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Tag: PARTNERSHIP

  • Neftaly Charity November 2019 SAYPRO – DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) PARTNERSHIP Report by Neftaly Chief Development

    Neftaly Charity November 2019 SAYPRO – DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) PARTNERSHIP Report by Neftaly Chief Development

    Progress Report – November 2019

    Prepared by: Chief Development Officer, Neftaly

    Introduction

    November 2019 marked a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between Neftaly and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). Our collaborative efforts remain firmly focused on empowering South African youth through skills development, enterprise support, and infrastructure education, aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 objectives.

    This report provides an overview of activities conducted from August through November 2019, key achievements, and strategic insights for the coming months.

    Strategic Priorities

    During this period, the partnership prioritized:

    • Enhancing vocational and digital skills training for youth
    • Supporting youth entrepreneurship and access to markets
    • Increasing youth awareness and participation in infrastructure development
    • Strengthening community engagement and leadership opportunities

    Key Activities and Outcomes (Aug – Nov 2019)

    1. Vocational and Digital Skills Training

    • Delivered training sessions to over 1,800 youth across Gauteng, North West, and Limpopo provinces.
    • Focus areas included computer literacy, financial management, retail skills, and communication.

    2. Youth Enterprise Development

    • Facilitated entrepreneurship workshops for 100 youth entrepreneurs, focusing on business planning, marketing, and funding.
    • Established mentorship links between young entrepreneurs and experienced business leaders.

    3. Infrastructure Awareness and Civic Education

    • Conducted 5 workshops educating youth on the role of infrastructure in socio-economic development and governance processes.
    • Distributed printed materials in multiple local languages to enhance accessibility.

    4. Community Engagement

    • Supported youth participation in local government forums, enabling dialogue with municipal officials on development priorities.
    • Encouraged youth-led initiatives addressing community challenges.

    Impact Summary

    Activity AreaResult (Aug – Nov 2019)
    Youth Trained1,800+
    Youth Entrepreneurs Supported100
    Infrastructure Workshops Held5
    Youth Participants in Forums300+

    Challenges Faced

    • Limited access to digital devices for some participants restricted training delivery.
    • Varied levels of infrastructure awareness required customized educational approaches.
    • Funding limitations impacted scaling of entrepreneurship support.

    Lessons Learned

    • Hands-on, practical training significantly improves youth engagement and skill retention.
    • Peer mentorship boosts confidence and sustainability among young entrepreneurs.
    • Multilingual materials and culturally relevant content increase workshop effectiveness.

    Recommendations

    • Expand access to digital tools and internet connectivity to broaden training reach.
    • Develop a formal mentorship programme linking youth entrepreneurs with business experts.
    • Increase collaboration with local municipalities to embed youth voices in infrastructure planning.

    Conclusion

    The Neftaly–DBSA partnership continues to make meaningful strides in empowering youth as agents of change. With ongoing commitment and strategic focus, the partnership is well-positioned to scale impact and contribute towards building a skilled, entrepreneurial, and civically engaged youth population in South Africa.

    Acknowledgments

    We extend our sincere gratitude to the Development Bank of Southern Africa for their continued support and trust. Our appreciation also goes to the youth participants, facilitators, and community stakeholders who make this work possible.

  • Neftaly Charity December 2019 SAYPRO – DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) PARTNERSHIP Report by Neftaly Chief Development

    Neftaly Charity December 2019 SAYPRO – DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) PARTNERSHIP Report by Neftaly Chief Development

  • Neftaly Charity January 2020 SAYPRO – DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) PARTNERSHIP Report by Neftaly Chief Development

    Neftaly Charity January 2020 SAYPRO – DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) PARTNERSHIP Report by Neftaly Chief Development

    Progress Report – January 2020

    Prepared by: Chief Development Officer, Neftaly

    Introduction

    As the new decade began, the partnership between Neftaly and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable development aligned with South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030. January 2020 set the tone for an ambitious year focused on scaling skills development, entrepreneurship support, and infrastructure education among youth.

