How to Apply for the Social Employment Fund (SEF) in South Africa

How to Apply for the Social Employment Fund (SEF) in South Africa. South Africa continues to face high unemployment levels, particularly among youth, women, and rural communities. The Social Employment Fund (SEF), part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus, is one of the most impactful initiatives to tackle this challenge. SEF is designed not just to create jobs but to deliver meaningful social value while providing unemployed South Africans with skills and experience.

Contents

The Social Employment Fund (SEF) is a public programme launched by the Department of Employment and Labour in collaboration with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). SEF funds non-profit organisations (NPOs), social enterprises, cooperatives, and community-based organisations to provide part-time work opportunities to unemployed individuals.

SEF projects focus on areas that benefit communities, including:

Community kitchens and food security programmes
Educational support and after-school programmes
Environmental initiatives like tree planting and river cleanups
Arts, culture, and heritage activities
Health and wellness education campaigns
Local safety and awareness initiatives

SEF isn’t just about “work for work’s sake.” It’s about creating jobs that matter, improve communities, and build experience.

Who Can Apply? – Eligibility Criteria for Job Seekers

Unemployed South Africans who want to work under the SEF programme must meet the following requirements:

Criteria	Requirement
Citizenship	South African citizen or permanent resident
Age	18–60 years
Employment Status	Currently unemployed
Residence	Must reside in the area where the project takes place
Work Hours	Willing to work part-time (16–20 hours/week)
Government Programmes	Not participating in other government employment schemes

No prior work experience is required, making SEF a perfect entry point for young job seekers.

How Organisations Can Apply for SEF Funding

Organisations that want to host SEF workers must submit a funding proposal through the IDC official portal when a call for proposals is announced.

To be eligible, your organisation must:

Be legally registered (NPO, NPC, cooperative, etc.)
Have the capacity to implement community-based work
Provide training or mentoring to workers
Propose projects that deliver social value

Each proposal should include:

Type of work to be performed
Number of jobs to be created
Areas of project implementation
Training and support offered

Guide to Apply as a Job Seeker

If you are looking to work under the SEF programme, follow these steps:

Step 1: Find a Funded Organisation

Check with:

Local community centres or ward councillors
SEF announcements on the IDC or Department of Employment and Labour website
Social media pages of participating NPOs, e.g., Harambee, Seriti Institute

Step 2: Submit Your Application

You may apply in person or through a recruitment partner like SAYouth.mobi. Required documents include:

Certified copy of your South African ID
Proof of residence
Bank account or mobile wallet details (for stipend payments)

Step 3: Attend Orientation

If selected, you will attend a short induction, followed by placement in a project for up to 9 months.

Guide for Organisations to Apply

Step 1: Register on the IDC SEF Portal

Visit the official IDC website or the Presidential Employment Stimulus portal during the open call.

Step 2: Download the Call for Proposals

This document includes eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and templates.

Step 3: Complete the Proposal

Include:

Organisational profile
Project plan and goals
Budget and resources
Job creation targets
Monitoring and evaluation methods

Step 4: Submit Online

Upload all documents via the IDC SEF Application Portal before the deadline.

Step 5: Await Approval

Shortlisted organisations may be invited for verification or interviews. Approved organisations sign a Service Level Agreement and receive funding.

Types of Work Under SEF

SEF projects are designed to benefit communities while giving participants valuable experience. Common tasks include:

Assisting in school feeding schemes
Running after-school programmes
Organising sports, arts, and cultural events
Participating in environmental projects like tree planting and clean-ups
Delivering public health education
Supporting the maintenance of public facilities

Stipends and Work Conditions

Participants in SEF projects can expect:

Benefit	Details
Work Hours	2–3 days per week (16–20 hours)
Stipend	Approx. R23/hour
Training	On-the-job mentoring and skills development
Certification	Certificate of participation upon completion

This allows beneficiaries to gain income, develop skills, and pursue further education or entrepreneurial projects simultaneously.

Tips for Applicants

Job Seekers

Visit SAYouth.mobi regularly for updates
Follow Harambee and Seriti Institute on social media
Seek help at local labour centres or Thusong Centres

Organisations

Check the IDC website frequently for new funding opportunities
Ensure proposals align with Presidential Employment Stimulus priorities
Track and report your project’s impact carefully

SEF: A Gateway to Meaningful Employment

The Social Employment Fund (SEF) is a unique initiative offering unemployed South Africans an opportunity to earn, learn, and contribute to their communities. With proper preparation and understanding of the application process, both job seekers and organisations can benefit from this life-changing programme.

Start your journey today and be part of the effort to uplift communities and create meaningful work in South Africa.

Conclusion

The Social Employment Fund (SEF) presents an invaluable opportunity for unemployed South Africans to gain practical work experience, earn a stipend, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Whether you are a youth seeking your first job, a woman looking to develop new skills, or a community organisation aiming to make an impact, SEF offers a platform to grow, learn, and create real social value.