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

Unemployment in South Africa continues to affect millions, especially youth, women, and residents in underdeveloped communities. To address this national challenge, the Social Employment Fund (SEF) was launched as part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme—bringing not just jobs, but jobs with social purpose.

Whether you’re an unemployed individual looking to earn and learn, or an organisation hoping to implement community upliftment projects, this guide will help you understand how to apply for the Social Employment Fund in 2025.

What is the Social Employment Fund (SEF)?

The SEF is a government-funded initiative that supports non-profit organisations, social enterprises, cooperatives, and community-based organisations to provide part-time, socially valuable work to unemployed individuals.

It’s not just a wage subsidy. It’s a way to:

Empower communities
Provide meaningful work
Develop essential soft and technical skills
Boost local economies

📌 Examples of SEF-Supported Projects:

Community kitchens and feeding schemes
After-school tutoring and education support
Arts, sports, and culture activities
Environmental clean-up and greening projects
Health awareness and wellness campaigns
Safety patrols and public awareness drives

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Who Is Eligible to Apply for SEF Jobs?

If you’re an unemployed job seeker, here are the basic eligibility requirements:

Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident
Aged between 18 and 60 years
Currently unemployed
Living in the area where the project takes place
Willing to work part-time (approx. 16–20 hours per week)
Not currently benefiting from any other government job programme

🎓 No previous work experience is required—SEF is about first-time opportunities.

How Job Seekers Can Apply to Work Under SEF (2025 Step-by-Step)

Here’s a practical breakdown of how to find and apply for a SEF opportunity:

🧭 Step 1: Find a Funded Organisation Near You

Check for SEF job openings through:

Your local community centre
Your ward councillor or municipality office
Social media pages of active SEF organisations (e.g. Harambee, Seriti Institute)
Local TVET colleges, Labour Centres, or Thusong Centres
https://sayouth.mobi – South Africa’s free youth job platform

🧾 Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

You will typically need:

Certified copy of your ID (not older than 3 months)
Proof of residence (municipality bill, affidavit, etc.)
Bank details OR a cellphone number linked to a mobile wallet (e.g. eWallet, TymeBank, etc.)

📅 Step 3: Submit Your Application

Applications may be submitted:

In person to the SEF project office or community centre
Through local job placement partners
Via mobile platforms like SAYouth.mobi

📣 Tip: Follow your local SEF partner’s Facebook page to stay informed about open opportunities and recruitment drives.

🎓 Step 4: Orientation & Placement

If selected, you’ll attend an induction session and receive basic training. You may then be placed on a project for up to 9 months.

How Organisations Can Apply for SEF Funding (2025 Guide)

Registered organisations wanting to host SEF workers must apply through the IDC SEF Portal during an open call.

📝 Step 1: Check for Open Calls

Visit:

🔔 Look for calls under “Presidential Employment Stimulus” or “Social Employment Fund”.

📥 Step 2: Download the SEF Call for Proposals

Each call includes:

Application instructions
Templates for proposal writing
Eligibility requirements

🧾 Step 3: Complete Your Proposal

Proposals must include:

Organisational profile (including registration docs like NPO/NPC/Co-op cert)
Community project plan
Number of jobs to be created
Project locations
Budget plan
Training and mentoring strategy
Monitoring and reporting methods

🌐 Step 4: Submit on IDC SEF Portal

Upload all required documents before the deadline. Incomplete or late submissions are not considered.

✅ Step 5: Approval & SLA

Shortlisted organisations may be interviewed or assessed before being awarded funding. If successful:

You’ll sign a Service Level Agreement (SLA)
Disbursement of funds begins according to approved milestones

What Kind of Work Will You Do in a SEF Job?

SEF projects are designed to benefit your community while building your skills. Work may include:

Assisting teachers or tutoring learners
Organising sport, art, and culture events
Running community gardens or recycling projects
Promoting public health messages
Helping in food kitchens or elderly care
Conducting community safety patrols

Stipends and Work Conditions

Participants in SEF jobs receive:

💰 Stipend of approx. R23 per hour
🕒 Work 16–20 hours/week (2–3 days)
🎓 Free training and mentorship
📜 Certificate of participation (helpful for your CV)

This flexible format makes it possible to study, freelance, or job-hunt on your off days.

Benefits of the Social Employment Fund

For Job Seekers:

First-time work experience
Monthly income while still job searching or studying
Skills training and CV building
Potential job referrals and networking

For Organisations:

Funded labour for community initiatives
Capacity to scale impact
Government backing and recognition
Opportunity to mentor the next generation

Tips for Job Seekers

📲 Register on SAYouth.mobi
🧾 Keep certified copies of your documents updated
🤝 Attend job readiness events and local SEF open days
📣 Follow active SEF organisations on social media
🗓️ Apply early—spaces fill up fast!

Tips for Organisations

🖊️ Prepare your proposal early—don’t wait until the call opens
📊 Use data to show community needs and impact
🤝 Partner with local stakeholders (e.g. schools, clinics, SAPS)
✅ Deliver real value—SEF funds work that changes lives

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Final Thoughts: SEF is More Than a Job—It’s a Mission

The Social Employment Fund is a powerful opportunity to work with purpose, earn an income, and build skills that improve your employability. Whether you’re on the ground looking for work, or an organisation ready to uplift your community, SEF is a gateway to real, impactful change.

With over 50,000 jobs created since its launch, SEF is changing lives—and you could be next.

How to Apply for the Social Employment Fund (SEF) in South Africa – 2025 Guide