The Ultimate Guide to Social Employment: A New Engine for South Africa’s Economy
The Ultimate Guide to Social Employment: A New Engine for South Africa’s Economy
The Ultimate Guide to Social Employment: A New Engine for South Africa’s Economy
Author
Author
Romanos Boraine
Romanos Boraine
Category
Social Employment
Social Employment
Date
11 Jun 2025
11 Jun 2025
Social Employment is emerging as one of South Africa's most innovative responses to unemployment.
Social Employment is emerging as one of South Africa's most innovative responses to unemployment.
Social Employment is emerging as one of South Africa's most innovative responses to unemployment.
This guide offers a comprehensive look into what Social Employment is, how it functions through initiatives like the Social Employment Fund (SEF), and why it presents a more resilient and equitable model for job creation than relying on the private sector alone. Drawing from personal experience and detailed case studies, this article explores the transformative power of creating jobs that serve the public good.
Key Takeaways:
What is Social Employment? It's a model where the government and civil society partner to create part-time jobs within community-based organisations, focusing on work that serves the public good.
Proven Impact: Initiatives like the Social Employment Fund (SEF) have already created over 117,000 work opportunities, primarily for youth and women in vulnerable communities.
A Pathway to Real Jobs: Social Employment is not a dead end. Case studies show a high percentage of participants (up to 50%) transition into permanent jobs or pursue further education.
More Than Just Jobs: The model builds stronger communities by delivering essential services in areas like education, environmental conservation, and food security.
A Resilient Alternative: Unlike the volatility of private-sector job creation, Social Employment offers a stable, intentional strategy to tackle unemployment and build social value simultaneously.
Since the end of 2018, my career has been a journey through the different engines of South Africa’s economy. I’ve worked with a wide spectrum of private sector businesses, from ad agencies and tech companies to manufacturing and retail. I’ve also partnered with non-profits, civil society organisations, and even collaborated with the Presidency in 2022.
Across the for-profit world, I encountered a recurring philosophy: that the act of creating jobs was the ultimate contribution to society, a gift so vital it often overshadowed other civic duties. But I also saw a common vulnerability. I learned that a private enterprise is only a powerful engine for job creation when it is healthy and scaling. When a business faces pressure, its focus inevitably narrows to survival, not expansion. The noble goal of creating more jobs is often the first casualty.
This lesson crystallised over time, seeing how jobs, once celebrated as a company's legacy, could vanish when conditions changed. It became clear that a private business’s contribution to job creation is conditional. It’s only truly valuable to the wider economy when the business itself is profitable and growing. Otherwise, the jobs it creates are temporary and built on a fragile foundation. This highlighted a fundamental flaw in relying on this model alone to solve our country's unemployment challenges.
My perspective shifted for good. Having seen the limitations of one model and the potential of another, I began looking for a more resilient, more equitable approach, one that wasn't dependent on the whims of a single boardroom. That’s when I encountered Social Employment (SE). It's a fundamental rethinking of what a "job" can be...
This guide offers a comprehensive look into what Social Employment is, how it functions through initiatives like the Social Employment Fund (SEF), and why it presents a more resilient and equitable model for job creation than relying on the private sector alone. Drawing from personal experience and detailed case studies, this article explores the transformative power of creating jobs that serve the public good.
Key Takeaways:
What is Social Employment? It's a model where the government and civil society partner to create part-time jobs within community-based organisations, focusing on work that serves the public good.
Proven Impact: Initiatives like the Social Employment Fund (SEF) have already created over 117,000 work opportunities, primarily for youth and women in vulnerable communities.
A Pathway to Real Jobs: Social Employment is not a dead end. Case studies show a high percentage of participants (up to 50%) transition into permanent jobs or pursue further education.
More Than Just Jobs: The model builds stronger communities by delivering essential services in areas like education, environmental conservation, and food security.
A Resilient Alternative: Unlike the volatility of private-sector job creation, Social Employment offers a stable, intentional strategy to tackle unemployment and build social value simultaneously.
Since the end of 2018, my career has been a journey through the different engines of South Africa’s economy. I’ve worked with a wide spectrum of private sector businesses, from ad agencies and tech companies to manufacturing and retail. I’ve also partnered with non-profits, civil society organisations, and even collaborated with the Presidency in 2022.