    This report highlights activities, achievements, and strategic priorities for the initial phase of 2020.

    Strategic Priorities

    • Expanding vocational and digital skills training for young people
    • Enhancing youth entrepreneurship development and market access
    • Raising awareness and participation in infrastructure projects
    • Strengthening community engagement and youth leadership opportunities

    Key Activities and Achievements (December 2019 – January 2020)

    1. Skills Development

    • Delivered training programmes reaching over 1,500 youth across Gauteng, Limpopo, and North West provinces.
    • Focus areas included digital literacy, retail skills, and financial management.

    2. Youth Entrepreneurship

    • Conducted workshops supporting 70 youth entrepreneurs with business planning, marketing, and funding access strategies.
    • Established mentorship linkages between emerging entrepreneurs and industry professionals.

    3. Infrastructure Awareness

    • Hosted community workshops educating youth on the role of infrastructure in economic growth and governance.
    • Developed and distributed multilingual informational materials.

    4. Community Engagement

    • Facilitated youth participation in local government forums to amplify their voices in development planning.
    • Supported youth-led community initiatives aimed at addressing local challenges.

    Impact Summary

    Programme AreaOutcome (Dec 2019 – Jan 2020)
    Youth Trained1,500+
    Youth Entrepreneurs Supported70
    Infrastructure Workshops Held3
    Youth Participants in Forums250+

    Challenges

    • Access to digital tools and internet connectivity remains limited for many participants.
    • Some youth entrepreneurs face difficulties accessing funding and market opportunities.
    • Increasing demand for tailored, localized training content.

    Lessons Learned

    • Practical, hands-on training improves skills uptake and retention.
    • Mentorship plays a critical role in youth entrepreneurial success.
    • Inclusive and accessible content drives better engagement in infrastructure programmes.

    Recommendations

    1. Enhance digital access and incorporate blended learning approaches.
    2. Expand entrepreneurship support programmes with a focus on funding facilitation.
    3. Collaborate more closely with local authorities to deepen youth involvement in infrastructure projects.
    4. Increase development of localized, multilingual training materials.

    Conclusion

    January 2020 laid a solid foundation for the continued success of the Neftaly–DBSA partnership. Through focused interventions and strategic collaboration, the partnership remains committed to fostering a skilled, entrepreneurial, and engaged youth population that will contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s development.

    Acknowledgments

    Neftaly gratefully acknowledges the Development Bank of Southern Africa for their ongoing partnership and support. We also commend the youth participants, facilitators, and community partners whose dedication drives these impactful initiatives.

  • Neftaly Charity February 2020 SAYPRO – DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) PARTNERSHIP Report by Neftaly Chief Development

    Neftaly Charity February 2020 SAYPRO – DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) PARTNERSHIP Report by Neftaly Chief Development

    Introduction

    As we entered the first quarter of 2020, the partnership between Neftaly and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) continued to build strong momentum in delivering high-impact programmes focused on youth development, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure awareness. This collaboration remains a key driver in addressing the systemic challenges faced by young South Africans, especially in under-resourced urban and rural areas.

    This February 2020 report outlines the progress and achievements of joint initiatives implemented between November 2019 and January 2020, along with the evolving strategy to increase the depth and reach of our shared mission.

    Strategic Focus Areas

    Aligned with the goals of South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 and DBSA’s infrastructure-led development framework, the Neftaly–DBSA partnership in early 2020 focused on:

    • Workplace readiness and vocational skills development
    • Support for youth-led enterprises and innovation
    • Infrastructure and civic education
    • Digital literacy and 4IR preparedness
    • Youth participation in local development

    Key Activities and Achievements (Nov 2019 – Jan 2020)

    1. Youth Skills and Employability Training

    • Trained 1,750 youth in vocational areas including digital literacy, communication, retail, and business administration.
    • Conducted 10 job-readiness workshops focused on CV writing, interview techniques, and professional conduct.

