By Lungile Ntimba
The National Treasury’s Jobs Fund has launched a new funding round aimed at supporting innovative solutions that address critical employment barriers in the country’s green and informal economies.
This initiative seeks to support creative, scalable interventions that will contribute to sustainable job creation and stimulate inclusive economic growth in high labour absorptive sectors.
Since its inception, the Jobs Fund has disbursed R7.4 billion to its project partners, which has resulted in the creation of 210,719 permanent jobs, 114,534 short-term jobs/internships, and support for more than 63,000 SMMEs and 16,000 emerging farmers.
The Treasury said on Wednesday that the new round was targeting projects within the green economy—such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, energy efficiency, transport, water and waste management.
Focus on the informal economy included sectors like street vending, small-scale manufacturing, care and repair services.
Eligible intermediaries from the public, private, and non-profit sectors were encouraged to apply for grants starting from R5 million.
Proposals will be assessed on their potential to deliver measurable employment outcomes and address critical labour market barriers.
The Treasury said all proposals must include a sustainability plan that demonstrated long-term financial and operational viability.
The fund is offering matched funding at 1:1 basis for private and public sector partners, and 1:0.5 for non-profit organisations.
The deadline for applications is 5 June 2025.
INSIDE POLITICS