Across the for-profit world, I encountered a recurring philosophy: that the act of creating jobs was the ultimate contribution to society, a gift so vital it often overshadowed other civic duties. But I also saw a common vulnerability. I learned that a private enterprise is only a powerful engine for job creation when it is healthy and scaling. When a business faces pressure, its focus inevitably narrows to survival, not expansion. The noble goal of creating more jobs is often the first casualty.
This lesson crystallised over time, seeing how jobs, once celebrated as a company's legacy, could vanish when conditions changed. It became clear that a private business’s contribution to job creation is conditional. It’s only truly valuable to the wider economy when the business itself is profitable and growing. Otherwise, the jobs it creates are temporary and built on a fragile foundation. This highlighted a fundamental flaw in relying on this model alone to solve our country's unemployment challenges.
My perspective shifted for good. Having seen the limitations of one model and the potential of another, I began looking for a more resilient, more equitable approach, one that wasn't dependent on the whims of a single boardroom. That’s when I encountered Social Employment (SE). It's a fundamental rethinking of what a "job" can be...
This guide offers a comprehensive look into what Social Employment is, how it functions through initiatives like the Social Employment Fund (SEF), and why it presents a more resilient and equitable model for job creation than relying on the private sector alone. Drawing from personal experience and detailed case studies, this article explores the transformative power of creating jobs that serve the public good.
Key Takeaways:
What is Social Employment? It's a model where the government and civil society partner to create part-time jobs within community-based organisations, focusing on work that serves the public good.
Proven Impact: Initiatives like the Social Employment Fund (SEF) have already created over 117,000 work opportunities, primarily for youth and women in vulnerable communities.
A Pathway to Real Jobs: Social Employment is not a dead end. Case studies show a high percentage of participants (up to 50%) transition into permanent jobs or pursue further education.
More Than Just Jobs: The model builds stronger communities by delivering essential services in areas like education, environmental conservation, and food security.
A Resilient Alternative: Unlike the volatility of private-sector job creation, Social Employment offers a stable, intentional strategy to tackle unemployment and build social value simultaneously.
Since the end of 2018, my career has been a journey through the different engines of South Africa’s economy. I’ve worked with a wide spectrum of private sector businesses, from ad agencies and tech companies to manufacturing and retail. I’ve also partnered with non-profits, civil society organisations, and even collaborated with the Presidency in 2022.
Across the for-profit world, I encountered a recurring philosophy: that the act of creating jobs was the ultimate contribution to society, a gift so vital it often overshadowed other civic duties. But I also saw a common vulnerability. I learned that a private enterprise is only a powerful engine for job creation when it is healthy and scaling. When a business faces pressure, its focus inevitably narrows to survival, not expansion. The noble goal of creating more jobs is often the first casualty.
This lesson crystallised over time, seeing how jobs, once celebrated as a company's legacy, could vanish when conditions changed. It became clear that a private business’s contribution to job creation is conditional. It’s only truly valuable to the wider economy when the business itself is profitable and growing. Otherwise, the jobs it creates are temporary and built on a fragile foundation. This highlighted a fundamental flaw in relying on this model alone to solve our country's unemployment challenges.
My perspective shifted for good. Having seen the limitations of one model and the potential of another, I began looking for a more resilient, more equitable approach, one that wasn't dependent on the whims of a single boardroom. That’s when I encountered Social Employment (SE). It's a fundamental rethinking of what a "job" can be...
What is Social Employment? A Radical Shift in Thinking
What is Social Employment? A Radical Shift in Thinking
What is Social Employment? A Radical Shift in Thinking
Social Employment creates work for the public good. It funds part-time jobs within community-based organisations to deliver services that a community needs to thrive. This work is often in sectors the private market overlooks:
Early Childhood Development (ECD) and after-school care.
Environmental conservation and greening projects.
Community safety and social cohesion initiatives.
Food security and urban agriculture.
The model is simple but profound: the government, often in partnership with philanthropy, provides funding to civil society organisations (CSOs). These CSOs, which are already deeply embedded in communities, then hire unemployed local residents to carry out this essential work.
