Lima Rural Development Foundation

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.

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.

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.

Today, the spirit of Mandela Day came alive in Shiela Village, Ditsobotla Local Municipality, North West, where our Social Employment Fund (SEF) participants dedicated their 67 minutes, and so much more, to making a lasting difference.

This year's act of service focused on Oretshegofaditse Early Learning Centre, one of only two established early childhood development centres in the village. Led by a passionate and qualified principal, Nelly Mokhuane, who is also one of our programme participants, the centre is a beacon of hope for young children and their future.

Our participants spent the day repainting classrooms, building shelves, cleaning the entire facility, and creating a safe, welcoming and inspiring learning environment for the children who will soon return to school.

The day was about more than paint and cleaning. It was about restoring dignity, investing in the foundation of education, and proving that when communities unite, meaningful change happens.

We believe every child deserves a space where they can learn, dream and thrive. By strengthening early childhood development, we are investing in the future of Shiela Village, one child, one classroom and one act of kindness at a time.

As we celebrate Mandela Day, we are reminded that true leadership is found in service, and that even the smallest acts of kindness can leave a legacy that lasts for generations.

Mandela Day is a time to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy by giving back and making a positive contribution in our communities.

It serves as a powerful reminder that no act of kindness is ever too small to make a meaningful difference❤️

Yesterday, the Lima Social Employment Fund (SEF) team in Wegdraai, Northern Cape, joined hands with Nal'ibali to support their community. The team spent the day cleaning one of the local crèches, as well as preparing and distributing soup to the children and community members.

A simple act of care that reflects the spirit of Mandela Day is coming together to support and uplift those around us.

How are you honouring Mandela Day? Share with us in the comments!

📍Lima Head Office has moved!

Our new address:

170 Peter Brown Drive, 5 Montrose Park Boulevard, VCC Estate, Pietermaritzburg

Directions
https://www.google.com/maps/dir//Montrose+Apartments,+Montrose+Park+Blvd,+VCC+Estate,+Pietermaritzburg,+3201/@-29.5958375,30.3781375,15z/data=!4m8!4m7!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x1ef6a50041de4017:0x8497dbbc6a90fb2c!2m2!1d30.3364138!2d-29.5766669?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDYyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Happy World Rural Development Day!

Today, we celebrate the farmers, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and families who work every day to build stronger rural communities.

At Lima, it is a privilege to partner with communities across South Africa, supporting initiatives that improve food security, strengthen livelihoods, and create opportunities for long-term growth.

Every garden planted, every business supported, and every skill shared is a step towards more resilient communities.

Here's to the people whose dedication and determination continue to shape a brighter future.

Lima was honoured to participate in the Youth Month Career Exhibition hosted by the Itsoseng Stakeholder Forum in Itsoseng, Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality.

The exhibition brought together government departments and organisations committed to empowering young people by showcasing career opportunities and support services.

Representing Lima, Mida Serothoane introduced learners to the many career opportunities within agriculture, highlighting its vital role in society and reminding students that "if everyone eats today, we have farmers to thank." Learners also discovered the wide range of agricultural careers available, from Agricultural Extension and Farm Management to Horticulture, Animal Health, Plant and Animal Production, and Floriculture.

To inspire the youth, Mida shared the success stories of several young professionals who began their careers through Lima's internship programme and are now making a difference in their communities.

Lima also highlighted its internship programme, which gives graduates and students valuable hands-on experience while supporting experiential training with partner institutions.

Thank you to the Itsoseng Stakeholder Forum for the invitation and the opportunity to inspire young people to explore the many opportunities that agriculture has to offer and the positive impact they can make in their communities.

Lima, through its Township Economy Programme (TEP), recently hosted Financial Literacy training for enterprises enrolled in the Street Business School (SBS).

Funded by the Tshikululu Social Investments and made possible by Valterra Platinum Pty Ltd, the training was delivered by FNB across nine villages in the North West and Limpopo provinces.

Participants completed four key financial education modules:

- Protecting What Matters: Insurance and business assets
- Understanding Money: Budgeting, interest, and banking basics
- Growing Money: Savings, investing, and wealth building
- Leaving a Legacy: Wills and estate planning

These sessions are designed to strengthen financial resilience, improve business sustainability, and equip entrepreneurs with practical knowledge to make informed financial decisions.

The final module, Managing Debt, will be delivered during July–August 2026, completing the full FNB Financial Education programme for all participating SBS enterprises.

A sincere thank you to FNB for facilitating these educational sessions. We are confident that the knowledge gained will make a meaningful difference to the enterprises that participated.