This brief highlights how the SEF supports the Early Childhood Development sector by creating part-time jobs, building the capacity of ECD practitioners, and improving early learning outcomes. It showcases partnerships with implementing organisations like Impande, Nal’ibali, Lima, and Thembalethu Development.
The document outlines how stipends, training, mentorship, and resource provision strengthen ECD centres, expand literacy initiatives, and increase access to quality services for children in poor communities. It also reflects on broader impacts such as improved child development, community collaboration, pathways to sustainable employment, and lessons learned through the Social Employment Network.
To download the full brief, please click here.
Uplifting the inner city (Gauteng)
Johannesburg Inner City Partnership and SEF Strategic implementation partner Johannesburg Inner City Partnership (JICP) works in partnership with the City of Johannesburg to regenerate the Inner City. The recent Bree Street explosion and the 80 Albert Street fire,...
Giving children creative education (Gauteng)
An arts academy Nqobo Tsebe Arts Academy (NTA) was established in 2022 by Julius Tsebe, who wanted to make a positive impact on the community of Alexandra, Gauteng. NTA offers creative art lessons to children in need, nurturing their artistic talents while fostering...
Empowering children through creative education (Gauteng)
An arts academy Nqobo Tsebe Arts Academy (NTA) was established in 2022 by Julius Tsebe, who wanted to make a positive impact for the community of Alexandra, Gauteng. NTA offers creative art lessons to children in need, nurturing their artistic talents while fostering...
Acquiring work-ready farming skills (Gauteng)
Personal development Puseletso Kekana joined the SEF programme in August 2022 as a first-time team leader. The role was a steep learning curve, dealing with people and resolving daily issues was a transformative experience that contributed to his personal growth....
From timekeeper to running her own beauty spa (Mpumalanga)
Where it began Thandeka Mashinini started with the SEF project in August 2022 as a timekeeper. During her time on the project she gained great leadership and interpersonal skills that would support her bigger dream of becoming a beauty spa owner. While working on the...
Why social employment should be institutionalised in South Africa
With guest Dr Rejoice Shumba, CEO, Siyakholwa
How an arts residency led to a marketing bursary (North West)
An uncertain start In the small village of Maile Extension in Rustenburg, North West province, 23-year-old Semakaleng Masemola couldn't find work after completing her matric. Raised by her aunt, the path ahead seemed unclear, with no direction or plan. A turning point...
From temp to full time community liaison officer (KwaZulu-Natal)
How it started Even though 22-year-old Ziphelele Ngwenya has a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics, philosophy and politics; she was unable to find work. Through Lima, she had an opportunity to join the SEF project as a community Health Participant. About Lima LIMA...
Social enterprise in the form of an ECD centre (Eastern Cape)
Where it started In 2010, KwaBonda Village in the Eastern Cape, saw the start of a remarkable journey. Khanyisile Mpethwa, driven by her passion for young children, started on a mission to establish an Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre to cater for the needs of...
Job creation in the Cape Floral Kingdom (Western Cape)
Location Walker Bay Conservancy, Western Cape Brownie Points has been working in partnership with the Grootbos Foundation to implement a biodiversity stewardship project to benefit conservation and community members through the creation of employment opportunities. ...