ILIMA is an isiXhosa
word loosely meaning:
Communal ploughing back
This refers to a practice found in most rural communities of South Africa. Here, local inhabitants typically begin ploughing land in autumn. To do the ploughing, they need cattle. It often happens that some people do not have either enough or any cattle with which to plough their land. So those who have, make available their bulls or cows to those that do not have. In so doing, they enable others to gain from what they are fortunate to have.
The ILIMA Trust was established in January 2007 and was registered as a Public Benefit Organisation in 2008. It addresses the thrust, in the words of President Jacob Zuma, “to build a society that prizes excellence and rewards effort… that draws on the capabilities, energy and promise of all its people… that from a common desire for a better life… forges a partnership for reconstruction, development and progress.”
Initially funded by Old Mutual as one of its Masisizane growth initiatives, the Trust, as public benefit organisation 9300226074, is managed by a board of independent trustees. Its focus, through a team of highly experienced senior executives and managers, is on government service delivery to communities and growth of small businesses by developing skills and capacity.
These managers, having chosen early retirement from Old Mutual and to move from success to significance in pursuit of a greater cause, have a common desire to see individuals and organisations grow and prosper through the transfer of skills and appropriate support and mentoring.
The take up of the ILIMA offering, provided by this rich pool of general management experience, has been widespread, ranging from central government ministries to small and micro enterprises.
ILIMA welcomes discussions with like-minded individuals and organisations who would like to be part of this rewarding and meaningful venture. Contact us