Participants receive a wage, gain valuable skills and work experience, and contribute directly to the well-being of their own neighbourhoods. It’s a model that generates a "dual benefit," delivering crucial services while simultaneously providing income and dignity to the unemployed.
While the concept has global roots, seen in programmes like India’s massive National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), South Africa’s approach is uniquely tailored to our challenges of deep inequality and the need for social repair.
Social Employment creates work for the public good. It funds part-time jobs within community-based organisations to deliver services that a community needs to thrive. This work is often in sectors the private market overlooks:
Early Childhood Development (ECD) and after-school care.
Environmental conservation and greening projects.
Community safety and social cohesion initiatives.
Food security and urban agriculture.
The model is simple but profound: the government, often in partnership with philanthropy, provides funding to civil society organisations (CSOs). These CSOs, which are already deeply embedded in communities, then hire unemployed local residents to carry out this essential work.
Participants receive a wage, gain valuable skills and work experience, and contribute directly to the well-being of their own neighbourhoods. It’s a model that generates a "dual benefit," delivering crucial services while simultaneously providing income and dignity to the unemployed.
While the concept has global roots, seen in programmes like India’s massive National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), South Africa’s approach is uniquely tailored to our challenges of deep inequality and the need for social repair.
Social Employment creates work for the public good. It funds part-time jobs within community-based organisations to deliver services that a community needs to thrive. This work is often in sectors the private market overlooks:
Early Childhood Development (ECD) and after-school care.
Environmental conservation and greening projects.
Community safety and social cohesion initiatives.
Food security and urban agriculture.
The model is simple but profound: the government, often in partnership with philanthropy, provides funding to civil society organisations (CSOs). These CSOs, which are already deeply embedded in communities, then hire unemployed local residents to carry out this essential work.
Participants receive a wage, gain valuable skills and work experience, and contribute directly to the well-being of their own neighbourhoods. It’s a model that generates a "dual benefit," delivering crucial services while simultaneously providing income and dignity to the unemployed.
While the concept has global roots, seen in programmes like India’s massive National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), South Africa’s approach is uniquely tailored to our challenges of deep inequality and the need for social repair.
Why Social Employment Is Better for South Africa Than Just "More Jobs"
Why Social Employment Is Better for South Africa Than Just "More Jobs"
Why Social Employment Is Better for South Africa Than Just "More Jobs"
Relying solely on the private sector to solve our unemployment crisis is a flawed strategy. Businesses are beholden to market cycles, technological disruption, and global economic shifts. They create jobs where it is profitable, not necessarily where they are needed most.
Social Employment offers a more resilient and equitable path forward. Here’s why:
It Targets the Most Vulnerable: SE programmes are specifically designed to reach those who are furthest from the formal job market: youth with no work experience, women in rural areas, and those without higher education.
It Builds Community, Not Just GDP: The work performed through SE directly strengthens the social fabric. A cleaner, safer park, a child who receives tutoring, or a community food garden are all assets that improve collective well-being in ways a simple payslip cannot.
It’s a Pathway, Not a Dead End: Social Employment acts as a powerful incubator for talent. It’s often the first rung on the employment ladder, providing the skills, confidence, and professional networks needed to transition into the formal economy.
Relying solely on the private sector to solve our unemployment crisis is a flawed strategy. Businesses are beholden to market cycles, technological disruption, and global economic shifts. They create jobs where it is profitable, not necessarily where they are needed most.
Social Employment offers a more resilient and equitable path forward. Here’s why:
It Targets the Most Vulnerable: SE programmes are specifically designed to reach those who are furthest from the formal job market: youth with no work experience, women in rural areas, and those without higher education.
It Builds Community, Not Just GDP: The work performed through SE directly strengthens the social fabric. A cleaner, safer park, a child who receives tutoring, or a community food garden are all assets that improve collective well-being in ways a simple payslip cannot.
It’s a Pathway, Not a Dead End: Social Employment acts as a powerful incubator for talent. It’s often the first rung on the employment ladder, providing the skills, confidence, and professional networks needed to transition into the formal economy.
