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Monday 07:30 - 16:30 Tuesday 07:30 - 16:30 Wednesday 07:30 - 16:30 Thursday 07:30 - 16:30 Friday 07:30 - 16:30

Lima Rural Development Foundation

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Pietermaritzburg
Lima Rural Development Foundation

A non-governmental and non-profit organisation.

Lima implements projects in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State and North West as well as providing consultations throughout Southern Africa.

02/09/2026

Social Employment Fund (SEF) Participant Spotlight: Crucial Thandolwethu Mabila

I am Crucial Thandolwethu Mabila from KamaQhekeza in Nkomazi. After completing my matric at Mehlobovu Secondary School, I studied Advanced Animal Science/Animal Production at the University of Mpumalanga, graduating in 2023.

In 2024, I ventured into entrepreneurship by starting my own sneaker-washing business. I also registered on the Lima database and participated in training sessions facilitated by Snqobile Zondo, focusing on financial literacy, gender-based violence, labour law and organic farming.

In October 2025, I was fortunate to participate in the Lima/SEF Programme as a supervisor in the agricultural component under Nkomazi Municipality. My primary focus is on food security, overseeing community and household gardens to grow food for vulnerable communities, including households, ECD centres, the elderly and individuals with disabilities.

Despite starting with no experience in crop farming, the training and mentorship I received from Snqobile Zondo were invaluable. Through my hard work as a team leader, my efforts were recognised by a government official from the Department of Social Development, who supported me in establishing my own garden/farm.

On 3 August 2026, I received essential equipment which will enable me to kickstart my garden/farm, aimed at producing food for my family, generating income and creating job opportunities for young people in my community.

My goal is to leverage my education, experience and resources to develop a successful agricultural project that will benefit my community. I am deeply grateful to Lima for enabling me to work on the SEF Programme; without them, I might not have gained such recognition.

26/08/2026

What a fantastic Sunday! Our Lima ladies stepped out, got active and enjoyed a great day together at the SPAR KZN Women's 10/5km Race

It was all about celebrating women, supporting one another and having fun along the way!

Well done and thank you to everyone who came out to walk, cheer and support🌸

24/08/2026

As we celebrate Women's Month, we spotlight Francina Modise from Mantserre, a woman who chose resilience over giving up.

Francina started sewing in 2003. In 2017 she was part of a cooperative of 10 women. When the cooperative separated, she took her work home and continued alone from her sitting room.

Over the years she expanded her skills and now specializes in couch covers and church wear. The challenges she faces working from home are:
- Operational finance
- Shortage of sewing machines
- Record keeping

Through Lima RDF and the Street Business School (SBS) Programme, funded by Tshikululu Social Investments and made possible by Valterra Platinum, Francina completed all 8 modules in business management and record keeping basics for street businesses.

She says the training taught her that business needs patience, and that meeting other small businesses was one of the best parts of the journey.

With additional financial literacy training from FNB, she now understands the importance of separating personal and business expenses.

Her advice to other women:
"Ageing is not a disability or a reason to give up. Stand up and continue to inspire young women to start their own small businesses. Start small and engage other organizations for assistance”.

We celebrate you, Francina. Lead by example. Never give up.
May your story inspire other women to start where they are.

21/08/2026

For 37 years, Lima RDF has been committed to empowering women and creating opportunities for people and communities to build sustainable livelihoods.

With Street Business School (SBS), Lima has reached nearly 7,000 entrepreneurs across six provinces through non-accredited enterprise development workshops, while 1,399 participants have completed accredited New Venture Creation training.

Most importantly, at least 70% of the entrepreneurs supported through the programme are women.

Through practical business training, mentorship and ongoing support, women are equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence to build sustainable businesses, create employment, strengthen their families and contribute to stronger local economies.

Because when a woman is given the opportunity to build, grow and succeed, the impact reaches far beyond her; it reaches her family, her community and the next generation.

This Women’s Month, we celebrate the women who are creating opportunities, building businesses and shaping a stronger future.💜

17/08/2026

Farmers, ideas and opportunities came together at Isithangami Sabalimi Nabafuyi!

