Social Employment Fund

In Tongaat, #WeFeedSA is doing more than providing meals — they’re restoring hope, dignity, and resilience in communities. Through the #SEF, their work is not just about relief but about creating meaningful employment that empowers people to make a difference while addressing urgent social needs. This is the power of working for the common good—where meaningful employment creates real impact. Zahid Fakey #SocialEmploymentFund #SEF #WorkForCommonGood

Last week, we had the privilege of joining our Western Cape Catch-up Coalition implementing partners (IPs) at The Sozo Foundation in Cape Town. Our discussions centred on the remarkable efforts of these IPs in providing dignified work opportunities to hundreds of previously unemployed individuals through the Social Employment Fund (SEF). Beyond this, we explored how these IPs are deliberately designing & delivering work readiness programmes that prioritise skills development, exposure & access for previously disadvantaged people who navigate the harsh realities of systemic inequity & racial inequality. These initiatives are not just about employment—they are about transforming lives & challenging the structural barriers that have held these groups back for decades. Systemic barriers show up in almost every part of life—education, employment, housing, criminal justice & healthcare—making it harder for marginalised communities to thrive. For people of colour, these barriers aren’t just abstract or theoretical ideas; they’re real, everyday challenges that shape their lives & limit their opportunities. Systemic barriers often mean: ? Struggling to find stable, well-paying jobs or gain the work experience needed to move forward ? Facing exclusion & discrimination that chips away at their self-esteem & belief in what they can achieve ? Being trapped in cycles of poverty that affect not just them, but their families & future generations. Providing dignified work, even if it’s temporary, can be a powerful way to break down these barriers. It can: ? Help break cycles of exclusion by offering a fair chance to earn, learn & grow ? Showcase the incredible potential of these participants, challenging stereotypes & shifting perceptions ? Act as a bridge to further education, training or long-term employment, opening doors that have been closed ? Restore a sense of self-worth and agency, empowering participants to believe in themselves & chase their dreams. The SEF is an investment in dignified, temporary work for unemployed individuals, where they're not just getting a job—they’re getting a chance to rewrite their stories & build a future full of possibility. IPs understand that it's about recognising people's value, honouring their potential & standing with them as they break free from the weight of systemic inequity. Witnessing the dedication of our IPs & the resilience of the participants they serve is a powerful reminder of the collective impact we can achieve. Together, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for long-term change. As the saying goes, "It takes a village," & through this collaborative effort, we are proving just how powerful that village can be in breaking cycles of disadvantage & creating pathways to a brighter, more equitable future. The Learning Trust Advance Edukos Foundation Ikamva Labantwana Bethu #HumanRights #EquityandEquality #TLT #AfterSchoolProgrammes #Impact #Beyondtheclassroom #SEF

Through Partners in Sexual Health (PSH)'s Common Good Youth SRHR (CGY) Project, over 2000 young people are not just learning — they are leading. Equipped with sexual reproductive health rights knowledge and work readiness skills, they are creating safer, healthier communities through door-to-door engagements, community gatherings, and peer discussions. Their impact is twofold: reducing HIV incidences, teenage pregnancies, and GBV while gaining valuable work experience that supports their livelihoods and pathways to employment opportunities. ?? Watch their inspiring journey and the ripple effects of their work:https://lnkd.in/d3FqXN8i #SocialEmploymentFund #WorkForCommonGood #SEF

In 2015, young children in Khiliva Location had no access to pre-school education. Driven by her passion for learning, Zandile Malunga started Tholulwazi Pre-School to create a safe space where children could grow and learn. The journey wasn’t easy. Limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and financial struggles made every day a challenge. But in 2022, a partnership with Impande and the Industrial Development Corporation & Social Employment Fund (SEF) changed everything. “One of the biggest contributions was the construction of a new classroom after our old one collapsed due to heavy rains. This new structure is safe, spacious, and allows us to provide a better learning environment.” With new learning materials, teacher training, and a morning porridge program to ensure no child starts the day hungry, Tholulwazi has become a beacon of hope in the community. #SEF #SocialEmploymentFund #WorkForCommonGood #EmpoweringLives