    2. Enterprise Development and Mentorship

    • Facilitated entrepreneurship bootcamps in Gauteng and North West provinces for over 120 aspiring youth entrepreneurs.
    • Matched 30 youth-run businesses with mentors from the private sector for 6-month support cycles.

    3. Civic Engagement and Infrastructure Awareness

    • Delivered infrastructure education sessions with DBSA support, reaching 550 youth and community members.
    • Topics included municipal budgeting, public participation, and the impact of infrastructure on community development.

    4. Youth-Led Community Development Initiatives

    • Supported 6 youth-led community projects addressing local infrastructure challenges, sanitation issues, and public safety.
    • Incorporated feedback into municipal planning consultations in two local municipalities.

    Impact Snapshot

    Activity AreaOutcome (Nov 2019 – Jan 2020)
    Youth Trained in Skills Development1,750+
    Entrepreneurs Mentored30
    Youth Reached Through Infrastructure Education550+
    Youth Projects Funded or Supported6
    Community Stakeholder Forums Conducted4

    Challenges and Mitigation

    1. Resource Gaps in Rural Areas

    • Inconsistent access to training venues and internet connectivity delayed sessions in remote communities.
      Mitigation: Partnered with local schools and community halls to host mobile training labs.

    2. Limited Access to Seed Capital

    • Despite strong entrepreneurial training, many startups lacked funding to launch.
      Mitigation: Initiated dialogue with microfinance institutions and local SMME support hubs.

    3. Low Engagement in Civic Education

    • Some participants lacked basic understanding of government systems.
      Mitigation: Simplified materials and introduced gamified learning to increase engagement.

    Lessons Learned

    • Practical, hands-on training leads to higher retention and engagement.
    • Youth are eager to engage in local development if their voices are respected and supported.
    • Peer mentorship increases confidence and commitment among young entrepreneurs.

    Recommendations for 2020 Expansion

    1. Launch a mobile learning unit to serve hard-to-reach communities.
    2. Develop a digital hub with curated content and tools for youth entrepreneurship and infrastructure knowledge.
    3. Formalize partnerships with municipalities to co-design youth infrastructure forums.
    4. Create an impact fund for youth-led community innovations and micro-enterprises.

    Conclusion

    As of February 2020, the Neftaly–DBSA partnership continues to deliver scalable, inclusive, and innovative development solutions for young South Africans. With a strong foundation and growing demand, we are well-positioned to deepen our reach and impact throughout 2020. The months ahead will focus on digital transformation, local economic inclusion, and increasing youth voices in infrastructure and governance.

    Acknowledgments

    Neftaly extends its deepest appreciation to the Development Bank of Southern Africa for its leadership and unwavering support of our shared goals. We also acknowledge the dedication of our youth participants, community partners, and local government allies whose contributions remain central to our success.

  • Neftaly Charity March 2020 SAYPRO – DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) PARTNERSHIP Report by Neftaly Chief Development

    Neftaly Charity March 2020 SAYPRO – DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) PARTNERSHIP Report by Neftaly Chief Development

    SAYPRO – DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) PARTNERSHIP

    Progress Report – March 2020

    Prepared by: Chief Development Officer, Neftaly

    Introduction

    As we progressed into 2020, the partnership between Neftaly and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) continued to strengthen its commitment toward youth empowerment, skills development, and infrastructure awareness in line with South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2030. March 2020 was a significant month marking the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated agile adaptations to programme delivery.

    This report highlights the activities, achievements, challenges, and strategic pivots undertaken from December 2019 through March 2020.

    Strategic Focus Areas

    The partnership’s work during this period concentrated on:

    • Enhancing youth employability through targeted skills training
    • Supporting youth entrepreneurship and enterprise resilience
    • Raising awareness on infrastructure projects and civic engagement
    • Leveraging digital platforms for remote learning amid emerging COVID-19 constraints

    Key Activities and Achievements (Dec 2019 – Mar 2020)

    1. Skills Training and Employment Readiness

    • Trained 1,600 youth in key vocational skills such as digital literacy, retail operations, and financial management.
    • Hosted multiple job readiness workshops focusing on CV development, interview skills, and workplace professionalism.