Relying solely on the private sector to solve our unemployment crisis is a flawed strategy. Businesses are beholden to market cycles, technological disruption, and global economic shifts. They create jobs where it is profitable, not necessarily where they are needed most.
Social Employment offers a more resilient and equitable path forward. Here’s why:
It Targets the Most Vulnerable: SE programmes are specifically designed to reach those who are furthest from the formal job market: youth with no work experience, women in rural areas, and those without higher education.
It Builds Community, Not Just GDP: The work performed through SE directly strengthens the social fabric. A cleaner, safer park, a child who receives tutoring, or a community food garden are all assets that improve collective well-being in ways a simple payslip cannot.
It’s a Pathway, Not a Dead End: Social Employment acts as a powerful incubator for talent. It’s often the first rung on the employment ladder, providing the skills, confidence, and professional networks needed to transition into the formal economy.
In Action: The Social Employment Fund (SEF) and Social Employment Network (SEN)
The most significant Social Employment initiative in South Africa is the Social Employment Fund (SEF), launched as part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus. The SEF doesn’t create jobs from Pretoria; it channels funds to a diverse network of Strategic Implementing Partners (SIPs), the CSOs doing the work on the ground.
The results have been staggering. Since its inception, the SEF has:
Created over 117,000 work opportunities for unemployed people across the country.
Partnered with dozens of CSOs in fields ranging from education and health to arts and the environment.
Prioritised inclusivity, with the majority of participants being youth and women, many in rural and peri-urban areas.
To support this massive undertaking, the Social Employment Network (SEN) was established. The SEN is a community of practice where these organisations can share knowledge, solve common challenges, and enhance their collective impact. It’s a space for peer learning that helps CSOs navigate everything from financial reporting to measuring their social impact, ensuring the entire system becomes more effective and sustainable.
Case Study: The Learning Trust and the Power of Upskilling
A standout example of SEF’s impact comes from The Learning Trust, an organisation focused on the after-school sector. Through SEF funding, they supported a coalition that:
Employed over 10,000 young teaching assistants and programme facilitators.
Provided after-school academic support to more than 180,000 learners, helping to close the gaps created by the pandemic.
Most importantly, this wasn’t just short-term work. The programme served as a powerful launchpad for its participants:
An incredible 50% of participants transitioned into permanent jobs.
Another 44% went on to pursue further studies, such as finishing their matric or enrolling in tertiary education.
This single example demolishes the myth that public employment is a dead-end street. It proves that with the right structure, Social Employment is a powerful engine for upward mobility.
In Action: The Social Employment Fund (SEF) and Social Employment Network (SEN)
The most significant Social Employment initiative in South Africa is the Social Employment Fund (SEF), launched as part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus. The SEF doesn’t create jobs from Pretoria; it channels funds to a diverse network of Strategic Implementing Partners (SIPs), the CSOs doing the work on the ground.
The results have been staggering. Since its inception, the SEF has:
Created over 117,000 work opportunities for unemployed people across the country.
Partnered with dozens of CSOs in fields ranging from education and health to arts and the environment.
Prioritised inclusivity, with the majority of participants being youth and women, many in rural and peri-urban areas.
To support this massive undertaking, the Social Employment Network (SEN) was established. The SEN is a community of practice where these organisations can share knowledge, solve common challenges, and enhance their collective impact. It’s a space for peer learning that helps CSOs navigate everything from financial reporting to measuring their social impact, ensuring the entire system becomes more effective and sustainable.
Case Study: The Learning Trust and the Power of Upskilling
A standout example of SEF’s impact comes from The Learning Trust, an organisation focused on the after-school sector. Through SEF funding, they supported a coalition that:
Employed over 10,000 young teaching assistants and programme facilitators.
Provided after-school academic support to more than 180,000 learners, helping to close the gaps created by the pandemic.
Most importantly, this wasn’t just short-term work. The programme served as a powerful launchpad for its participants:
An incredible 50% of participants transitioned into permanent jobs.
Another 44% went on to pursue further studies, such as finishing their matric or enrolling in tertiary education.
This single example demolishes the myth that public employment is a dead-end street. It proves that with the right structure, Social Employment is a powerful engine for upward mobility.
