THE North West Department of Education is set to take disciplinary action against schools that fail to comply with the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) programme.
According to MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, the department will hold accountable those involved in cases of corruption within the programme.
While other provinces have already started with the BEEI programme, successful candidates in North West are expected to start next month with training in different sections within the programme. The sections includes curriculum assistants,reading champions lab and workshop assistants amongst others.
Motsumi was delivering a keynote address at BEEI Phase V Stakeholder Orientation & Partner Orientation Session hosted in Sun City on Thursday, 12 June. She emphasized the importance of fair recruitment processes, stating that “no stone will be left unturned” in ensuring the programme’s integrity. To achieve this, the department has put the project on hold to address reported cases and ensure that successful candidates undergo training and online assessments.
Key qualifying criteria for the programme include a clean criminal record, with shortlisted candidates required to undergo police clearance. Motsumi stressed that schools must ensure that no person with a criminal record is hired, in order to reduce cases of sexual harassment and other issues.The BEEI programme aims to make beneficiaries employable and ready for future opportunities, with a focus on creating sustainable jobs.
Motsumi emphasized the need to track the programme’s impact on beneficiaries’ lives and to implement measures to prevent payment failures.As the programme prepares to start its next phase, Motsumi emphasized the need to make it one of the best, with a focus on inclusivity, particularly for young people with special needs.
The North West Department of Education’s commitment to accountability and fairness in the BEEI programme is set to have a meaningful impact on the lives of beneficiaries, providing them with valuable skills and experience.
The programme’s importance was highlighted by participants, including Galaletsang Moletsane, a 23-year-old graduate from Tlhabane who expressed hope that the programme would open doors for future opportunities. Nonofo Baakeleng, a 26-year-old Environmental Science graduate from Mahikeng, shared her positive experience from participating in phase 4, stating that it had inspired her to pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
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