WDB Trust mourns the loss of Dr Anne Letsebe, advocate for women's empowerment

The WDB Trust (Women's Development Businesses) has reacted to the death of long-serving trustee Dr Anne Letsebe, saying her dedication to women's empowerment in South Africa has left an indelible mark on the nation.

Letsebe died on Tuesday, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and commitment to upliftment, the trust said.

Letsebe’s journey was one of unwavering commitment to advancing the rights and dignity of women, especially in underserved communities across South Africa, it said, adding that her expansive tenure as a trustee was characterised by wisdom, dedication, and an unyielding passion for creating an inclusive economy that transforms lives.

The trust said Letsebe played a pivotal role in shaping programmes that provided thousands of women entrepreneurs with opportunities for financial inclusion and capacity building. Known for her humility and sharp intellect, she possessed a unique ability to inspire others to serve with integrity and purpose.

Tributes pour in for a revered leader

Trust founder Zanele Mbeki reflected, “The WDB Trust has lost not only a trustee but also a pillar of wisdom and strength. Dr Anne Letsebe walked with us in our mission to create a better life for women across South Africa. She embodied the values of service, dignity, and compassion, and her legacy will live on in the countless women whose lives have been transformed through the work she helped to shape.”

Its CEO, General Riah Phiyega, also expressed the sorrow felt within the WDB family, stating, “Dr Letsebe’s passing leaves a deep void in the WDB family. She was more than a trustee — she was a mentor, a thought leader, and a friend. Her dedication to the cause of women’s empowerment was both personal and professional, and her insights consistently enriched our work.”

Championing women and communities

The trust said Letsebe’s professional journey spanned several crucial areas, including social work, education, and social justice. She dedicated her early career to providing essential social support, focusing particularly on rural communities where such services were limited. Her passion led her into various development organisations, integrating her professional expertise with a steadfast commitment to social and economic empowerment, it said.

Over the years, Dr Letsebe emerged as a key figure in national discourses surrounding public health, women’s empowerment, and poverty eradication. Her significant contributions included her tenure as Secretary in the Cabinet of South Africa, where she further enhanced her legacy.

Joining the WDB Trust as a trustee, Dr Letsebe provided essential governance leadership and strategic guidance. Her vision and values were instrumental in framing the Trust’s approach towards women’s financial inclusion and enterprise development, ensuring that her impact would resonate well beyond her lifetime.

In addition to her role at the WDB Trust, Dr Letsebe assumed various leadership positions across the public and non-profit sectors, earning widespread respect for her collaborative spirit and her fervent advocacy for marginalised communities.