On 31 August 2026, WDB Trust marked an important milestone in preserving and celebrating more than 35 years of institutional history with the launch of its Knowledge and Information Archive.

The launch represented more than the introduction of a new digital resource. It marked an important step in ensuring that the knowledge, experiences, stories and contributions that have shaped WDB Trust over the years are not lost but remain accessible to inform and inspire generations to come.

Building on a Rich History

WDB Trust’s history is deeply rooted in a commitment to advancing opportunities for women and communities across South Africa and the African continent. From its early work in microfinance and financial inclusion to the development of programmes focused on women’s leadership, enterprise development and economic empowerment, the organisation has accumulated a wealth of institutional knowledge over more than three decades.

A particularly important part of this history is the Microfinance Department, whose work forms a significant foundation of the organisation’s institutional memory.

The records, research, publications, programme materials, photographs and experiences accumulated through the Microfinance Department provide an important window into WDB Trust’s early work and the evolution of its approach to development. They document not only programmes and projects, but also the people, ideas and partnerships that helped shape the organisation.

It was this rich body of historical material that helped demonstrate the importance of preserving WDB Trust’s institutional knowledge in a way that could be accessed and used well into the future.

With such a rich history comes an important responsibility: to preserve it.

From Library to Knowledge and Information Archive

The Knowledge and Information Archive evolved from WDB Trust’s existing physical library and archival collections.

What began as an effort to preserve and digitise historical materials developed into a broader initiative to create a central repository for the organisation’s institutional knowledge. The project brings together documents, publications, reports, photographs, historical records and other significant artefacts that tell the story of WDB Trust’s journey.

At the heart of the project is the recognition that organisational knowledge is more than information stored in files. It is a record of institutional experience — the lessons learned, milestones achieved, challenges navigated and people who contributed to the organisation’s development.

The digital repository, supported by AtOm, provides a platform through which this knowledge can be preserved and made more accessible.

Preserving the Stories Behind the Work

The archive also provides an opportunity to revisit some of the ideas and people that shaped WDB Trust.

Among these is the vision of Mrs Zanele Mbeki, whose commitment to women’s empowerment and economic participation formed an important part of the organisation’s founding vision.

The historical materials held within the archive help connect that original vision to the work that followed — from the organisation’s early involvement in microfinance and the influence of the Grameen Bank model, to the development of programmes and initiatives that have continued to support women and communities.

These records provide valuable context for understanding not only where WDB Trust has come from, but also how its work has evolved in response to changing social and economic circumstances.

Bringing the Archive to Life

The launch event provided an opportunity for colleagues and stakeholders to engage with this history and learn more about the archive and its purpose.

A documentary exploring WDB Trust’s history formed part of the launch, bringing together stories and reflections that demonstrate the significance of the organisation’s journey.

The event also introduced staff to the Knowledge and Information Archive and the possibilities it offers for accessing and engaging with WDB Trust’s institutional history.

The archive is therefore not simply a place where historical information is stored. It is intended to be a living resource — one that can support research, learning, storytelling and a deeper understanding of the organisation’s work.

A Legacy for the Future

As WDB Trust continues to evolve, preserving its institutional memory becomes increasingly important.

The Knowledge and Information Archive creates a bridge between the organisation’s past and its future. It gives current and future staff an opportunity to understand the foundations upon which WDB Trust was built, while ensuring that important knowledge and experiences remain available for future generations.

The history preserved within the archive belongs to the past. It provides context for the present and can help inform the organisation’s future.

Ultimately, the Knowledge and Information Archive is about more than preserving documents. It is about preserving a legacy — the people, ideas, experiences and collective knowledge that have contributed to more than 35 years of WDB Trust’s story.

By safeguarding this history today, WDB Trust is building a resource that can continue to educate, connect and inspire tomorrow.