In Action: The Social Employment Fund (SEF) and Social Employment Network (SEN)
The most significant Social Employment initiative in South Africa is the Social Employment Fund (SEF), launched as part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus. The SEF doesn’t create jobs from Pretoria; it channels funds to a diverse network of Strategic Implementing Partners (SIPs), the CSOs doing the work on the ground.
The results have been staggering. Since its inception, the SEF has:
Created over 117,000 work opportunities for unemployed people across the country.
Partnered with dozens of CSOs in fields ranging from education and health to arts and the environment.
Prioritised inclusivity, with the majority of participants being youth and women, many in rural and peri-urban areas.
To support this massive undertaking, the Social Employment Network (SEN) was established. The SEN is a community of practice where these organisations can share knowledge, solve common challenges, and enhance their collective impact. It’s a space for peer learning that helps CSOs navigate everything from financial reporting to measuring their social impact, ensuring the entire system becomes more effective and sustainable.
Case Study: The Learning Trust and the Power of Upskilling
A standout example of SEF’s impact comes from The Learning Trust, an organisation focused on the after-school sector. Through SEF funding, they supported a coalition that:
Employed over 10,000 young teaching assistants and programme facilitators.
Provided after-school academic support to more than 180,000 learners, helping to close the gaps created by the pandemic.
Most importantly, this wasn’t just short-term work. The programme served as a powerful launchpad for its participants:
An incredible 50% of participants transitioned into permanent jobs.
Another 44% went on to pursue further studies, such as finishing their matric or enrolling in tertiary education.
This single example demolishes the myth that public employment is a dead-end street. It proves that with the right structure, Social Employment is a powerful engine for upward mobility.
The Broader Social Employment Ecosystem
The SEF and SEN are the flagship initiatives, but they are part of a growing movement. Other key players include:
The Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI): A broad strategy to tackle youth unemployment, which includes funding large-scale programmes like the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) that places young people as assistants in schools.
Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator: A not-for-profit social enterprise that has become a master at connecting unemployed youth with entry-level job opportunities in the private sector, effectively bridging the gap between talent and employers.
Learn to Earn: A Cape Town-based NGO that provides intensive skills training and job placement assistance, giving unemployed individuals the practical tools they need to become economically active.
Together, these initiatives are proving that there are multiple pathways to tackling unemployment, all rooted in the principle of investing directly in human potential.
The Broader Social Employment Ecosystem
The SEF and SEN are the flagship initiatives, but they are part of a growing movement. Other key players include:
The Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI): A broad strategy to tackle youth unemployment, which includes funding large-scale programmes like the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) that places young people as assistants in schools.
Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator: A not-for-profit social enterprise that has become a master at connecting unemployed youth with entry-level job opportunities in the private sector, effectively bridging the gap between talent and employers.
Learn to Earn: A Cape Town-based NGO that provides intensive skills training and job placement assistance, giving unemployed individuals the practical tools they need to become economically active.
Together, these initiatives are proving that there are multiple pathways to tackling unemployment, all rooted in the principle of investing directly in human potential.
The Broader Social Employment Ecosystem
The SEF and SEN are the flagship initiatives, but they are part of a growing movement. Other key players include:
The Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI): A broad strategy to tackle youth unemployment, which includes funding large-scale programmes like the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) that places young people as assistants in schools.
Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator: A not-for-profit social enterprise that has become a master at connecting unemployed youth with entry-level job opportunities in the private sector, effectively bridging the gap between talent and employers.
Learn to Earn: A Cape Town-based NGO that provides intensive skills training and job placement assistance, giving unemployed individuals the practical tools they need to become economically active.
Together, these initiatives are proving that there are multiple pathways to tackling unemployment, all rooted in the principle of investing directly in human potential.
The Road Ahead: How Do We Sustain and Scale This Model?
The success of Social Employment raises a critical question: how do we ensure its longevity beyond initial stimulus funding? The future depends on three key areas:
Sustainable Funding Models: The long-term vision is a hybrid model that combines government funding with corporate social investment (CSI) and international donor support. Businesses have a profound opportunity to partner with SEF-funded CSOs, directing their CSI budgets towards programmes that generate measurable social and economic returns in the communities they operate in.
