Zimele is a partnership among 3 sister non profits in South Africa, US, and UK committed to transforming the physical, economic, and emotional lives of people in the Kwazulu Natal region of South Africa.

In Zulu, Zimele translates into "to stand on one's own feet". Instead of a charity approach that reinforces a dependency on others, Zimele seeks to build a spirit of self-reliance by equiping individuals with the skills and tools necessary to develop psychological and financial independence by implementing our unique mix of development programs designed specifically for the rural communities of Kwazulu Natal. Our programs are:

• MicroBanks - development of savings groups amongst the families within a local community
• MicroBusiness - development of craft artisan micro businesses
• Community Mentoring - pro bono consulting and mentoring services to local community level non profit organizations

Instead of a macro approach, Zimele seeks to change South Africa one individual, one family, and one community at a time.

Zimele seeks not only to meet the needs of South Africans in the Kwazulu Natal region today, but also to build the physical, financial, and emotional infrastructure of their lives and perhaps of the Kwazulu Natal economy. While plenty of other non profit organizations seek to feed the people of this region, Zimele believes it imperative that the each individual learn to feed themselves. It also believes that the each individual must accept and embrace the responsibility of providing for themselves, their families, and their nation.

Since the end of the Apartheid rule (1994) and before, a culture of dependence and short term thinking has permeated this once proud area. Many South Africans look to government welfare, charity, and other non profits to give money, food, and other supplies necessary for daily living. In the event that handouts are not enough, some turn to crime. South Africa currently has one of the highest property and violent crime rates in the world. HIV/Aids are also a huge issue which seems to affect most South Africans in one way or another. Perhaps most devastating, many see and know of no other way to live. While some jobs have been created recently by the government and other groups, many of these are temporary positions which will not bring a permanent solution to the problem of nearly fifty percent (50%) unemployment. It seems logical then that most locals find their situation hopeless. With no resources or teachers to give them the knowledge or resources needed to take control of their lives, failure seems inevitable.

These situations can only be improved through the work of those who are most affected by it. Zimele offers teaching and mentoring programs to assist local people (specifically women and children) in creating and growing their own businesses. And, through networking they will be able to build micro economies. Through production and sales of crafts and other products, locals will be able to export their work through several channels and to a far larger market than merely the tourists in South Africa.