The WDB Trust

The WDB Trust Empowering rural women to build self-reliant communities and eradicate poverty since 1991. WDB Trust provides developmental micro finance.

Through microfinance, skills development, psychosocial support and our Pan-African Advocacy Pillar, we amplify women’s voices and drive change, ubuntu at our core. We link poor rural communities to developmental resources in their areas in order to assist them to graduate from poverty. We empower communities in our areas of operation by providing developmental training and ICT training. We aim to

continue to be financially sustainable through our income-generating projects, services and investments. Vision

South African women safe at home and in their communities; economically self-reliant and participating fully in the socio-economic transformation of our country to make it an inclusive, democratic and non-sexist society. Mission

Building productive households towards sustainable and self-reliant communities. Value Statement

We are South African women respectful of one another and of the communities we serve, we are trustworthy, accountable and fulfil our responsibilities with commitment, diligence, honesty and integrity. We strive for excellence. Our actions are underpinned by the social value of Ubuntu. Strategic Objectives

To promote financial and socio-economic development in poor rural communities
To contribute towards poverty eradication
To empower women and promote unity and co-operation among women
Goal

To support enterprise development in rural areas as a tool for economic growth
To link poor rural families to development resources to assist them to graduate from poverty
To empower communities in which we operate by providing developmental and ICT training
To support youth and girl-child development initiatives

24/08/2026

Strong women do more than build successful lives—they inspire entire communities to dream bigger. This Women's Month, we celebrate women whose courage, leadership, and determination create opportunities for others.


Meet your speakers at today’s colloquium as we reflect on Dr. Mbeki’s decades of work and the impact of her vision in ad...
21/08/2026

Meet your speakers at today’s colloquium as we reflect on Dr. Mbeki’s decades of work and the impact of her vision in advancing women’s economic independence, self-reliance and dignity across the African continent. Celebrating her work and efforts towards elevating women in South Africa and the African continent.

The programme will also bring together scholars, business leaders, community voices and economic experts for meaningful dialogue on women’s participation in the economy, care work, financial independence, development and the future of feminist economics.

Date: 21 August 2026
Time: 08:30
Location: Ocean Science Auditorium, Gqeberha Campus, Nelson Mandela University

The colloquium is open to the public, with limited seating. For those unable to attend in person, the event will also be livestreamed.

Watch the livestream: NMU Colloquium Livestream

https://www.youtube.com/live/gb7nwmXeOpM

Meet the voices shaping the conversation at the “Banking on Women” Colloquium.As we honour the legacy of Dr. Zanele Mbek...
20/08/2026

Meet the voices shaping the conversation at the “Banking on Women” Colloquium.

As we honour the legacy of Dr. Zanele Mbeki, these distinguished leaders, scholars and changemakers will bring diverse perspectives to a powerful conversation on women, leadership, economic participation and transformation.

Swipe through to meet the speakers joining us for this important dialogue.

21 August 2026 | 08:30
Ocean Science Auditorium, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha Campus

This event is open to the public so please join us physically or online via the link below;

https://www.youtube.com/live/gb7nwmXeOpM

The count down continues as WDB Trust joins Nelson Mandela University’s Centre for Women and Gender Studies to honour th...
20/08/2026

The count down continues as WDB Trust joins Nelson Mandela University’s Centre for Women and Gender Studies to honour the legacy of WDB Trust Founder, Dr. Zanele Mbeki, through the Women’s Month Colloquium: “Banking on Women”.

As WDB Trust marks 35 years of advancing women’s socio-economic development, the colloquium will explore African feminist perspectives on the economy and the importance of investing in, trusting and supporting women as drivers of resilient and sustainable communities.

The colloquium will reflect on Dr. Mbeki’s decades of work and the impact of her vision in advancing women’s economic independence, self-reliance and dignity across the African continent. Celebrating her work and efforts towards elevating women in South Africa and the African continent.

The programme will also bring together scholars, business leaders, community voices and economic experts for meaningful dialogue on women’s participation in the economy, care work, financial independence, development and the future of feminist economics.

Date: 21 August 2026
Time: 08:30
Location: Ocean Science Auditorium, Gqeberha Campus, Nelson Mandela University

The colloquium is open to the public, with limited seating. For those unable to attend in person, the event will also be livestreamed.

Watch the livestream: NMU Colloquium Livestream

https://www.youtube.com/live/gb7nwmXeOpM

As WDB Trust marks 35 years of advancing women’s socio-economic development, we continue to celebrate the life, work and...
20/08/2026

As WDB Trust marks 35 years of advancing women’s socio-economic development, we continue to celebrate the life, work and enduring legacy of our Founder, Dr. Zanele Mbeki, whose vision championed women’s economic independence, dignity and empowerment across Africa.