Building Capacity: Scaling up requires strengthening the administrative and operational capacity of the CSOs on the ground. Continued investment in networks like the SEN is crucial to provide training, mentorship, and shared systems that allow these organisations to manage larger programmes effectively.
Shifting the Public Narrative: We must continue to champion the story of Social Employment, not as a welfare programme, but as a vital economic strategy. This means moving beyond just counting "jobs created" and highlighting the deeper social value: improved educational outcomes, stronger community cohesion, and a more resilient society.
The Road Ahead: How Do We Sustain and Scale This Model?
The success of Social Employment raises a critical question: how do we ensure its longevity beyond initial stimulus funding? The future depends on three key areas:
Sustainable Funding Models: The long-term vision is a hybrid model that combines government funding with corporate social investment (CSI) and international donor support. Businesses have a profound opportunity to partner with SEF-funded CSOs, directing their CSI budgets towards programmes that generate measurable social and economic returns in the communities they operate in.
Building Capacity: Scaling up requires strengthening the administrative and operational capacity of the CSOs on the ground. Continued investment in networks like the SEN is crucial to provide training, mentorship, and shared systems that allow these organisations to manage larger programmes effectively.
Shifting the Public Narrative: We must continue to champion the story of Social Employment, not as a welfare programme, but as a vital economic strategy. This means moving beyond just counting "jobs created" and highlighting the deeper social value: improved educational outcomes, stronger community cohesion, and a more resilient society.
The Road Ahead: How Do We Sustain and Scale This Model?
The success of Social Employment raises a critical question: how do we ensure its longevity beyond initial stimulus funding? The future depends on three key areas:
Sustainable Funding Models: The long-term vision is a hybrid model that combines government funding with corporate social investment (CSI) and international donor support. Businesses have a profound opportunity to partner with SEF-funded CSOs, directing their CSI budgets towards programmes that generate measurable social and economic returns in the communities they operate in.
Building Capacity: Scaling up requires strengthening the administrative and operational capacity of the CSOs on the ground. Continued investment in networks like the SEN is crucial to provide training, mentorship, and shared systems that allow these organisations to manage larger programmes effectively.
Shifting the Public Narrative: We must continue to champion the story of Social Employment, not as a welfare programme, but as a vital economic strategy. This means moving beyond just counting "jobs created" and highlighting the deeper social value: improved educational outcomes, stronger community cohesion, and a more resilient society.
A Call to Build a Socially Responsible Society That Works
My journey has taught me that the old debate of "state versus market" is a false choice. We need a thriving private sector, but we also need a robust social economy that creates opportunities where the market cannot or will not.
Social Employment does just that. It provides dignity through work, builds skills, and repairs the social fabric of our nation one job at a time. It is an investment in our people that pays dividends in every corner of society.
This is why I have dedicated my work to supporting the organisations on the front lines of this movement.
Are you involved in a social enterprise, a non-profit, or a community project and want to scale your impact? Are you considering how to set up or strengthen a Social Employment programme?
I can help. I work with organisations to build the strong brands and efficient systems needed to deliver on their mission. My services include:
Targeted Audits to strengthen brand strategy and digital systems.
SEO Optimised Websites to increase visibility and attract support.
Brand Coaching and Communication Strategy to clarify your message and grow your audience.
Let's build a South Africa where everyone has a chance to contribute.
A Call to Build a Socially Responsible Society That Works
My journey has taught me that the old debate of "state versus market" is a false choice. We need a thriving private sector, but we also need a robust social economy that creates opportunities where the market cannot or will not.
Social Employment does just that. It provides dignity through work, builds skills, and repairs the social fabric of our nation one job at a time. It is an investment in our people that pays dividends in every corner of society.
This is why I have dedicated my work to supporting the organisations on the front lines of this movement.
Are you involved in a social enterprise, a non-profit, or a community project and want to scale your impact? Are you considering how to set up or strengthen a Social Employment programme?
I can help. I work with organisations to build the strong brands and efficient systems needed to deliver on their mission. My services include:
Targeted Audits to strengthen brand strategy and digital systems.
SEO Optimised Websites to increase visibility and attract support.