    2. Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Support

    • Supported 50 youth-owned startups through mentorship and business development services.
    • Facilitated access to funding information and grant applications.

    3. Infrastructure and Civic Education

    • Conducted 6 community workshops on infrastructure planning and governance, engaging over 600 youth and community members.
    • Distributed educational materials to enhance understanding of local government processes.

    4. Digital Learning and COVID-19 Response

    • Transitioned key training modules to online platforms to ensure continuity amid lockdowns.
    • Initiated digital literacy campaigns to improve access and uptake of e-learning tools.
    • Began coordinating youth volunteer efforts to support public health awareness in local communities.

    Impact Overview

    Programme AreaOutcome (Dec 2019 – Mar 2020)
    Youth Trained1,600+
    Youth Entrepreneurs Supported50
    Infrastructure Workshops Conducted6
    Youth and Community Members Engaged600+
    Digital Training Participants1,000+

    Challenges and Responses

    • COVID-19 disruptions: Limited physical gatherings required swift adaptation to digital delivery methods.
    • Digital divide: Many participants lacked access to reliable internet and devices. Mitigated through data subsidies and mobile-friendly learning.
    • Economic uncertainty: Increased difficulty for youth entrepreneurs to access markets and funding. Efforts focused on virtual mentorship and business pivot strategies.

    Lessons Learned

    • Flexibility in programme delivery is crucial during times of crisis.
    • Youth are highly adaptive and willing to engage with digital tools when supported.
    • Integrating health and safety messaging within youth programmes enhances community impact.

    Recommendations

    1. Expand digital infrastructure and data support for youth learners.
    2. Develop hybrid training models combining online and face-to-face engagement post-pandemic.
    3. Enhance collaboration with local government to strengthen youth participation in infrastructure oversight.
    4. Increase funding and resources for youth entrepreneurship resilience.

    Conclusion

    The partnership between Neftaly and DBSA has demonstrated resilience and adaptability amid challenging times. As we move deeper into 2020, the focus remains on sustaining youth empowerment through innovative, inclusive, and digitally enabled solutions that align with the country’s broader developmental agenda.

    Acknowledgments

    Neftaly expresses sincere gratitude to the Development Bank of Southern Africa for its steadfast support. Our appreciation also goes to our partners, facilitators, and the youth who remain at the heart of this important work.

  • Neftaly Charity April 2020 SAYPRO – DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) PARTNERSHIP Report by Neftaly Chief Development

    Neftaly Charity April 2020 SAYPRO – DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) PARTNERSHIP Report by Neftaly Chief Development

  • Neftaly Charity May 2020 SAYPRO – DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) PARTNERSHIP Report by Neftaly Chief Development

    Neftaly Charity May 2020 SAYPRO – DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) PARTNERSHIP Report by Neftaly Chief Development

  • Neftaly Charity June 2020 SAYPRO – DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) PARTNERSHIP Report by Neftaly Chief Development

    Neftaly Charity June 2020 SAYPRO – DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) PARTNERSHIP Report by Neftaly Chief Development

    Progress Report – June 2020

    Prepared by: Chief Development Officer, Neftaly

    Introduction

    The Neftaly and Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) partnership has continued to make impactful strides despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic during the first half of 2020. In June 2020, this partnership remained committed to empowering South African youth through adaptive strategies focused on skills development, entrepreneurship, and community support.

    This report details the activities, outcomes, and key learnings from March to June 2020.

    Strategic Objectives

    • Enhance digital skills and remote learning capabilities among youth
    • Support youth entrepreneurship with a focus on business resilience
    • Provide COVID-19 relief through community outreach and resources
    • Promote youth involvement in infrastructure development and governance

    Key Activities and Achievements (March – June 2020)

    1. Digital Skills Development

    • Trained over 2,400 youth through digital literacy and remote learning initiatives, utilizing online platforms and mobile-friendly content.
    • Distributed 500 data vouchers to support connectivity and access for disadvantaged learners.

