Tembaletu
Education in Pietermaritzburg

Tembaletu’s vision is a literate, prosperous and democratic South Africa in which everyone is able to actively participate in all spheres of social, economic and political life.
The Tembaletu Trust is a registered NPO Trust.
The Tembaletu Trust and the Tembaletu Community Education Centre were established in 1989.
Tembaletu is derived from the IsiZulu word “ithembalethu”, which, when translated into English, means “our hope.
Our mission is to raise the level of awareness, knowledge and skills of marginalized communities and individuals through the provision of quality information, resources and education and training programmes in resourceful and accountable ways.

Tembaletu Trust works in communities across KwaZulu-Natal, offering accessible and appropriate education, training and community development opportunities which are aimed particularly at meeting the needs of those who, for historical and socio-economic reasons still remain economically and educationally disadvantaged. The services ranged from basic information and advice through to short skills workshops covering topics relevant to crafting (such as product innovation), business acumen (such as how to cost the production of an item) through to sales and marketing (how to display or package products). The Crafters’ Croft effectively served as a craft and business incubator for informal crafters wishing to develop their crafting and entrepreneurial skills within a supportive and enabling environment. A mobile Advice and Information Provision Service was also available to further assist crafters in their endeavours to become more sustainable.