OUR WORK
Restoring Dignity, Prosperity & Hope
HOW WE WORK
We partner with traditional communities, innovators and entrepreneurs to build sustainable, life-changing projects.
What Makes Us Different?
The Rural Development Trust is the only organisation in South Africa dedicated to the cause of rural development, led by a comprehensive Master Plan, and endorsed by the National House of Traditional Leaders.
Entrepreneurial Approach
We are led by a team of entrepreneurs and innovators. Our focus is steadfast on implementation, impact and sustainability.
Community Ownership
Rural people are at the centre of everything we do. They identify the priorities, help design interventions, and aid us in implementation.
Rural Focused
We deliver projects exclusively in rural areas. Leveraging the land, labour and traditional systems to drive rural development.
OUR PROJECTS
Dignified Sanitation
We are improving rural hygiene, health and safety by replacing pit toilets with sustainable, off-grid alternatives.
Food Security
There is a growing crisis of malnutrition in rural areas. We tackle this by developing sustainable gardens, supporting emerging farmers, and strengthening food supply chains.
Rural Entrepreneurship
We deliver training, mentorship and other support programs to uplift entrepreneurs and help them grow their business.
Safe, Affordable Water
Rural water reserves and infrastructure are depleted. Our projects seek new ways to deliver water in a safe, reliable and cost-effective way.
FEATURE STORY
Siga Village Clinic - North West Province
Siga was the first stop on our journey to deliver dignified sanitation. When we arrived in 2017 the entire village relied on pit toilets – or ‘long drops’ – putting the community’s health and safety at risk.
Over two years we worked to build the community’s trust – engaging with traditional leaders and launching a local sanitation forum. At the same time we established a partnership with EnviroOptions, South Africa’s leader in waterless toilet solutions.
In 2019 we constructed waterless, compostable toilets at key facilities in the community, including two toilets at the local clinic. Providing decent sanitation to the sick, elderly and other vulnerable groups.
Our work in Siga unearthed the enormity of the rural sanitation challenge. But it also showed us the opportunities for innovation, from sustainable toilet construction to community-led planning. As well as better ways to raise funds, engage locals and manage waste.
We are forever grateful to the Bakwena Ba Maaka Traditional Council and the people of Siga for welcoming us. We look forward to working with them to solve this and other local challenges.