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 first SEN webinar explored the role of social enterprises in driving socio-economic development. It introduced what social enterprises are, why they matter for CSOs and NGOs working in the SEF and similar initiatives, and how to establish one. The session highlighted how social enterprises can sustain and grow community services, respond to values-driven consumer demand, create opportunities in distressed areas, and act as change agents—helping shift local economies toward sustainability and shared benefit.
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...
Nurturing culinary talents for sustainable careers (Limpopo)
Introduction In under-resourced communities, ensuring a balanced and healthy meal can be a challenge for various reasons, including affordability and a lack of information on nutritious food preparation. The Seriti Institute's aRe Bapaleng programme, a key initiative...
Growing young and passionate students (Gauteng)
Location: Moletsane, Soweto Johannesburg Introduction This case study is about four young people whose lives took a positive turn when their community garden was selected to be one of gardening hubs to participate in the Industrial Development Corporation's (IDC)...
Building sustainable solutions through circular economies with Monica Newton, CEO of the National Arts Festival.
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...
Fighting the fight for women’s rights (North West)
Empowering women through the Sisterhood Advocates Boipelo Phiri's remarkable journey from Sisterhood Advocate to Data Capturer within the Social Employment Fund's (SEF) Sisterhood Advocates Project shows the power of possible, and the impact the programme can have on...
Rugby scores a try for youth (Gauteng)
Introduction Established in 2011, The Eye of the Tiger Rugby Academy is a show of hope and transformation within the rugby community of Johannesburg. This non-profit organisation, a proud partner of Afrika Tikkun Services (ATS) under the Social Employment Fund (SEF)...
Collaboration that provides employment and social upliftment
Introduction In 2022, Brownie Points, a dedicated social upliftment organisation, initiated The Good Economy project, a collaborative effort involving ten foundations and charitable organisations. The primary objective was to create employment opportunities and foster...
Building sustainable solutions through circular economies with Monica Newton, CEO of the National Arts Festival.
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...
Urban agriculture: A pathway out of poverty (Gauteng)
Location: Grasmere, Johannesburg Introduction The Meriting Urban Farming Hub, situated in Grasmere, Johannesburg, is a testament to the transformative power of community-driven initiatives. This case study explores how this hub emerged, evolved, and continues to make...