11 October 2024
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Economic Empowerment by Avo Vision’s SEF 2 Project

How Avo Vision's SEF 2 Project Ignited Economic Empowerment in South Africa

Economic Empowerment From Unemployment to Opportunity: Avo Vision's SEF 2 Success Story

From September 2023 to June 2024, Avo Vision in Partnership with IDC (Industrial Development Corporation) embarked on an ambitious journey with the Social Employment Fund 2 (SEF 2) programme, aiming to tackle unemployment and boost small business sustainability across seven South African provinces. As we reflect on the project's achievements, the impact is clear: lives were transformed, businesses flourished, and communities were strengthened.

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Creating Opportunities, Changing Lives

The SEF 2 project surpassed its initial target, creating 1,822 jobs against a goal of 1,100. Of these, 1,438 participants remained active until the end of the project, with 62% being women and 65% youth. This initiative was a lifeline for many, considering that 80% of participants had previously relied on government grants for survival.

The programme's impact extended beyond mere employment. Participants gained valuable work experience and skills, with over 90% expressing confidence in their ability to secure future employment. Moreover, the entrepreneurial spirit was kindled, with 29% of participants starting side businesses during their time in the programme.

Phitha Arnold from Limpopo exemplified the project's transformative power: "I am now able to produce charcoal and firewood, teach my community about land restoration, and I am now a business owner."

For Tiki Zuziwe in Western Cape, the financial stability was transformative: “The programme made a significant difference in my life. I was struggling, especially with my husband being unemployed, but now, with the wages I earn, I can accomplish much more at home.”

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Empowering Small Businesses

The SEF 2 project onboarded 162 small businesses, including 114 Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers and 48 green businesses, surpassing the initial target of 90. These businesses experienced significant growth, with ECDs showing a notable increase in higher income brackets. The percentage of ECDs earning more than R15,000 per month increased by 8%, while those earning R10,000-R15,000 grew by 3%.

Access to technology improved dramatically for participating businesses. Online banking usage increased by 22% among green businesses and 17% among ECDs. Laptop access grew by 7% for green businesses and an impressive 16% for ECDs.

Expanding Horizons

The programme enabled businesses to diversify their offerings. ECDs introduced services such as computer lessons, aftercare, and gardening. Green businesses expanded into wood production, biochar manufacturing, and briquette making.

Netshandama Govern from Gauteng spoke to the collaborative spirit fostered by the programme: "I worked with a supportive team. It enhanced my performance. I had the opportunity to expand my network and build lasting relationships."

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Despite these successes, challenges remained. Green businesses faced difficulties in securing markets and obtaining necessary certifications. ECDs struggled with fee collection and infrastructure limitations. These insights provided valuable direction for future interventions and support.

Environmental Impact

The project made strides in environmental conservation, with 1,117 hectares of land cleared or thinned of alien and invasive plant species. This effort restored an estimated 292,033,000 liters of water to the ecosystem.

Looking Ahead

The SEF 2 project demonstrated the power of targeted intervention in creating sustainable livelihoods and supporting small business growth. As the project concluded, the focus shifted to addressing identified challenges, such as improving market access for green businesses and supporting ECDs with fee collection strategies.

The impact of this project was profound. Each participant, supporting an average of four dependents, helped the programme positively affect around 7,288 lives across seven provinces.

Masuku Nondumiso Nokuthula from Tshwane exemplified the growth and sustainability encouraged by the programme: “When I began with the SEF programme, I didn’t have a business. However, I managed to save money and start one. Now, I save money every month.”

Avo Vision Discover Avo Vision, a South Africa-based B2B leader in Early Childhood, Business, and Enterprise Development. We specialize in Property Finance, Education, Socio-Economic Growth & Life Skills Empowerment.

As we celebrated these achievements, Avo Vision remained committed to refining its approach, leveraging lessons learned, and continuing to drive positive change in South African communities. The SEF 2 project served as a testament to what could be achieved when opportunity met determination, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future.

Betty Mnyakeni a participant from one of the ECD’s in Nellmapuis, Tshwane summed up the project's impact succinctly: "The programme helped me start a business and I am now able to provide for my family."

Avo Vision Discover Avo Vision: South Africa’s leading B2B expert in Early Childhood, Business, and Enterprise Development. Specializing in Property Finance, Education, and Socio-Economic growth.

Avo Vision's Managing Director, Henry Sebata, shared his pride in the project's achievements:

"This is a wonderful milestone. Avo Vision is proud to be one of the Social Employment Fund Strategic Implementing Partners that did extremely well, especially when it comes to compliance. Avo is proud that 1,187 of the participants were youth as we continue to ensure that we contribute to youth employment. The idea of Avo is to equip, empower, and ignite the passion for people to propel within the organisation and outside. Behind the work that is done are lives and communities that are changing for the better."

Avo Vision Avo Vision: South Africa's B2B leader in Early Childhood, Business & Enterprise Development, Property Finance, Education & Life Skills for socio-economic growth.

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