"Empowering Futures: Francina Mampho Muhlanga Advances Her Education Journey with the SEF Programme"

Growing up in the small town of Phagameng in Modimolle, agricultural activities surrounded Francina, and that propelled her interest in participating in the Social Employment Fund (SEF) Programme, which she applied for and was successful in her quest. As a young mother, her immediate goal was to provide for her family and earn a living; she did not anticipate experiencing holistic growth and knowledge expansion at this level.?

Francina joined Seriti as a SEF participant in July 2022, working with the local implementing partner Organisation Hands-On (OHO). She became a Nutrition Ambassador, where she dedicated herself to acquiring new knowledge and skills. As she engaged in various training workshops and practical activities, Francina and her partner decided to establish a homestead garden, focusing on cabbages, spinach, and beetroot seedlings provided by OHO. This reinforced her newly acquired skills and reduced the financial burden of regularly purchasing fresh produce.?

With their now dual-income household, they could also invest in their son Lesego’s school needs, such as a new uniform and stationery, and start saving for his university studies as he wishes to become a Scientist. This experience has improved the quality of life in their household, as their focus is now shifting from survival mode to strengthening bonds.?

Motivated by these positive changes, Francina learned of an opportunity to further her studies under the SEF Programme. Despite having only completed her National Senior Certificate, she enrolled in a SETA Accredited Marketing Course (Level 05) facilitated by Chenrose Training. With a specific interest in the branding and packaging module, Francina underwent in-service training in OHO's Marketing team, taking on roles as a Social Media Manager and Content Creator.?

Francina has taken a specific interest in the branding and packaging module; she found how it affects consumers' purchasing decisions intriguing. As part of her required in-service training, she works in the OHO’s Marketing team, fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of a Social Media Manager and Content Creator.

Francina acknowledges the impact of the SEF program, stating, "Thank you so much for this program. The money I receive is helping me and my family a lot. I can meet my basic needs because of it. I am now a Marketing graduate because of the help and support we got from the SEF program and Organization Hands On."??

Expressing gratitude for the SEF Program, Francina credits it for providing crucial financial support and enabling her to meet basic needs. Her journey from program participant to marketing graduate is a testament to the transformative potential of initiatives like SEF. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a Level 6 Marketing Course and aims to secure employment in the sector within the agricultural entities in her community.?

The SEF project provided immediate financial relief to the Muhlanga family and sparked a lasting ambition for economic freedom and community progress. Francina's journey vividly showcases the transformative impact of initiatives like SEF, breathing life into personal and professional growth. The SEF acted as a powerful enabler, unlocking opportunities that were previously out of reach for the Muhlanga family. Francina's inspiring trajectory, from financial relief to professional achievement, would have remained a distant dream without initiatives like SEF. This underscores the pressing need for such programs, and credit is due to the government for turning these transformative possibilities into a reality.?

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