Social Employment Fund

The Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES), funded by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). The programme aims to create meaningful work opportunities that address pressing social and environmental challenges while building pathways to sustainable livelihoods for unemployed South Africans.

As a Strategic Implementation Partner, Seriti Institute delivers SEF through its Work.Learn.Grow approach, providing participants with opportunities to engage in work that improves food security, environmental sustainability, and digital inclusion while developing practical skills, work experience, and future livelihood opportunities.

Participants are placed in community-based initiatives that contribute to local development while earning a monthly stipend and gaining access to training, mentorship, and enterprise development support.

These opportunities are designed to:

Create meaningful work that delivers social and environmental value
Strengthen food systems and improve community resilience
Build practical skills and work experience
Support participants to transition into employment, entrepreneurship, and further learning
Strengthen local organisations and community-led development initiatives
Promote sustainable livelihoods and economic inclusion

Programme Focus Areas

Food Security and Nutrition

Participants support household and community food production through community gardens, Multi-Functional Agri-Nodes (MFANs), seedling production, agroecological farming, and nutrition-focused initiatives. Through practical training and hands-on experience, participants contribute to local food security while developing agricultural and enterprise skills.

Greening and the Environment

Participants contribute to environmental sustainability through waste collection, recycling, upcycling, compost production, environmental awareness campaigns, community greening projects, and climate resilience initiatives. These activities help improve local environments while creating pathways into the growing green economy.

Digital Inclusion

Participants strengthen their digital literacy and employability through access to online learning platforms, digital skills training, and technology-enabled learning opportunities. Participants complete courses in areas such as Microsoft Office, artificial intelligence, systems administration, workplace readiness, and CV development, preparing them for participation in the digital economy.

Training and Skills Development

Training and participant development remain central to Seriti’s implementation of SEF. Participants receive ongoing support to strengthen both technical and transferable skills that improve their future livelihood prospects.

Participants access:

Agroecology and permaculture training
Cooperative development and governance training
Entrepreneurship and enterprise development support
Climate change and environmental management training
Digital literacy and workplace readiness programmes
Leadership and personal development opportunities
Mentorship and market access support
Online learning opportunities through digital learning platforms

Through partnerships with organisations including Afrika Tikkun, Standard Bank, Citi Foundation, ClimateWorks Foundation, and other sector stakeholders, participants gain access to specialised learning opportunities, transition pathways, and enterprise support initiatives.

Impact

Since becoming a Strategic Implementation Partner of the Social Employment Fund in 2022, Seriti Institute has created more than 14 267 work opportunities across multiple provinces, enabling unemployed South Africans to contribute to food security, environmental sustainability, and community development while building pathways to sustainable livelihoods.

Over the past two quarters (six months), participants in the programme have achieved the following:

Established and supported more than 110 community production sites and gardens
Produced more than 125,000 units of vegetables and 304,386 seedlings.
Improved access to nutritious food for vulnerable households
Collected and recycled more than 17 Tonnes of waste
Produced over 9.5 tonnes of compost to support sustainable agriculture
Established 24 cooperatives to support long-term economic participation
Completed digital learning programmes and earned more than 146 digital certificates
Developed practical skills in agriculture, environmental management, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and community development
129 participants transitioned into employment, enterprise development opportunities, and further education pathways

Recent programme achievements include the expansion of Multi-Functional Agri-Nodes in Deelpan, Standerton, and Limpopo; the establishment of new interventions in the Northern Cape; increased participant transitions into employment and cooperative enterprises; and strengthened market linkages that support sustainable, income-generating opportunities.

Through SEF, Seriti is not only creating work opportunities but also building resilient communities, strengthening local economies, and enabling participants to work, learn, and grow toward a more sustainable future.

Impact Stories

1212, 2024

Impact Story – From Aspiring Farmer to Thriving Producer: Phindile Gogo Ndlovu’s Remarkable Journey

Phindile Gogo Ndlovu is a passionate and hardworking backyard farmer from the Tsakane informal settlement near Bela-Bela. Her journey into farming began back in 2011, when she first started growing crops in her backyard. At the time, Phindile was filled with hope and excitement, eager to cultivate her own food and perhaps turn it into a business. However, her early experiences were not as successful as she had hoped.

1212, 2024

Impact Story – Gontse Moatshe’s Journey to Stability and Growth with SEF

Gontse Moatshe, a 24-year-old from Phomolong, Modimolle, Limpopo, has seen his life take a positive turn thanks to the Social Employment Fund (SEF). Living with his family, including his mother, three sisters, and a young nephew, Gontse has become a vital support for them.