Gauteng Education Apologises Over Late Payments to Assistant Teachers

More than 8,000 affected by verification delays in June stipend rollout

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has issued a public apology following widespread delays in paying stipends to assistant teachers across the province. Thousands of assistants hired under the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) have not received their expected payments for June and for many, it’s becoming a financial strain.

Unpaid Assistants Speak Out

One assistant teacher based in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, shared her frustration but said she remains patient.

“I haven’t been paid yet due to the verification delays, but I’ve been told that once the process is finalised, we will get our stipends. I’m hopeful that will happen by the end of this month. Some of my colleagues have received their payslips already,” she said.

What’s Causing the Delays?

According to GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona, the department is still working through a massive backlog of data verification, which includes checking personal and banking information for over 8,000 new assistants who were placed in schools starting 1 June 2025.

“While many schools have submitted valid and complete information, a portion of the data is still under review due to errors like duplicate ID numbers, invalid banking details, and incomplete forms,” Mabona explained.

These issues are slowing down the verification process, meaning only assistants whose information has been verified and cleared are being paid, in batches.

When Will Payments Be Made?

The department has promised that all verified assistants will receive their full payments as soon as their details are cleared.

“We are working tirelessly to finalise everything before the end of July,” Mabona added. “All eligible assistants will be paid in full once this is resolved. No one will be left behind.”

Communication Breakdown?

Some critics on social media have blamed schools and district offices for failing to communicate the delays clearly to assistants. Others have urged the department to fast-track the process and publish clearer timelines.

Local civil society groups have weighed in too. Equal Education issued a statement urging GDE to uphold its obligations:

“Delays like these not only hurt assistants, many of whom rely on this stipend as their main income, but also send the wrong message about valuing their contribution in the classroom.”

Supporting Learning, Supporting Lives

The assistant teachers are part of a wider effort by the Gauteng government to support educators, reduce overcrowded classrooms, and provide on-the-ground learning support in both primary and high schools.

Many are young graduates or job seekers who have seized the opportunity to gain experience in education while earning a stipend.

While the GDE’s apology is welcome, the pressure is now on to ensure that no assistant is left unpaid by the end of July. For those counting on these stipends to buy food, pay rent, or care for their families, every day matters.