In 2015, Lungiseni Tshicila saw a critical gap in her community: young children left unattended with no access to early education. With no formal training but a deep sense of purpose, she took a bold step and started Vulindlela Pre-School, ensuring a safe and nurturing space for children. Through the support of the Industrial Development Corporation & Social Employment Fund (SEF) support, Lungiseni not only sustained the preschool but also pursued an ECD Level 4 qualification, growing into a confident and knowledgeable educator. “SEF has been instrumental in my professional growth. The experience has enhanced my confidence as an ECD practitioner. I now approach my work with a renewed sense of purpose and pride.” #SEF #SocialEmploymentFund #WorkForCommonGood #EmpoweringLives

This week, we had the privilege of hosting the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) team for a site visit to see firsthand the impact of the Social Employment Fund (SEF) project in Gauteng. From Early Childhood Development (ECD) to coding, food security, academic support, and sports, our implementing partners are making real change happen! ?? ?????????? ????????: Sakhimfundo Youth Program, ?????????????????? We met the dedicated SEF participants supporting Early Childhood Development (ECD) learners. Their after-school programme ensures learners have a safe and enriching space to learn, grow, and have fun. ?? ???????? ????????: Matlhogonolo Community Outreach Centre NPO 192 - 939, ??????????????????, ???????????? We had the opportunity to see their robotics & coding programme in action. MCOC also runs an academic support programme, and their food security initiative has expanded through a local clinic partnership—complete with a tech-enabled irrigation prototype developed with learners! ?? ?????????? ????????: ???????????? ???????????????????? ??????????????, ???????????? As the Gauteng SEF consortium lead, SBA provides critical admin and management support to smaller SEF organisations while ensuring learners receive both academic support and basketball training. The team had a fantastic time shooting hoops and engaging with learners. These visits reaffirm the power of collective action in driving social impact. A huge shout-out to our implementing partners and SEF participants for the incredible work they’re doing to improve education outcomes for learners! #SocialEmploymentFund #SEF #WorkForCommonGood #EmpoweringLives #AfterSchoolWorks #AfterSchooolSA #BeyondTheClassroom

Last November, #SEF in partnership with GIBS Business School (Gordon Institute of Business Science) hosted the ???????????????????? ?????? ?????????? ???? ????????????????????????: ?????? ?????????? ?????????????? ???? ?????????????? ?? ???????????? ???????????????? dialogue. The discussions focused on the power of partnerships, the role of civil society in enabling business and government, and creating more inclusive communities for all. Watch the recap here: https://lnkd.in/dQGVMBRG

The Social Employment Fund programme is more than just numbers—it’s about real people and real change! HIVSA is proud to be hosting participants, providing work opportunities, skills training, and essential support to individuals and communities. Through our efforts, we’re creating opportunities, improving access to vital services, and strengthening communities. From empowering participants with hands-on experience to ensuring families have meals and individuals receive healthcare, SEF is transforming lives every day. See the infographic for the impact we’re making together! Industrial Development Corporation #SEF #SocialEmploymentFund #workforcommongood #empoweringlivesBuildingFutures #HIVSA

A RISING STAR ?? ?? seun mokwena (30) from Rabie Ridge started as an Assistant Agricultural Practitioner, driven by a passion for helping #farmers boost their yields. ???? He joined our Social Employment Fund programme as a participant, quickly levelled up to Timekeeper, and sharpened his #leadership and administrative skills. Now? He’s thriving as a Site Administrator! ?? But #SEF has given him more than just career growth—it’s fueled his confidence and ambition. His next big goal? Becoming a commercial farmer! And we’re here for it. ?? #Workforcommongood #SEFImpact #Agripreneur #Growth W/ the dti (Department of Trade and Industry: Republic of South Africa) & Industrial Development Corporation

#SEF Spotlight: Through the Social Employment Fund, ASSITEJ SOUTH AFRICA with its 175 partners, has empowered 2 499 part-time artists, providing training in arts facilitation, administration, project management, entrepreneurship and child-directed workshops. To date, the #ArtsForYouth programme has: ·?Employed an average of 1,640 artists per month ·?Trained 1,976 artists in critical skills ·?Reached 54,790 children & youth monthly ·?Supported 411 schools & 197 ECDs with arts-based activities And it’s growing! Over 1 500 part-time artists will be placed with 175 + member organisations, ensuring that the arts create work, uplift communities, and inspire hope. #SocialEmploymentFund #SEF #WorkForCommonGood