Empowering lives through urban economic farming (Limpopo)

About the Social Employment Fund
The Social Employment Fund (SEF) looks to provide temporary work for 50,000 previously unemployed individuals. Social employment is premised upon ‘work for the common good’ by remunerating activities that contribute to community upliftment in areas such as education, food security and nutrition. The SEF, which  is administered by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), is implemented by 36 civil society organisations across the country.

Introduction
Bela Bela, in the Limpopo Province, is the scene of a positive example of the transformative power brought about by social employment. This example focuses on Mr Lucas Mokhadi, a 34-year-old Bela Bela resident, and his journey towards creating a better life for himself and his family.

Background
After experiencing the stress of 18 months of unemployment, Mr Mokhadi joined the SEF project in October 2022 through the social enterprise, Seriti Institute. The SEF project provided him with training in crop production, which has equipped him with basic theoretical and practical knowledge of sustainable urban farming practices (the practice of growing fresh produce within an urban setting for individual, communal, or commercial purposes).

As a SEF participant, he earned a monthly stipend, that supplemented his household income and provided some much-needed relief and security.

Family situation
Mr Mokhadi lives with his wife, who works as a security officer, and their three children Ofentse (16) and Rorisang (6), and a son, Tshegofatso (4), who are all in school.

Transformation and improved quality of life
Since Mr Mokhadi’s involvement with the SEF, the Mokhadi family has experienced a positive transformation. With a double income the family is now more secure, and benefits from the cost savings of affordable homegrown produce.

Earning the SEF stipend has helped cover household expenses and food costs, and has also supported Mr Mokhadi’s determination and confidence to find permanent employment. It provided funds for basic job application expenses like public transport, internet data bundles, accessing online application portals and buying newspapers for the job section. Resources taken for granted by many, but for Mr Mokhadi was a game changer.

Getting a permanent job
Due to the encouragement and coaching received on the SEF programme, Mr Mokhadi was able to attend a series of job interviews for various positions. His perseverance paid off when he secured a permanent role as a Clerk at the Department of Home Affairs. He is grateful to the SEF for this life changing opportunity.

Passion and value for farming
During his journey, Mr Mokhadi rediscovered his passion for farming. He worked hard to apply the knowledge and skills he learnt through the SEF project, in growing his own fresh produce. Recognising the value of his experience, he has mentored and guided other SEF participants so that they too can benefit from added food security.

Conclusion
The SEF project has helped unlock positive change to the Mokhadi family, by giving them security and hope for a better future. Through empowerment, training, and financial support, the SEF is enabling people like Mr Mokhadi to find work while learning valuable skills on the job.

His story stands as a testament to the impact the SEF programme has had in Bela Bela, empowering livelihoods and uplifting communities by giving hard working individuals a helping hand.

#SEF #SocialEmploymentFund #workforcommongood #empoweringlives