Drawing from pilot sites in KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State and Gauteng, FinMark Trust presented key progress updates on the Generating Better Livelihoods (GBL) for Grant Recipients project at a national strategic planning session hosted by the Department of Social Development from 29 to 30 July 2025.

As the implementing partner, FinMark Trust shared insights into the number of individuals who have benefited from the project, along with lessons learned and recommendations for opportunities to scale. The GBL project supports a shift from social security dependency to sustainable livelihoods, building pathways through skills development, entrepreneurship and employment support.

Now in its third year, the pilot is surfacing actionable insights that can inform the design of livelihood-focused social protection. The strategic session reaffirmed strong multi-stakeholder commitment, led by the Department of Social Development and supported by key partners, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the National Development Agency (NDA) and BRAC International in advancing a more empowering model for grant recipients.

Learn more from DSD News coverage:

Empowerment over dependency: Social development charts new path for livelihoods.
From grants to growth | Kwamashu pilot anchors national strategy to link grants with sustainable livelihoods
Turning projects into a way of life | Generating better livelihoods
Stakeholders commit to livelihood reform.