A Legacy Measured in Lives
35 Years of Impact
A legacy measured not only in years — but in lives transformed.
Families Supported through the Zenzele Development Programme
Microloans Given to Rural Women Entrepreneurs
Women Trained Through the Training Academy
Women Mobilised Across Africa
Young African Feminist Leaders Developed
Microfinance Capital Deployed to Communities
“We were founded on the belief that when you invest in a woman, you invest in a nation.”
WDB TRUST — FOUNDED 1991
For over thirty-five years, the Women’s Development Bank Trust has stood alongside rural women across South Africa in the fight against poverty. We believe that the most powerful and sustainable way to break the cycle of poverty is by empowering women — with access to finance, practical skills, and strong community networks.
Rooted in the communities we serve — from our flagship microfinance programme supporting women entrepreneurs across rural South Africa to advocacy on the Pan-African stage — our mission is guided by a simple but powerful truth: women are not passive recipients of development. They are its drivers, its innovators, and its architects. When women rise, families rise, communities grow stronger, and poverty loses its grip.
Our Journey
35 Years of Legacy
What We Do
Our Programmes
Holistic support that transforms women, households, and communities.
The flagship programme of the Trust, offering interest-bearing microloans to women for income-generating activities, following the Grameen Bank approach.
The Zenzele Development Model brings WDB Trust into the most marginalised communities through a three-year caravan programme, providing psychosocial support and equipping families to graduate out of poverty.
Skills development in microfinance management, ICT literacy, health, and entrepreneurship — building professional capacity from the ground up.
The Pan-African Advocacy Wing of WDB Trust, home to AfWID and the Zanele Mbeki Fellowship, advances feminist leadership across Africa.
35 Years · Honouring Our Legacy
She planted the seed.
We helped it grow.
For 35 years, WDB Trust has stood alongside rural women not as benefactors, but as partners. We have witnessed the quiet, extraordinary power of women who, given access to capital and knowledge, transform not only their own lives — but those of their children, their communities, and generations yet to come.
This anniversary is not a moment of self-congratulation. It is a moment of deep accountability — to every woman who trusted us, and every community that opened its doors.
Our Impact
Stories That Move the Needle
Real women. Real change. Hear their stories.
From our founding in post-apartheid South Africa to 35 years of unbroken service — this is the story of what it means to invest in women.
The microloan gave me confidence I didn't know I had.
Literacy, enterprise skills, and a certificate that changed everything.
How AfWID connects women from Cape Town to Cairo.
For Women, By Women
WDB Investment Holdings
WDB Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd, a private limited liability company, was established in 1997 to generate funds for the WDB Trust — enabling us to achieve our objectives of uplifting poor rural women and communities. This was also to ensure long-term sustainability of the WDB Trust by becoming less reliant on donor funding.
Join Us · 1991 – 2026
Partner With Us.
Support the Next 35 Years.
Every contribution sustains a legacy of dignity, agency, and transformation for rural women across South Africa and the continent.
Latest Blog Posts
Celebrating Digital Empowerment : TAP Graduations in Acornhoek and Makhado
At WDB Trust, empowerment begins within. The values that drive our work in communities — trustworthiness, accountability, respect,…
Read more →
Living Our Values: WDB Trust Connects Teams Through 2025 Roadshows
At WDB Trust, empowerment begins within. The values that drive our work in communities — trustworthiness, accountability, respect,…
Read more →
Shaping the Future of Feminist Leadership: Insights from the Zanele Mbeki Fellowship Roundtable
“We are not just building leaders; we are shaping a generation that leads with empathy, consciousness, and courage.”…
Read more →
WDB Trust pays tribute to Dr Anne Letsebe, a lifelong advocate for women’s empowerment
WDB Trust pays tribute to Dr Anne Letsebe, a lifelong advocate for women’s empowerment
Read more →
Microfinance Impact snapshot: Empowering Women Through Finance
Since relaunching our Microfinance Programme in 2024, WDB Trust has made strong strides in rebuilding trust, community, and…
Read more →
A Life of Service Celebrated: Zanele Mbeki Receives Honorary Doctorate from Wits University
On 26 May 2025, our founder and visionary, Zanele Mbeki, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Social Science…
Read more →
WDB Trust Remembers Our Beloved Patron, Gertrude Shoppe
Born on 15 August 1925, Ma Shope’s life was defined by courage, clarity of purpose, and a lifelong…
Read more →
TAP Graduations – Empowering Women Through Skills Development
The Training Academy Programme (TAP) continues to make significant strides in empowering women through skills development.
Read more →
CSW69 in New York: Global Advocacy, Local Action
WDB Trust was honoured to take part in the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of…
Read more →