Background
In the heart of Bertrams, Johannesburg, Shaunita Pace faced a life fraught with challenges. At the age of 32, Shaunita struggled with joblessness, a pervasive issue affecting an estimated 8.4 million South Africans. Personal crises compounded the financial strain of unemployment: her brother’s severe drug addiction and her mother’s deteriorating health left her in a constant state of fear and uncertainty. “There was a time we wouldn’t know if she was going to make it through the night,” Shaunita recalls, reflecting the profound emotional and difficult circumstances she endured.
Impact
Shaunita’s life began to change when she received an opportunity to join the Social Employment Fund (SEF) project through Planact. The SEF project is designed to create employment opportunities and foster community development across various thematic areas towards community upliftment. For Shaunita, this opportunity was not just a job; it was a lifeline that promised to restore her confidence and purpose.
Shaunita’s involvement in the SEF project marked a turning point. As one of 1,000 participants working across different areas like community safety, recycling, food security, and more, Shaunita found renewed purpose and self-esteem. She notes, “I have gained my confidence back. I feel like a normal person again. I’m not depressed or sad anymore.”
Her personal transformation extended to her family. Her brother, who had battled a five-year drug addiction, found new purpose through the project. He has been clean for nine months, contributing positively to the community and steering clear of past negative influences. This stability and support from the SEF project helped bring Shaunita’s family back from the brink of collapse.
Community Impact
Bertrams, Johannesburg, reflects a complex interplay of unemployment, poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, and inadequate infrastructure. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive and sustained efforts from government, non-governmental organisations, and the community itself. Initiatives like the Social Employment Fund (SEF) aim to mitigate some of these issues by providing job opportunities and fostering community development.
The SEF project’s influence extends beyond Shaunita’s household. It has created job opportunities, restored dignity, and instilled hope within the Bertrams community. Shaunita highlights the project’s broad scope, which includes initiatives in health and wellness, operations and maintenance, and digital mapping. These programs equip community members with essential skills, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
“It has united the community in a common cause: building a better future for the next generations,” Shaunita says. “Many are learning new skills through this program, and it has opened their eyes so much.”
Reflection
Shaunita’s story exemplifies the transformative power of targeted social employment initiatives. The SEF project has not only provided financial stability but has also rekindled hope and a sense of community among its participants. Shaunita’s reflection on the project’s future underscores the impact it has had on her life and the lives of those around her: “It’s heartbreaking to think that at some point, this project will come to an end. We all wish it could continue because it has brought so much hope and stability into our lives.”
By addressing both individual and community needs, the project has been instrumental in lifting people out of poverty, restoring dignity, and fostering resilience. Shaunita’s transformation from despair to empowerment highlights the critical role of Planact and SEF in shaping brighter futures for marginalised communities.