Neftaly Charity – Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) Partnership Report
September 2035
Prepared by: Neftaly Chief Development Officer
Executive Summary
September 2035 was a month of consolidation and strategic alignment for the Neftaly–DBSA partnership. Building on strong momentum from previous months, our focus turned to quality assurance, deepened community engagement, and preparation for program scaling in Q4. Key outcomes include strong youth participation, robust digital platform performance, and enhanced regional collaboration.
Key Achievements – September 2035
1. Program Strengthening and Youth Retention
- Sustained the engagement of over 2,800 youth in ongoing training programs across six provinces.
- Achieved a 91% retention rate in our green skills and entrepreneurship tracks, highlighting improved learner satisfaction and program relevance.
2. Digital Innovation and Expansion
- Introduced certification pathways on the Neftaly Digital Learning Platform, allowing learners to earn digital badges for completed modules.
- Surpassed 5,000 active platform users, with an average weekly engagement rate of 72%.
3. Enterprise Growth Support
- Enabled 150 youth-led enterprises to access microfinance through Neftaly’s Enterprise Support Fund.
- Facilitated partnerships with 12 local cooperatives and supply networks, connecting entrepreneurs to real market opportunities.
4. Stakeholder Integration and Policy Dialogue
- Hosted a DBSA–Neftaly Policy Roundtable in Johannesburg, focused on youth employment, inclusive finance, and green economy pathways.
- Engaged government departments, TVET colleges, private sector leaders, and civil society, laying the groundwork for expanded public-private collaboration.
Impact Metrics – September 2035
| Key Indicator | Result |
|---|---|
| Youth Currently Enrolled | 2,800+ |
| Retention Rate | 91% |
| Digital Platform Active Users | 5,000+ |
| Youth Enterprises Supported (This Month) | 150 |
| Policy Roundtable Attendees | 85+ stakeholders |
| New Market Linkages Created | 12 partnerships |
Challenges and Mitigation
| Challenge | Response |
|---|---|
| Internet instability in rural areas | Introduced offline downloadable modules and printed kits |
| Certification demand exceeding capacity | Fast-tracked digital assessment tool integration |
| Youth requests for in-person mentorship | Launched a hybrid mentorship model via mobile youth hubs |
Strategic Focus – October to December 2035
- Launch the Neftaly Youth Innovation Incubator to support idea-stage ventures.
- Expand platform language accessibility to include Setswana and isiXhosa.
- Host the 2035 Neftaly–DBSA National Youth Summit.
- Prepare and publish the Annual Partnership Impact Report.
Conclusion
September 2035 demonstrated the strength, adaptability, and momentum of the Neftaly–DBSA partnership. Through a combination of digital empowerment, enterprise growth, and collaborative leadership, we are actively shaping an inclusive and sustainable future for South Africa’s youth. As we head into the final quarter of the year, we remain committed to deepening our impact and scaling our reach.