Lima RDF joined the City of uMhlathuze’s LED Office for this farmers’ event, bringing together small-scale farmers and agricultural stakeholders to connect, share challenges and explore opportunities for growth.

As part of the Rio Tinto Farmer Support Programme, our Lima team showcased the support we provide to farmers across uMhlathuze, uMlalazi and uMfolozi, engaging with farmers throughout the day and sharing practical opportunities available to them.

And it wasn’t just about conversations; we were there to celebrate farmers making a difference!

Lima donated broiler feed to support high-performing farmers. Among those recognised were Dumisani Biyela and Sibusiso Cebekhulu from Cebekhulu Tribal Authority, who are part of the Lima Farmer Support programme. Both farmers received spinach seedlings and broiler feed in recognition of the impact they are making in their communities.

Events like Isithangami Sabalimi Nabafuyi create valuable spaces for farmers to connect, access support and turn opportunities into action, strengthening livelihoods and contributing to food security across our communities.

Rio Tinto Richards Bay Minerals - RBM

07/08/2026

Proud to be part of this important initiative supporting mothers, children, and healthier communities!

29/07/2026

The dedication and hard work of our Social Employment Fund (SEF) participants have resulted in another successful harvest at the Manenzhe Clinic food garden in Musina!

Fresh carrots, beetroot, leafy greens, and cabbages were recently harvested, showcasing the impact of sustainable food production and the commitment of participants to supporting local food security and nutrition.

Food gardens like these do more than produce fresh vegetables; they improve food security, increase access to nutritious food, and provide participants with practical agricultural skills. By transforming available land into productive growing spaces, the SEF programme is helping communities build greater resilience and become more self-reliant.

24/07/2026

Lima, in partnership with South Deep Mine, the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Red Meat Industry Services, recently hosted a two-day Livestock Production Training Programme at the Bekkersdal Agri-Park.

The training brought together 33 farmers from South Deep's host communities, equipping them with practical knowledge and skills to strengthen and grow their livestock enterprises. Participants engaged with industry experts, exchanged knowledge with fellow farmers, and took part in interactive sessions focused on best practices in livestock production.

As part of the programme, participants also completed a competency assessment, with successful candidates set to receive certificates issued by Red Meat Industry Services in recognition of their newly acquired skills and knowledge.

Through partnerships like these, we continue to equip farmers with practical skills and knowledge that strengthen their enterprises and support sustainable rural development.

22/07/2026

This Mandela Day, our Umhlathuze Social Employment Fund (SEF) participants from the Somopho locality dedicated their 67 minutes to making a meaningful difference in the life of an elderly community member.

The team visited 96-year-old Mr Gabela, and delivered groceries to his home, accompanied by members of the local ward committee.

This was made possible through a generous R2,000 donation from Mr B. Mthembu, owner of Shilo Farm. The contribution was used to celebrate Mr Gabela and provide him with the items he needed.

The Somopho SEF team extends its sincere gratitude to Mr B. Mthembu for his generosity and continued support.

His contribution made this Mandela Day initiative possible, and he has also previously donated seedlings to the Somopho SEF team to support household food gardens, helping to strengthen food security and improve livelihoods within the community.

20/07/2026

In Blouberg, Limpopo, our Social Employment Fund (SEF) participants dedicated their Mandela Day activities to serving and uplifting their community through acts of kindness, care and support.

As part of the day's activities, participants harvested fresh spinach and distributed it to vulnerable households. They also visited elderly community members to assist with cleaning yards, washing dishes and pots, offering practical support where it was needed most.

Through a donation from Subiaco Mission, clothing and household items were distributed to two vulnerable households, with further donations planned for the coming week.

Participants also spent time with children, reading stories, playing games and creating meaningful moments of connection and joy.

These acts of service reflect the power of communities coming together to care for one another.

Address

5 Montrose Park Boulevard, VCC Estate
Pietermaritzburg
3201

Opening Hours

Monday	07:30 - 16:30
Tuesday	07:30 - 16:30
Wednesday	07:30 - 16:30
Thursday	07:30 - 16:30
Friday	07:30 - 16:30

Telephone

0333429043

Website

http://www.lima.org.za/

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