    2. Youth Entrepreneurship Support

    • Supported 80 youth entrepreneurs with virtual mentorship, business adaptation strategies, and guidance on accessing emergency funding.
    • Conducted workshops on digital marketing and alternative revenue streams.

    3. COVID-19 Community Relief

    • Delivered 1,200 food parcels and hygiene kits to vulnerable households across multiple provinces.
    • Launched multilingual public health awareness campaigns reaching over 60,000 community members.

    4. Infrastructure and Civic Engagement

    • Organized virtual forums and workshops attended by over 400 youth, focusing on infrastructure awareness and local governance participation.
    • Developed educational materials to increase understanding of municipal planning and service delivery.

    Impact Overview

    Area of FocusOutcomes (Mar – Jun 2020)
    Youth Trained2,400+
    Youth Entrepreneurs Supported80
    Food Parcels and Hygiene Kits1,200
    Community Members Reached60,000+
    Virtual Workshops Conducted5
    Youth Participants Engaged400+

    Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

    • Digital Access Barriers: Many youth lacked devices and affordable internet.
      Mitigation: Data vouchers and partnership with telecom providers.
    • Economic Pressures on Youth Entrepreneurs: Reduced income and market access.
      Mitigation: Focus on business resilience training and virtual mentorship.
    • Health Misinformation: Need for trusted, culturally relevant communication.
      Mitigation: Collaboration with community leaders for effective messaging.

    Lessons Learned

    • Digital platforms are essential for continuous engagement amid social distancing.
    • Entrepreneurship support must be agile and context-sensitive.
    • Strong community partnerships enhance programme reach and impact.

    Recommendations

    1. Scale digital access initiatives to bridge the connectivity gap.
    2. Expand support for youth entrepreneurs with focus on digital business models.
    3. Strengthen multi-sector collaborations for integrated relief and recovery.
    4. Encourage youth leadership in community resilience and governance efforts.

    Conclusion

    The partnership between Neftaly and DBSA has demonstrated resilience and innovation through adaptive programme delivery during a challenging period. Together, we remain dedicated to empowering South Africa’s youth, enabling them to thrive despite adversity.

    Acknowledgments

    Neftaly extends sincere gratitude to the Development Bank of Southern Africa for their ongoing support. Appreciation is also due to all partners, volunteers, and youth beneficiaries contributing to the success of these initiatives.

  • Neftaly Charity July 2020 SAYPRO – DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) PARTNERSHIP Report by Neftaly Chief Development

    Neftaly Charity July 2020 SAYPRO – DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) PARTNERSHIP Report by Neftaly Chief Development

    SAYPRO – DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) PARTNERSHIP

    Progress Report – July 2020

    Prepared by: Chief Development Officer, Neftaly

    Introduction

    As South Africa confronted the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-2020, the partnership between Neftaly and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) was critical in providing responsive, community-driven support to young people and vulnerable populations. Amid national lockdowns, economic uncertainty, and deepening inequality, Neftaly and DBSA remained focused on delivering high-impact, adaptive programmes aligned with long-term development goals and immediate crisis needs.

    This report outlines key activities and outcomes from April to July 2020, reflecting the partnership’s agility and unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, economic inclusion, and community resilience.

    Strategic Objectives

    In line with the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 and DBSA’s infrastructure development mandate, the partnership was realigned during the crisis period to focus on:

    • Digital and remote learning solutions for youth
    • Emergency relief and public health education
    • Youth entrepreneurship and income generation support
    • Infrastructure awareness and civic engagement
    • Mental health and psychosocial support

    Key Activities and Outcomes (April – July 2020)

    1. Remote Learning and Skills Development

    • Launched a digital learning initiative to deliver accessible, mobile-based training in entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and financial management.
    • Over 3,000 youth accessed online courses, WhatsApp microlearning, and SMS-based learning tools.
    • Provided data vouchers to more than 450 learners from rural and township areas to ensure digital access.

