About Generating Better Livelihoods for Grant Recipients (GBL)

The DSD, SASSA, NDA, FinMark Trust and BRAC International have partnered in a pilot project called Generating Better Livelihoods for Grant Recipients (GBL). The project aims to help South African families who receive child support grants by finding livelihood opportunities for them to improve their lives. The GBL project started in July 2022 and will run for three years. It is led by FinMark Trust and together with partners, we are working to connect grant recipients with jobs and skills that can improve their lives in the long run.

Department of Social Development

The Department of Social Development (DSD) is a South African government department responsible for providing social protection and social welfare services to all people who live in the country. The DSD is committed to empowering individuals, families, and communities to achieve their full potential and live with dignity.

South African Social Security Agency

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is a national agency responsible for administering social assistance grants on behalf of the Department of Social Development (DSD). Established in April 2005, SASSA centralises the provision of social security assistance to reduce corruption and improve service delivery. SASSA has a presence in all nine provinces and all local municipalities, which positions the organisation as a suitable entity to lead the implementation of the project as they are accessible to beneficiaries.

National Development Agency

The National Development Agency (NDA) is a South African government agency tasked with contributing towards the eradication of poverty and its causes. The NDA was established in 1999 and is an agency of the Department of Social Development (DSD) tasked with implementing projects and programmes that aim to alleviate poverty, empower communities and enhance socio-economic development.

BRAC International

BRAC International (Brac) is a non-governmental organisation that focuses on poverty alleviation and sustainable development. One of its key initiatives is the graduation programme, which aims to empower ultra-poor households to lift themselves out of extreme poverty. The programme provides a holistic approach that addresses the multidimensional needs of these households. Brac funds the GBL project and acts as the technical support provider in its implementation.

FinMark Trust

FinMark Trust is a non-profit organisation that works to help vulnerable people in communities have better access to financial services. Through research and studies on the issues that make it hard for people to use banks and financial services, FinMark Trust shares its findings with government, funders, policymakers and financial service providers, and helps determine solutions for people with limited means to access these services easily. The organisation plays a key role in starting change that enhances financial services in a way that benefits everyone and improves lives.