Department of Basic Education

Mandate

The Department of Basic Education is responsible for primary and secondary schooling policy nationally (CAPS curriculum, matric examinations, school funding norms), while the nine Provincial Education Departments manage schools, teacher appointments, and day-to-day delivery in their respective provinces.

Structure

Most teaching posts are advertised and managed at provincial and district level, not through the national department directly. Non-teaching administrative, curriculum, and district-office roles are advertised similarly to other public service posts via the relevant provincial circular.

Career paths

Teaching posts follow their own OSD scale linked to qualification (REQV level) and experience, separate from the standard Level 1-16 structure used for administrative posts.