As part of the Social Employment Fund (SEF), the Economic Development Partnership convenes the Social Employment Network (SEN), a community of practice that connects Strategic Implementing Partners (SIPs) and supports collaborative learning. To extend this learning beyond the network, the SEN hosts a series of webinars designed to showcase the depth of expertise within SIPs and highlight the critical role civil society plays in shaping public employment. These sessions not only amplify SIP voices but also help reframe how Public Employment Programmes (PEPs) are understood, demonstrating that they are not just about job creation, but also about building community assets, strengthening local ecosystems, and drawing on the innovation and lived experience of civil society organisations.
The fifth SEN webinar focused on aquaponics, an innovative farming method that combines aquaculture (fish farming) with hydroponics (soil-free plant cultivation) in a closed-loop system. The session highlighted the environmental benefits of aquaponics, such as reduced water use, minimal soil degradation, and the elimination of synthetic fertilizers, alongside its economic potential to generate diverse income streams and maximize yields in small spaces. Socially, aquaponics can improve food security, provide access to fresh produce, and empower communities through local food production and entrepreneurship. Practical tips were shared on different aquaponic models, including deep-water culture, nutrient film technique, and medium bed design. See more on aquaponics here.
Shaunita Pace: Rebuilding hope and transforming Betrams, Johannesburg
Background In the heart of Bertrams, Johannesburg, Shaunita Pace faced a life fraught with challenges. At the age of 28, Shaunita struggled with joblessness, a pervasive issue affecting an estimated 8.4 million South Africans. Personal crises compounded the financial...
Transforming Cosmo City: Maria Ndaba’s Journey from Cleaner to Business Owner & Community Leader
Cosmo City in Gauteng faces significant socio-economic challenges typical of rapidly growing urban areas. High unemployment rates prevail due to limited job opportunities locally and in nearby urban centres, leading to widespread financial insecurity and poverty among...
Innovative Strategic Partnerships with Nal’ibali and weFEEDsa on the 27th May 2024 from 10–11:30AM
Innovative Strategic Partnerships Unpacking strategies on how to leverage private sector partnerships to strengthen and grow your organisation. Webinar with Nal’Ibali and weFEEDsa on 27th May 2024 from 10 – 11:30 AM.
Self-discovery through education (Mpumalanga)
Introduction Mpumalanga grapples with high unemployment rates, particularly among its youth population. With limited access to job opportunities and economic resources, many young people find themselves unemployed or underemployed, hindering their ability to...
Self-discovery through education (Mpumalanga)
Introduction Mpumalanga grapples with high unemployment rates, particularly among its youth population. With limited access to job opportunities and economic resources, many young people find themselves unemployed or underemployed, hindering their ability to...
Making animal feed from invasive plants (Limpopo)
Case Study: Making animal feed from invasive plants. Background The Impact Catalyst's Social Employment Fund (SEF) programme addresses the dual challenge of environmental degradation and socio-economic needs in communities across the Northern Cape, Limpopo,...
Transformation through agriculture
Introduction The Social Employment Fund (SEF) proudly presents a compilation of impactful stories, highlighting the transformative power of its agricultural programme. Through partnerships with local hosts and a commitment to the theme "Vuka Usebenze" (Wake up and...
Growing green businesses (Gauteng)
About Avo Vision Avo Vision has been a key player in community and, micro and small business development for nearly a decade. Over this time, Avo has positively impacted 52,049 as of 30 November 2023 individuals across South Africa through a variety of learning and...
Taking informal communities into the digital age
With guest Mike Makwela, Senior Programme Coordinator, Planact
Work experience leads to study opportunity (Limpopo)
Where it started Francina Mampho Muhlanga grew up in the small town of Phagameng in Modimolle, located near the southern edge of the Waterberg Massif in the Limpopo province. Blessed with abundant natural beauty, Limpopo’s 49.9% unemployment rate is the third highest...