Building Safe, Resilient and Flourishing Communities is a learning brief developed by the Economic Development Partnership (EDP) through the Social Employment Network (SEN), drawing on the experiences of Social Employment Fund (SEF) partners working in the community safety sector. The brief explores how collaborative efforts between government, civil society organisations and local communities are helping to address some of South Africa’s most pressing safety challenges, including crime, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), youth unemployment and social exclusion.

Through case studies from organisations including StellCARE, Hlanganisa Community Fund for Social and Gender Justice, Africa!Ignite, HIVSA and the Small Projects Foundation, the brief demonstrates how community-led interventions are strengthening social cohesion, improving access to justice and support services, empowering young people and women, and creating pathways to employment and skills development. It also highlights key lessons, challenges and opportunities emerging from SEF implementation, offering valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, funders, civil society organisations and community development stakeholders seeking to build safer and more resilient communities.

Download the learning brief to discover how locally driven partnerships and social employment initiatives are creating lasting change, strengthening community safety and fostering hope for a better future by clicking here.