Located on the southernmost part of the African continent, South Africa is famous for its wonderful nature, cultural diversity, and rich history. No wonder why it is such a popular travel destination. English is the fourth most spoken language in South Africa among the 11 languages. Around 9.6 percent of the total South African population speaks English. The demand for ESL teachers might not be as high as in other countries, but it is a popular second language for South African people to learn. Therefore, teaching English in South Africa can be a good option for ESL instructors considering teaching abroad.
Teaching English in South Africa
Teaching English in South Africa
English is widely used in the media, government, and cities of South Africa. However, people in the rural areas do not have the same access the English education as the people living in the cities. These places are always in need of volunteers who are willing to teach English and other subjects. Some of the courses in demand in South Africa are mathematics, science, and technology.
Still, there are also paid English teaching jobs in South Africa too. You won’t be making enough to save tons. However, teaching English in South Africa will provide you with the unique experience of teaching and traveling at the same time. You will be able to get immersed in another culture while building your teaching career.
Requirements for Teaching English in South Africa
In order to teach English in South Africa, you will have to register as an educator through the SACE (South African Council of Educators). Also, verification of qualification must be done through SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority). If you want to be considered as a valid applicant for any teaching job in South Africa, complete and submit the application form from SACE. Be sure to have the following list ready.
- A valid passport and work permit
- Original evaluation report
- Completed academic report
- Proof of registration for the current academic year
If you want to find the full list of requirements, check the website. In addition, it is always good to have a university degree and/or a TEFL certificate when you look for an English teaching job in South Africa.
English Teaching Jobs in South Africa
The following list is the most common type of English teaching jobs in South Africa for foreign teachers willing to teach abroad. Some of the major cities in South Africa are Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. Finding an English teaching job in Cape Town and other major cities will be easier than doing so in rural areas of South Africa.
Public School
There is a shortage of educators for the courses in demand in South Africa like math, science, and technology. So, the government actively supports bringing in foreign educators who speak English and are eligible to teach other subjects as well. Public schools in South Africa are constantly recruiting teachers. However, public schools prefer teachers who can teach more than just English. If you want to teach English with math or science, great. But if you want to focus on teaching English, it might not be the best option.
International Language School
English teachers will find the most opportunities in international language schools like International Houe Johannesburg and American International School of Johannesburg. If you do not want to be teaching another subject along with English at public schools, international langue schools will be a better option.
Private Tutor
As the salary for English teachers in South Africa isn’t a lot, teachers will often seek private lessons. The downside of private tutoring is that it isn’t as stable as full-time English teaching jobs at public or international schools. Therefore, it is risky to keep private tutoring as the main source of income. However, if you do it as a side gig, it can be quite lucrative and will help you save some cash for traveling.
Online Teaching Jobs South Africa
There are many online English schools where you can connect with students in South Africa. Online English teaching jobs generally require fewer qualifications than full-time school jobs. Similar to private tutoring, this can be a great side job for teachers in South Africa teaching English.
How to Teach ESL in South Africa
Salary for ESL Jobs in South Africa
South Africa isn’t one of the high-paying countries for ESL teachers. On average, English teachers in South Africa make between 1,000 to 1,900 USD per month. If you choose to give private lessons for extra cash, you could charge an hourly rate between 12 to 21 USD.
It will be extremely challenging to find a job that provides accommodations such as housing and airfare. English teachers will have to be responsible for finding a place to stay in South Africa. The good news is that the cost of living in South Africa is not that high. You will be able to cover the basic cost of living with your salary and also enjoy your days off.
Things to Consider When Teaching in South Africa
Public transportation isn’t the most convenient thing in South Africa. If you live in one of the major cities like Cape Town or Johannesburg, there will be buses, but you will still have to get used to waiting as they do not stick to the schedule. The bus fare is cheap, though. Just be sure to plan ahead if you have to take a bust to go to work.
English Teaching Jobs in South Africa
FAQ About Teaching English in South Africa
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about teaching English in South Africa.
Is there a demand for English teachers in South Africa?
There is a demand for English teachers in South Africa, but it isn’t as high as it is in other non-English speaking countries. In fact, English is the fourth most spoken language in South Africa, which has mainly 11 languages spoken among the population. Public schools in South Africa are in huge need of teachers who can teach English and math or science together.
How much do English teachers earn in South Africa?
The average salary of English teachers in South Africa is between 1,000 and 1,900 USD hourly. However, professors teaching in universities or teachers at international schools might earn more than others.
How do I become an English teacher in South Africa?
In order to become an English teacher in South Africa, you will need a university degree and/or a TEFL certificate. You can take online courses to obtain a TEFL certificate. Also, you will have to apply through the South African Council of Educators (SACE) and verify your qualifications through the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
How many teachers are there in South Africa?
Roughly there are over 440,000 teachers in South Africa. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of teachers in South Africa. Every year, approximately 10,000 teachers leave, and only 6,000 graduate. If South Africa doesn’t double the number of teachers by 2025, there will be a huge shortage in schools.
Teach English in South Africa: Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts on teaching English in this wonderful country? Are you interested in finding an English teaching job in South Africa, or are you considering other well-paying countries? Let us know what you think in the comments. We’d love to hear from you.
