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.
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. ...