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 sixth SEN webinar explored innovative private sector partnering and the value of collaborations between businesses and NGOs. These partnerships draw on the innovation, efficiency, and resources of the private sector while leveraging the community trust and grassroots expertise of NGOs, creating more scalable and impactful solutions. The session examined current trends and challenges in working with the private sector, outlined different types of potential partners, and highlighted innovative partnership models. Practical strategies were also shared on how NGOs can build strong, effective relationships with private sector actors to achieve shared development goals. See more on innovative partnerships here.
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.
Aquaponics: Could this be a solution for enhancing employment opportunities and addressing nutrition in marginalised communities? With Janet Lee Ogilvie and Kararegra Mashava, from INMED South Africa.
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...
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...












