The WDB Trust

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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

The next generation of African feminist leadership begins with an opportunity to grow, learn and lead.Applications are n...
21/10/2026

The next generation of African feminist leadership begins with an opportunity to grow, learn and lead.

Applications are now open for Cohort 3 of the Zanele Mbeki Fellowship, an initiative under WDB Trust’s Pan-African Advocacy Pillar. The fellowship is dedicated to nurturing young African women leaders and equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to drive meaningful social and economic transformation.

The application window is limited. Nominations close on 23 October 2026 at 16:00 Central African Time (CAT). All nominated candidates must be proficient in both written and spoken English, as the fellowship is delivered in English.

As we look forward to welcoming the next cohort, we wish all applicants the very best. May this be the beginning of a transformative journey towards leadership, advocacy and lasting impact for women and communities across Africa.

https://forms.gle/9cPtENmRY9RhHqrs6

What does Banking on Women mean?
19/10/2026

What does Banking on Women mean?


Your location does not have to limit your ambition. Whether you are building a livelihood, learning a skill or finding a...
19/10/2026

Your location does not have to limit your ambition. Whether you are building a livelihood, learning a skill or finding a new way to serve your community, progress can begin right where you are.

You do not have to wait until you are older to make a difference. Young people are already solving problems, creating op...
15/10/2026

You do not have to wait until you are older to make a difference. Young people are already solving problems, creating opportunities and showing up for their communities. Sometimes all it takes is the determination to begin—and the opportunity to keep going.

A woman’s voice can influence a household. A group of women can influence a community. And when African women are heard,...
12/10/2026

A woman’s voice can influence a household. A group of women can influence a community. And when African women are heard, their ideas can help shape the future we all share. The question is not whether women have something to say—it is whether we are creating enough space to listen.


What if the opportunity you’ve been looking for is closer than you think?Sometimes, it’s not about finding something new...
08/10/2026

What if the opportunity you’ve been looking for is closer than you think?

Sometimes, it’s not about finding something new, but knowing what’s already available and how to access it.
Through the Zenzele Development Programme, WDB Trust walks alongside families, connecting them to services, support and resources that can help them take charge of their own development. The opportunity may be closer than you think. You just need the right
pathway to it.

Sometimes, progress starts with something small: an idea, a skill, a business or the confidence to try. When women have ...
05/10/2026

Sometimes, progress starts with something small: an idea, a skill, a business or the confidence to try. When women have access to the right support, that small beginning can become a stronger household, a growing livelihood and a more hopeful future.

Behind every programme, conversation and community touched, there are people making the work happen.From the office to t...
01/10/2026

Behind every programme, conversation and community touched, there are people making the work happen.From the office to the field, the WDB Trust team keeps showing up because meaningful change begins with people who care enough to do the work.

Did you know?The Zanele Mbeki Fellowship is part of WDB Trust’s commitment to nurturing women who can contributemeaningf...
28/09/2026

Did you know?

The Zanele Mbeki Fellowship is part of WDB Trust’s commitment to nurturing women who can contribute
meaningfully to Africa’s development and advance the voices, experiences and aspirations of African women.
The Fellowship creates a space for young women to deepen their understanding of African feminism, engage with issues affecting women and communities, and develop the knowledge and leadership capacity needed to influence positive change.

It is about learning, questioning, connecting and growing— while building a generation of women equipped to shape conversations and contribute to a more equitable Africa.

Heritage lives in the stories we tell, the knowledge we pass on and the communities we continue to build. Today is a rem...
24/09/2026

Heritage lives in the stories we tell, the knowledge we pass on and the communities we continue to build. Today is a reminder that our past can be a foundation for creating opportunities that reach the next generation.

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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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