Dr Audrey Mukwavi Matimelo

Dr Matimelo: Executive Director (Co-founder) of Zimele Wethu foundation.

Dr. Matimelo completed her PhD research on the Self Help Group Concept. Prior to that she worked as a professional banker for 10 years, and is currently part of the Pastoral Team at King’s Community Church in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. She has been working as a community development practitioner since 2005, and her work with the Self Help Group concept has enabled her to effectively mobilise and engage with groups of women, youth and men for social and economic development. She is a passionate advocate of the Self Help Group concept, and has travelled to India, Kenya and Zimbabwe to implement and grow the concept.

Mrs. Tendai Stambuli

Manager: Administration & Monitoring and Evaluation | Coordinator: Business Development Programme

Tendai manages administration, accountability systems, and communication for both the office and programme activities at Zimele Wethu. She also leads the Business Development Programme, empowering Self Help Groups and Cluster Level Associations to grow entrepreneurial initiatives that strengthen household sustainability, create jobs, and improve community wellbeing.

Her journey with Zimele Wethu began as a student intern, where she facilitated training and mentorship for small businesses. With a Master’s in Marketing and a strong background in community development, Tendai brings expertise, dedication, and passion for fostering self‑reliance and reducing income poverty. Her leadership continues to drive economic growth and inspire grassroots innovation across communities.

Ms Albertina Tomato Zuma

Ms Zuma is a Coordinator - Self Help Group Phase 2 in Zimele Wethu. She is one of the Self Help Group programme participants in Swayimane community and this has granted her many opportunities to live a better and fulfilled life. In her early days in the SHG programme she learnt sewing skills and was able to earn money through her craft business to start farming seasonal crops for additional income. Ms Zuma developed leadership skills through the Self Help Group programme and serves as part of traditional leadership in her community. Through strengthening Cluster Level Associations (CLAs) that uplift woman, orphaned and vulnerable children, and the sick, Ms Zuma is now pursuing her calling to serve other people in the communities with Zimele Wethu, creating communities that are self- reliant and safe.

Ms Pemela Nene

Programmes Manager

Pamela serves as Programmes Manager at Zimele Wethu, where she oversees the implementation of the Self Help Group Development Programmes and coordinates activities that drive socioeconomic empowerment and build self‑reliance among beneficiaries, their households, and communities.

She began her journey with Zimele Wethu as a student intern in the Business Development Programme, later coordinating Self Help Group Phase 1 and managing Community Facilitators. Drawing on her experience in church‑based community development initiatives, her academic achievements, and her passion for social impact, Pamela equips facilitators with training and guidance while supervising the implementation of Self Help Group programme activities to ensure their growth, expansion, and long‑term sustainability in communities.

Her leadership continues to foster sustainable growth and community resilience.

Ms. Nene holds an Honors Degree in Marketing.

Ms. Nonhlanhla Ngcobo

Facilitator: Self Help Group Social Development Programme

Nonhlanhla serves as a Facilitator for the Self Help Group Social Development Programme at Zimele Wethu. She works alongside SHG and CLA members running social care projects to train and support them in carrying out activities that respond to social needs among children, young adults, orphaned and vulnerable children, the elderly, the sick, the frail, and other vulnerable groups in communities.

She began her journey with Zimele Wethu as an intern, assisting with data collection for monitoring and evaluation. Nonhlanhla carries a success story of a child cared for by women in the SHG programme, reflecting the impact of her work in strengthening community support systems.

She holds a Diploma in Public Management and is currently studying towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, further equipping her to contribute to social development and wellbeing in communities

Reshma Yakub

Mrs Reshma Yakub provides bookkeeping services to Zimele Wethu.