In the heart of rural Nieu Bethesda in the Eastern Cape, a group of determined individuals, under the stewardship of former policeman, Vuyolwethu Lolwana, and business development and digital marketing graduate, Jazé Vywers, are broadening the role of social employment programmes and the concept of 'the common good’. Proving that,
with collaboration and innovation, communities can unlock their true potential. 5 Nov 2024 Read more The Social Employment Fund (SEF), which supports part-time work in community projects supporting the common good, was recently named the Prosperity Catalyst Award winner at the 2024 Bay Awards, hosted in Bilbao, Spain. Selected from over one hundred entries worldwide, the SEF has demonstrated the profound impact of supporting community-based projects that create social value, even in the absence of market value. 22 Oct 2024 Read more What began as a ‘stop-gap income solution’ in Given Ngwamba’s garage in Mpumalanga has blossomed into a flourishing business, making significant strides in the eco-friendly charcoal industry. The company, TNK Greenhouse Technology, now employs 17 people and sells its briquette products in major retailers, such as Pick n Pay and Spar. 15 Oct 2024 Read more The 50th National Arts Festival, held annually in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape, may have drawn to a close but, with ‘Shaping Together’ as its theme, the organisers’ work continues. Not only to host the renowned National Arts Festival (NAF) 2025 but also in terms of the ongoing upliftment programmes it oversees in the town. 6 Aug 2024 Read more What do a performing arts organisation, a bicycle and an organisation which trains community members in aquaponic farming have in common? At first glance, not much. "But," says Sthokozile Nkwanyana of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), "thanks to some creative thinking and support from the Social Employment Fund (SEF), these two NGOs have come up with an innovative collaboration." 18 Jun 2024 Read more With South Africa at a significant milestone, 30 years of democracy – this piece is a reflection on the 2024 State of the Nation Address (Sona) that was delivered by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa in February that prompts one to consider how the incoming administration, following National Elections, will address and prioritise early childhood development (ECD). 10 Jun 2024 Read more The beautiful thing about learning is that no-one can take it away 30 Jan 2024 Read more As the world focuses on the UN Women led ’16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children’ campaign, we take a look at how organisations such as Partners in Sexual Health (PSH), are making a positive impact in the lives of South African women. 11 Dec 2023 Read more Access to informal settlements has always been a challenge when it comes to emergency services and transport route mapping. The solution: simple, but brilliant. A partnership between PlanAct and Google Earth has introduced ‘Plus Codes’, which are digital addresses that offer a near-instant solution for households in informal settlements. 24 Nov 2023 Read more With unemployment on the rise, there is much debate about the long-term potential of well-designed social employment programmes, such as the Social Employment Fund (SEF). Implementing partners strongly believe in a strategy that combines the goals of providing employment, while creating pathways to address social challenges. 13 Nov 2023 Read more Thandeka Mashinini (26) dreamt big. She always wanted to be a beauty therapist and own her own beauty salon. Today her dream has become a reality and she credits the Social Employment Fund (SEF) for being the stepping stone to changing her life and future. 2 Nov 2023 Read more 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 profound impact of the Social Employment Fund (SEF) project on her life and her community. 27 Sep 2023 Read more Social employment initiatives are crucial as a start to tackling some of our country's unemployment issues by promoting inclusivity, poverty alleviation, skills development and social impact. When people are employed - even temporarily - the material difference the income makes has a ripple effect. The money earned is spent on local businesses, stimulating the local economy and uplifting the community. An added benefit is that the skills acquired stay in the community. 11 Sep 2023 Read more 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 leadership skills and environmental awareness. 6 Sep 2023 Read more 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 SEF project Thandeka never lost sight of her bigger picture dream of becoming a beauty therapist. 31 Aug 2023 Read more 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. Throughout his journey, he familiarised himself with farm-specific terminology such as germinating, mulching, and transplanting, which expanded his farming knowledge. 31 Aug 2023 Read more 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. 14 Aug 2023 Read more 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 young children in her community. Zibanzini ECD Centre's story is one of determination, community support, and the desire to do something for the common good. 4 Aug 2023 Read more |
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