Requirements for Teaching in South Africa
To teach in a South African public or independent school, you need:
- A recognised teaching qualification (minimum four-year Bachelor of Education, or a degree plus a Postgraduate Certificate in Education)
- Registration with the South African Council for Educators (SACE)
- A police clearance certificate (no criminal record for offences against children)
Where to Find Teaching Positions
Public Schools
Provincial education departments advertise vacancies through:
- Provincial education department websites – Gauteng (GDE), Western Cape (WCED), KwaZulu-Natal (KZN DoE), and other provinces post vacancies on their official websites
- Government Gazette – Teaching posts are advertised in provincial government gazettes
- District offices – Contact your nearest education district office for local vacancies
- School governing bodies – Some SGB-funded positions are advertised directly by schools
Independent Schools
Independent schools advertise through:
- Their own websites
- Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA)
- Education recruitment agencies
- General job platforms
The Application Process
Public School Applications
- Monitor provincial education department websites for vacancy bulletins (usually published in cycles throughout the year)
- Complete the prescribed application form (varies by province)
- Attach certified copies of qualifications, SACE certificate, ID, and supporting documents
- Submit before the closing date. Late applications are typically not considered
- Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by the school’s interview committee (including SGB members)
What Makes a Strong Application
- A clear, concise CV highlighting your qualifications, teaching experience, and subject expertise
- A covering letter that addresses the specific post and school
- Evidence of professional development (SACE-endorsed courses, workshops attended)
- References from previous employers or supervisors
- For new graduates: teaching practice reports and academic transcripts
Interview Preparation
- Research the school before the interview
- Be prepared to discuss your teaching philosophy, classroom management approach, and how you would teach specific CAPS content
- Prepare examples of how you have handled challenges in the classroom
- Be ready to present or teach a short lesson if requested
Alternative Routes into Teaching
- Funza Lushaka Bursary – Government bursary for students studying teaching, with a service obligation to teach in a public school after graduating
- PGCE – If you have a degree in a subject area but not a teaching qualification, a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education qualifies you to teach
- Assistant teaching – Some schools employ teaching assistants who can gain classroom experience while completing their qualifications