Government has moved swiftly to address delays in stipend payments for Education Assistants and General School Assistants employed under the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI).

Employment and Labour Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya assured the public at a media briefing in Pretoria on Wednesday that funds had now been released, following urgent talks between the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL), the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).

“Government has resolved the payment impasse. As of this morning, the UIF has released funds, and Education Assistants and General School Assistants began receiving their payments from 10am,” Sibiya said. Beneficiaries banking with Capitec and FNB received their stipends first, while those using other banks will be paid once inter-bank processes are complete.

The Deputy Minister explained that the delays under Phase V of the programme were linked to compliance requirements under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), and not negligence. He also offered an apology to thousands of young South Africans affected by the late payments.

“We must always uphold integrity when managing public funds, but we acknowledge that verification delays caused hardship. For that, government unreservedly apologises,” he said.

To prevent future disruptions, Sibiya outlined measures including the faster submission of compliance documents, strengthened monitoring of the Kwantu Payment System, and the creation of a joint technical team to speed up verification. He stressed that consequence management would be enforced in cases of negligence.

The BEEI has created 158,000 employment opportunities for young people, offering valuable work experience, training, and skills development. Sibiya emphasised that these youth are not just beneficiaries but active contributors to social progress.

“Interdepartmental unity is a model we want to replicate across other youth employment programmes. Our people do not want excuses; they want delivery. And that is exactly what we are doing today,” he concluded.