Written by: Thula Zondi
Selling is one of the most essential, yet often underdeveloped, skills in South Africa’s economy. Through the Social Employment Fund (SEF) programme, partners are working to change that, creating opportunities that go beyond participation and open pathways to entrepreneurship.
Across different communities, envirochamps took part in hands-on “market days”, practical spaces designed to turn everyday resources into real business opportunities. The challenge was simple: use what you have and sell to your community. But the impact ran much deeper.
Participants stepped into the role of entrepreneurs, offering a wide range of products, from home-cooked meals and perfumes to handcrafted sculptures. These market days became more than just exercises; they were powerful moments of learning, confidence-building, and real-world experience.
For Banele Hlatshwayo, the experience marked a turning point in how she sees herself and her future. Reflecting on her journey, she shares, “I never saw myself as a business owner, but the programme taught me important skills like planning and working with customers. Starting fast food business has built my confidence and prepared me for Market Day.” Through this experience, Banele began to see entrepreneurship not as something distant, but as a real and achievable path.
By combining practical experience with foundational business skills, the programme is intentionally nurturing both learning and earning. It is about shifting mindsets, helping participants see what is possible for themselves beyond the programme.
Banele Hlatshwayo now carries a clear vision for her future. “In the future I want to grow my business to a well known brand and possibly open my own shop. I aim to keep on learning and become financially independent,” she says. Her aspirations reflect the deeper impact of the programme, building not only skills, but confidence, ambition, and a sense of possibility.
Through initiatives like market days, SEF is not only equipping participants with skills, it is planting the seeds of entrepreneurship, enabling individuals like Banele to build sustainable futures and thrive on their own terms.
To learn more about DUCT’s work, click here.
Edited by: Fundiswa Cele