The Thembisa Trust

Supporting grassroots development projects in Southern Africa

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Mission statement

We aim to hold out hope to disadvantaged people in Southern Africa by giving them an opportunity to flourish. We work in partnership with grassroots development projects in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

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36

Years in operation

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75+

Projects funded

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£425k+

Funds raised since inception

What we do

Since the Trust was founded in 1988, Thembisa has funded around 75 projects. Some projects have become viable while others, such as orphanages and child feeding schemes, are supported for a number of years. Relatively small grants from Thembisa can make a big difference to these projects and to individuals who find hope and a future through them.

We work in partnership with grassroots development projects to transform communities, by supporting:  

• Community projects 
• Education and training 
• Empowerment and income generation.

Explore the projects  we support

We aim to support life-changing projects that don't make the headlines or benefit from a large donor base. For initiatives like this, our humble donations make a huge impact.

Go to our projects

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Project updates

Alternatives to Violence Project Zimbabwe (AVPZ)

Cross Over Education Programme, Zimbabwe

Has developed an appropriate curriculum for children who have missed out on education in Zimbabwe, and now provides resources to churches or other groups keen to establish and run learning stations.

Mama Ntombi’s Community Projects

MNCP makes a difference ‘one smiling child at a time’ by working to uplift vulnerable children and their carers in impoverished squatter communities outside Pietermaritzburg.

Today, unemployment in South Africa hovers around 32%

Informal Settlements in and around South Africa’s 9 largest cities, contain 4.4 million people - 10% of South Africa’s population. About 23% of the people living there are without adequate shelter, basic sanitation and water supply.

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