute positively to our education system and your personal growth“.
Conclusion
The extension may only be for a few selected schools. If the contracts end you can now apply for the SRD grant since you will be unemployed.