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.
Exit strategies: Employment creation projects must be sustainable
In the realm of employment creation projects, public employment programmes (PEPs) have played a crucial role in providing work and earning opportunities while alleviating the socio-economic impact of unemployment. Significantly, PEPs provide much-needed employment...
Digital addresses to transform informal settlements (Gauteng)
Background There are many reasons why informal settlements exist and why people establish and develop them. In addition to being vulnerable to pollution, overcrowding and poor waste management, residents in informal settlements are also excluded from basic service...
Cracking the code of blended finance
Dr Paul Cromhout, CEO, Small Projects Foundation
A social employment programme can strengthen inner city regeneration
With guest David Van Niekerk, CEO, Johannesburg Inner City Partnership
Invasive plants can be profitable (KwaZulu-Natal)
Invasive species removal Invasive plant species, also known as invasive plants or weeds, often outcompete native vegetation, disrupt local ecosystems, and can cause harm to the environment, agriculture, and even human health. More than 500 Social Employment Fund...
Blessed by baking (Limpopo)
The power of dreams In the small town of Modimolle, situated in the heart of South Africa's Limpopo province, the life of 30-year-old Lavern Phala embodies resilience, transformation, and empowerment. Lavern's journey, marked by unwavering determination, showcases the...
Stamping out gender-based violence (North West)
Gender-based violence in South Africa An article in the National Library of Medicine, says South Africa is considered to be the rape capital of the world with 10,818 rape cases reported in the first quarter of 2022. And these are just the reported cases. The rate at...
Social Enterprise: Collaboratively creating unique solutions to accelerate socio-economic development with Charl Harding, (CEO) and Rhiyaan Cupido (SEF Programme Manager) of Impact Catalyst.
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...
Knowledge leads to understanding (Free State)
Leaoa Mokone is a Health Promoter for Partners in Sexual Health (PSH) at their Bloemfontein branch. Partners in Sexual Health (PSH) and the SEF Partners in Sexual Health’s (PSH) Common Good Youth SRHR (CGY) Project is funded by the Social Employment Fund, employing...
What makes a successful social employment programme?
With guest Juanita Pardesi, CEO, Seriti Institute