Through the “Banking on Women” Colloquium with Nelson Mandela University, we carry this legacy forward by creating space for dialogue on women’s role in shaping stronger economies, communities and a more equitable future.

Date: 21 August 2026
Time: 08:30
Location: Ocean Science Auditorium, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha Campus

The colloquium is open to the public, with limited seating. For those unable to attend in person, the event will also be livestreamed.

Watch the livestream: NMU Colloquium Livestream

https://www.youtube.com/live/gb7nwmXeOpM

One training session. One loan. One mentorshipopportunity. One decision to believe in yourself. Smallopportunities can c...
20/08/2026

One training session. One loan. One mentorship
opportunity. One decision to believe in yourself. Small
opportunities can create life-changing results. At WDB Trust, every programme begins with one opportunity that has the potential to transform a future.

The countdown begins as WDB Trust joins Nelson Mandela University’s Centre for Women and Gender Studies to honour the le...
19/08/2026

The countdown begins as WDB Trust joins Nelson Mandela University’s Centre for Women and Gender Studies to honour the legacy of WDB Trust Founder, Dr. Zanele Mbeki, through the Women’s Month Colloquium: “Banking on Women”.

As WDB Trust marks 35 years of advancing women’s socio-economic development, the colloquium will explore African feminist perspectives on the economy and the importance of investing in, trusting and supporting women as drivers of resilient and sustainable communities.

The colloquium will reflect on Dr. Mbeki’s decades of work and the impact of her vision in advancing women’s economic independence, self-reliance and dignity across the African continent. Celebrating her work and efforts towards elevating women in South Africa and the African continent.

The programme will also bring together scholars, business leaders, community voices and economic experts for meaningful dialogue on women’s participation in the economy, care work, financial independence, development and the future of feminist economics.

Date: 21 August 2026
Time: 08:30
Location: Ocean Science Auditorium, Gqeberha Campus, Nelson Mandela University

The colloquium is open to the public, with limited seating. For those unable to attend in person, the event will also be livestreamed.

Watch the livestream: NMU Colloquium Livestream

https://www.youtube.com/live/gb7nwmXeOpM

This Women’s Month, WDB Trust joins Nelson Mandela University’s Centre for Women and Gender Studies to honour the legacy...
19/08/2026

This Women’s Month, WDB Trust joins Nelson Mandela University’s Centre for Women and Gender Studies to honour the legacy of WDB Trust Founder, Dr. Zanele Mbeki, through the Women’s Month Colloquium: “Banking on Women”.

As WDB Trust marks 35 years of advancing women’s socio-economic development, the colloquium will explore African feminist perspectives on the economy and the importance of investing in, trusting and supporting women as drivers of resilient and sustainable communities.

The colloquium will reflect on Dr. Mbeki’s decades of work and the impact of her vision in advancing women’s economic independence, self-reliance and dignity across the African continent. Celebrating her work and efforts towards elevating women in South Africa and the African continent.

The programme will also bring together scholars, business leaders, community voices and economic experts for meaningful dialogue on women’s participation in the economy, care work, financial independence, development and the future of feminist economics.

Date: 21 August 2026
Time: 08:00
Location: Ocean Science Auditorium, Gqeberha Campus, Nelson Mandela University

The colloquium is open to the public, with limited seating. For those unable to attend in person, the event will also be livestreamed.

Watch the livestream: NMU Colloquium Livestream

https://www.youtube.com/live/gb7nwmXeOpM

For 35 years, WDB Trust has worked alongside women, youth, and communities, learning valuable lessons about empowerment,...
18/08/2026

For 35 years, WDB Trust has worked alongside women, youth, and communities, learning valuable lessons about empowerment, resilience, and sustainable development.

Today, we share one lesson that continues to guide our work: real change happens when communities are empowered to lead their own development.

09/08/2026

Today, we celebrate 35 years of WDB Trust’s journey of empowering communities, creating opportunities, and driving meaningful change.

From every programme and partnership to every life touched, we are grateful for the progress we have made together. As we celebrate this special milestone, we look forward to continuing the work of building stronger, more inclusive and empowered communities.

Happy Birthday 35th birthday to WDB Trust! Here’s to continuous years of impact, growth and transformation.

Address

WDB House. 59 Cradock Avenue
Johannesburg
2196

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30
Thursday 08:00 - 16:30
Friday 08:00 - 16:30

Telephone

011 341 9900

Website

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