    2. COVID-19 Emergency Relief and Public Awareness

    • Neftaly youth volunteers coordinated the distribution of 1,200 food parcels and hygiene kits across four provinces.
    • Ran multilingual public health campaigns on COVID-19 prevention through local radio, posters, and social media, reaching an estimated 60,000 community members.

    3. Youth Enterprise Resilience Support

    • Supported 82 youth-owned microenterprises with virtual coaching and market adaptation strategies (e.g., e-commerce, mobile delivery services).
    • Facilitated access to relief funding application support and business continuity training.

    4. Infrastructure Education and Local Governance Dialogue

    • Hosted two virtual “Youth and Infrastructure Dialogues”, focusing on the role of public infrastructure in crisis response and recovery.
    • Engaged over 400 youth participants, sparking civic interest in public works, municipal accountability, and future city design.

    5. Mental Health and Wellness Check-ins

    • Piloted a “Wellbeing for Youth” peer support programme led by trained Neftaly facilitators.
    • Provided mental health webinars, small group discussions, and referrals for professional support to more than 300 participants.

    Impact Summary

    Programme AreaOutcome (April–July 2020)
    Youth Reached Through Digital Learning3,000+
    Households Assisted With Relief1,200
    Youth Microenterprises Supported82
    Youth Engaged in Civic Dialogues400+
    Participants in Mental Health Programmes300+
    Community Members Reached via Awareness60,000+

    Challenges and Mitigation Measures

    1. Digital Divide in Low-Income Areas
    Many learners lacked smartphones or data access.
    Mitigation: Introduced low-data training formats and partnered with local NGOs to create shared digital access points.

    2. Limited Reach for Relief Supplies
    Demand far exceeded resources in high-need areas.
    Mitigation: Prioritized youth-headed and child-headed households and partnered with local community workers to extend reach.

    3. Entrepreneur Support Gaps
    Many businesses struggled with continuity due to shifting markets.
    Mitigation: Adapted entrepreneurship training to focus on digital marketing, online payment systems, and mobile service models.

    Lessons Learned

    • Flexible, mobile-first learning approaches are critical for continuity in crisis.
    • Youth are not just recipients of aid—they are essential leaders and contributors in community response efforts.
    • Integrating psychosocial support into skills and enterprise programming increases resilience and engagement.

    Recommendations for Future Programming

    1. Scale up mobile learning with offline content distribution in rural areas.
    2. Develop youth-led relief and recovery units to support municipalities during crises.
    3. Expand mental health resources in all youth programmes as a core component.
    4. Create a long-term entrepreneurship resilience fund to sustain youth business growth beyond COVID-19.

    Conclusion

    The Neftaly–DBSA partnership continues to stand as a model for responsive, inclusive, and youth-led development. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, this partnership has provided critical support to thousands of young South Africans while setting the groundwork for a more resilient and empowered future.

    As we look toward recovery and long-term transformation, Neftaly remains committed to scaling this impact and ensuring that youth are not left behind in South Africa’s development journey.

    Acknowledgments

    Neftaly expresses its deepest gratitude to the Development Bank of Southern Africa for its steadfast support, flexibility, and commitment to inclusive development. Special thanks to our youth volunteers, facilitators, local partners, and communities who continue to drive meaningful change on the ground.

  • Neftaly Charity August 2020 SAYPRO – DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) PARTNERSHIP Report by Neftaly Chief Development

    Neftaly Charity August 2020 SAYPRO – DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) PARTNERSHIP Report by Neftaly Chief Development

    SAYPRO – DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) PARTNERSHIP

    Progress Report – August 2020

    Prepared by: Chief Development Officer, Neftaly

    Introduction

    As South Africa faced the ongoing social and economic disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the partnership between Neftaly (South African Youth Project) and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) emerged as a model of agile, community-centered development.

