Our Patrons
Zanele Mbeki
Founder and PatronZanele Mbeki is the founder and patron of WDB Trust. She serves as a trustee and director on a number of national and international boards that promote gender equality, as well as social and economic development in poor communities. Her passion is making ‘poverty history’ and she continues to play a vital leadership role at WDB Trust, being hands-on with the development and growth of the various WDB programmes. She is the recipient of the International Women’s Forum (IWF) 2014 ‘Women Who Make a Difference’ Award and the Ellen Kuzwayo Award from the University of Johannesburg.
Ellen Kuzwayo
PatronEducator | Social Worker | Author | Anti-Apartheid Activist
Ellen Kuzwayo (1914–2006) devoted her life to advancing education, social justice and women’s rights in South Africa. Beginning her career as a teacher, she later qualified as a social worker and became a prominent advocate for disadvantaged communities throughout apartheid.
She played an important role in community development initiatives, youth empowerment and women’s organisations while enduring imprisonment for her activism. Following South Africa’s first democratic elections, she served as a Member of Parliament and contributed to national reconciliation efforts.
An accomplished author, Kuzwayo’s autobiography, Call Me Woman, became the first autobiography published by a Black South African woman and remains an important historical work.
Legacy
Ellen Kuzwayo’s commitment to education, equality and human dignity continues to inspire social transformation and women’s leadership across South Africa.
Sally Motlana
PATRONCommunity Leader | Educator | Social Justice Advocate
Sally Motlana (1927–2023) dedicated her life to community upliftment, education and the fight against apartheid. Beginning her career as a teacher, she became actively involved in the African National Congress Youth League before committing herself fully to community development and social activism.
Throughout her life, she inspired communities through her unwavering faith, compassion and commitment to social justice. As a respected community leader and patron of several social initiatives, she remained an influential voice for equality and empowerment.
Legacy
Sally Motlana’s life reflects a deep commitment to service, leadership and community development, leaving a legacy of hope and resilience.
Gertrude Shope
PatronAnti-Apartheid Activist | Women’s Rights Champion | Former President of the ANC Women’s League
Gertrude Ntiti Shope (1925–2025) was one of South Africa’s most respected freedom fighters and a lifelong advocate for women’s empowerment. After qualifying as a teacher, she dedicated herself to the struggle against apartheid, becoming an influential leader within the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW) before going into exile for more than two decades.
While in exile, she represented the African National Congress internationally and later became Head of the ANC Women’s Section and a member of the National Executive Committee. Following South Africa’s democratic transition, she served as President of the ANC Women’s League and was elected to Parliament in 1994.
Her unwavering commitment to justice, equality and women’s leadership earned her the ANC’s highest honour, the Order of Isithwalandwe/Seaparankwe.
Legacy
Gertrude Shope’s life remains a powerful symbol of courage, resilience and servant leadership. Her contributions continue to inspire generations of South Africans committed to equality and social justice.
Dr Thandi Ndlovu
PATRONMedical Doctor | Entrepreneur | Anti-Apartheid Activist
Dr Thandi Ndlovu (1954–2019) was a pioneering medical doctor, businesswoman and founder of Motheo Construction Group, one of South Africa’s leading construction companies.
Having served in Umkhonto we Sizwe during the liberation struggle, she later qualified as a medical doctor before recognising the devastating impact poor housing had on public health. This inspired her to establish Motheo Construction Group, which went on to build more than 80,000 affordable homes across South Africa.
Her entrepreneurial leadership broke barriers within the construction industry while creating employment and improving communities nationwide.
Legacy
Dr Ndlovu demonstrated that entrepreneurship can be a powerful vehicle for social impact, transformation and nation-building.