Brand Coaching and Communication Strategy to clarify your message and grow your audience.
Let's build a South Africa where everyone has a chance to contribute.
A Call to Build a Socially Responsible Society That Works
My journey has taught me that the old debate of "state versus market" is a false choice. We need a thriving private sector, but we also need a robust social economy that creates opportunities where the market cannot or will not.
Social Employment does just that. It provides dignity through work, builds skills, and repairs the social fabric of our nation one job at a time. It is an investment in our people that pays dividends in every corner of society.
This is why I have dedicated my work to supporting the organisations on the front lines of this movement.
Are you involved in a social enterprise, a non-profit, or a community project and want to scale your impact? Are you considering how to set up or strengthen a Social Employment programme?
I can help. I work with organisations to build the strong brands and efficient systems needed to deliver on their mission. My services include:
Targeted Audits to strengthen brand strategy and digital systems.
SEO Optimised Websites to increase visibility and attract support.
Brand Coaching and Communication Strategy to clarify your message and grow your audience.
Let's build a South Africa where everyone has a chance to contribute.
Frequently Asked Questions about Social Employment
Frequently Asked Questions about Social Employment
Frequently Asked Questions about Social Employment
1. What is the difference between Social Employment and a government grant?
1. What is the difference between Social Employment and a government grant?
1. What is the difference between Social Employment and a government grant?
A government grant, like the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, is a form of social assistance providing a direct cash transfer for basic needs. Social Employment is different because it is a wage paid in exchange for work. Participants are actively employed in part-time roles that deliver valuable community services, helping them gain skills and work experience while earning an income.
2. Who is eligible for Social Employment programmes in South Africa?
2. Who is eligible for Social Employment programmes in South Africa?
2. Who is eligible for Social Employment programmes in South Africa?
Eligibility can vary slightly between implementing organisations, but the core focus is on unemployed South Africans, particularly those who are not receiving other forms of government support. These public employment programmes prioritise youth, women, and individuals in rural and under-resourced communities who face the highest barriers to entering the formal job market.
3. How is the Social Employment Fund (SEF) funded?
3. How is the Social Employment Fund (SEF) funded?
3. How is the Social Employment Fund (SEF) funded?
The SEF is primarily funded by the South African government through the Presidential Employment Stimulus. However, the model is designed to be a partnership. It actively encourages co-funding from corporate social investment (CSI) budgets, philanthropic foundations, and international donors to expand its reach and ensure long-term sustainability.
4. Can Social Employment solve South Africa's unemployment crisis alone?
4. Can Social Employment solve South Africa's unemployment crisis alone?
4. Can Social Employment solve South Africa's unemployment crisis alone?
No single initiative can solve a challenge as complex as South Africa's unemployment crisis. Social Employment is not intended to replace the private sector but to complement it. It acts as a vital strategy to create jobs and build social value in areas the formal market doesn't reach. It provides a crucial pathway to skills and experience, making participants more eligible for future opportunities in the private or public sector.
Other Social Employment Resources for your NPO
Other Social Employment Resources for your NPO
Other Social Employment Resources for your NPO
Ready to Move Faster?
Let’s chat. Book a free 20-minute call with me, Romanos Boraine, to map out your brand, systems, or content gaps - and explore what we can fix fast.
Romanos Boraine
Helping nonprofits, startups and social enterprises grow smarter through strategic positioning, creative direction, digital systems audits and workflow optimisation.
Services
Digital Tools
Ready to Move Faster?
Let’s chat. Book a free 20-minute call with me, Romanos Boraine, to map out your brand, systems, or content gaps - and explore what we can fix fast.
Romanos Boraine
Helping nonprofits, startups and social enterprises grow smarter through strategic positioning, creative direction, digital systems audits and workflow optimisation.
Services
Digital Tools
Ready to Move Faster?
Let’s chat. Book a free 20-minute call with me, Romanos Boraine, to map out your brand, systems, or content gaps - and explore what we can fix fast.
Romanos Boraine
Helping nonprofits, startups and social enterprises grow smarter through strategic positioning, creative direction, digital systems audits and workflow optimisation.
Services
Digital Tools