The Thandulwazi Teacher-Intern Training Programme, run by the Thandulwazi Trust in partnership with St Stithians College, is recruiting aspiring teachers for January 2027. Selected interns study towards a B.Ed or PGCE part-time through a public university while gaining daily classroom experience — with tuition, textbooks, meals and a monthly stipend potentially covered.
Most aspiring teachers face an impossible choice: study full-time with no income, or work full-time and shelve the dream. This programme refuses to make you choose — and it’s one of the most complete teacher-development packages in the country.
What Exactly Is the Teacher-Intern Training Programme?
The programme is an initiative of the Thandulwazi Maths and Science Academy, established by St Stithians College in 2006 to strengthen public education in greater Johannesburg. The Academy is funded mainly through corporate CSI contributions and private donations — and St Stithians proudly calls it the seventh school of the College.
As a teacher-intern, you’ll study towards either a 4-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) or a 2-year Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) through long-distance learning with a public tertiary institution, while spending your days inside real classrooms.
The key programme details:
- Reference Number: SS-353
- Type: Contract, 1 to 2 years
- Salary: Market related
- EE Position: Yes
- Start Date: January 2027
Who Should Be Applying?
Preference will be given to candidates in one of these categories:
- Already registered with a public tertiary institution, studying part-time towards a 4-year B.Ed (Foundation Phase or Senior and FET Phase) or a 2-year PGCE majoring in Mathematics and Physical Sciences
- Passed Grade 12 with a Bachelor pass and secured admission to a public institution for part-time B.Ed or PGCE studies in 2027
- Current Grade 12 learners (2026) planning to enrol for a B.Ed in 2027, with proof of application
- All applicants must be South African citizens
Yes, you read that correctly — matriculants writing their finals this year can apply, provided they can show proof of their 2027 university application.
What Financial Support Could You Receive?
Subject to a financial needs analysis, interns may qualify for:
- Payment of tuition fees
- A textbook allowance
- A daily meal allowance
- A workshop and conference allowance
- A monthly stipend
Stack those together and the programme effectively removes every major financial barrier between you and a teaching qualification.
What Will Your Days Actually Look Like?
From January 2027, interns receive mentorship from experienced educators, structured professional training, and hands-on teaching practice inside an IEB school environment — plus a full year in a public school to experience both sides of South African education.
By the time you qualify, you won’t just hold a degree. You’ll walk into your first teaching post with years of real classroom hours behind you — the single biggest advantage a newly qualified teacher can have.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: The programme’s heart is Maths and Science education — that’s the Thandulwazi Academy’s entire mission. If you’re choosing between teaching majors and you’re strong in Mathematics or Physical Sciences, say so loudly in your motivation. Applicants aligned with the Academy’s scarce-skills focus naturally stand out. And if you’re a current matriculant, apply to a public university for your B.Ed NOW — that proof of application is your ticket into the running.
How Do You Submit Your Application?
The position was advertised on 11 June 2026 with no published closing date, so early applications are strongly advised.
Prepare these documents first:
- Updated CV
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Grade 12 results or latest academic record
- Proof of registration or admission at a public tertiary institution
- Proof of application for 2027 studies (for current matriculants)
- A short, sincere motivation explaining why you want to teach
Applications must be submitted through the official online application portal using reference number SS-353.
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Final Thoughts
South Africa desperately needs Maths and Science teachers, and the Thandulwazi Trust has built one of the few programmes that funds, mentors and trains them from day one. Whether you’re a current student, a Bachelor-pass matriculant, or a Grade 12 learner with a 2027 plan, this is a genuine career-launching opportunity.
Get your documents in order and submit early — programmes this comprehensive rarely struggle to fill their seats.
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