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.
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...
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...
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