    August 2020 marked a critical milestone in our joint efforts to empower vulnerable youth, address pandemic-related challenges, and support resilience in underserved communities. This report outlines key interventions, achievements, and strategic direction between May and August 2020 under the Neftaly–DBSA collaboration.

    Strategic Goals of the Partnership

    The Neftaly–DBSA partnership in 2020 was realigned to respond directly to the pandemic while still addressing the long-term vision of:

    • Youth empowerment through training and employment pathways
    • Entrepreneurial development and access to economic opportunities
    • Infrastructure literacy and civic engagement
    • COVID-19 relief, digital learning, and community recovery support

    Key Activities and Results (May – August 2020)

    1. Remote Learning & Digital Skills Development

    • Launched mobile-accessible learning platforms offering free online courses in entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and financial literacy.
    • Trained over 3,200 youth, with 68% of participants completing at least one course module.
    • Distributed data vouchers to 550 rural-based learners with limited internet access.

    2. COVID-19 Community Response and Relief

    • Partnered with local municipalities and volunteers to deliver food parcels, PPE kits, and hygiene packs to over 1,500 households.
    • Neftaly youth volunteers supported COVID-19 awareness campaigns using local languages via social media, SMS, and radio.

    3. Entrepreneur Support & Business Continuity

    • Facilitated virtual entrepreneurship workshops, supporting 89 youth-owned businesses to pivot operations during lockdown.
    • Provided mentorship and basic funding guidance to small business owners affected by market closures and supply chain disruptions.

    4. Virtual Civic Engagement and Development Awareness

    • Hosted live virtual dialogues on infrastructure development, youth participation in governance, and sustainable recovery planning.
    • Reached more than 700 youth participants, encouraging civic responsibility and feedback into local planning processes.

    Impact Overview

    Key IndicatorMay–August 2020 Outcome
    Youth Trained via e-Learning3,200+
    Households Reached with Relief Support1,500
    Youth-Led Enterprises Supported89
    Youth Engaged in Virtual Dialogues700+
    Digital Access (Data Vouchers Provided)550+

    Challenges and Mitigation Efforts

    1. Digital Divide:
    Access to devices and stable internet connections remained a key barrier, especially in remote communities.
    Mitigation: Provided data packages and began piloting WhatsApp-based microlearning for low-data environments.

    2. Mental Health & Isolation:
    Youth expressed increased anxiety and uncertainty during the lockdown period.
    Mitigation: Integrated mental wellness modules into training content and referred high-risk cases to community counselors.

    3. Business Resilience:
    Many youth-owned microenterprises lacked contingency plans or digital tools.
    Mitigation: Business resilience training was introduced to help entrepreneurs adapt quickly.

    Lessons Learned

    • Flexibility in programme design is critical in times of crisis.
    • Strong partnerships with local leaders and municipalities enhance last-mile delivery.
    • Investing in youth-led response models builds leadership and community trust.
    • Digital innovation is essential, but must be paired with inclusive strategies to reach all.

    Recommendations for the Next Quarter

    1. Scale WhatsApp-based learning to improve reach in low-bandwidth areas.
    2. Deepen mentorship programmes to support post-crisis business recovery.
    3. Strengthen referral networks for mental health, financial aid, and municipal services.
    4. Continue blended training models as in-person gatherings resume under health guidelines.

    Conclusion

    The Neftaly–DBSA partnership has proven vital in helping communities navigate crisis while laying a stronger foundation for long-term youth development. In this critical time, our combined efforts have demonstrated that responsive, youth-focused programming can both alleviate short-term hardship and unlock long-term potential.

    As we continue adapting to the challenges of COVID-19, Neftaly remains committed to building on this momentum, reaching more youth, and strengthening communities across South Africa — with DBSA’s continued partnership and support.

    Acknowledgment

    Neftaly extends deep gratitude to the Development Bank of Southern Africa for its unwavering commitment to inclusive development and to the many youth, volunteers, and community leaders who have made this work possible.