Changing South Africa’s public employment narrative to catalyse change

This case study highlights how the Social Employment Network (SEN) is transforming public employment programmes in South Africa by fostering collaboration among civil society organisations (CSOs). Through the Social Employment Fund (SEF), CSOs create job opportunities while delivering essential social services. SEN helps coordinate efforts, improve impact measurement, and shift the narrative around public employment by showcasing its broader social benefits beyond just job numbers.

A key success story, The Learning Trust, demonstrates how SEF funding has created jobs for youth while improving education outcomes. Looking ahead, SEN aims to strengthen partnerships, expand regional engagement, and enhance CSO capacity to sustain and scale its impact.

Abstract based on original source.