Tembeka

ABOUT US

Tembeka is a social finance company, unique in South Africa, which has proven its ability to address socio-economic problems in a relevant, efficient and sustainable manner by investing in innovative community serving /driven social enterprises.

Our Mission is to create jobs & eradicate poverty by initiating & nurturing a lively integrated & sustainable chain of financial solidarity.

Tembeka brings relevant and affordable finance to social enterprises that address key problems identified in disadvantaged communities, most notable job creation. Over the past 10 years Tembeka has successfully channelled funds into disadvantaged communities throughout South Africa. Working with organisations that target the vulnerable sectors of the population. About 80% of funds are used to support rural women owned micro enterprises.

Tembeka's Business Development Trust provides technical support to its clients and has created a virtual presence through its co-operative style of working

This diagram shows the flow of funds in Tembeka's chain of financial solidarity. Beginning on the top with social (Investors) who invest by purchasing Tembeka shares or providing soft loans. (Tembeka) then places the funds with high impact social enterprises (Clients) that respond to social issues identified in the disadvantaged communities (Final Users) in which they operate, Funds are used for micro enterprises, job creation and to help communities get out of poverty.

OUR TEAM

Michael Brand is the Managing Director of Tembeka and one of its founders. He has been working in the development finance sector for the past twenty years. Michael is Board member of Tembeka and INAISE network. He has an engineering & small business background & holds a diploma in small business management.

Richard Balance, CFO of Tembeka since 2010. Richard is a retired chartered accountant with many years experience in both the corporate & Social spaces and volunteers his services to Tembeka. Richard holds a BCom (Rhodes University) and is a qualified Chartered Accountant.

Lisa Putter is in charge of Operations. She has 9 years experience in the development finance sector, holds a BSocSc in Development Studies & Social Transformation (UCT) and a diploma in Business administration specialising in Micro finance from Uganda Martryrs University.

Farah Zeeman has recently joined Tembeka as our new administrator. She holds a honours degree in Development Studies from the University of the Western Cape and has 8 years experience in business administration.

Ben Nkuna (Tembeka Associate) is in charge of Technical Assistance Operations. Ben is a micro-finance and accounting professional with 19yrs experience. His leadership and management experience has assisted many MFI’s both locally and internationally.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Christian Schmitz – Mr. Schmitz is CEO & Chairman of SIDI and a civil engineer by profession. SIDI is based in France and is actively supporting development finance in mfi's and apex institutions like Tembeka in more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America.

Dominique Lesaffre - Mr. Lesaffre is a Social Finance Professional & Senior Desk Officer of SIDI for Southern and West Africa, Middle East, Asia and Latin America. He is an alternate Director for SIDI and also represents Credit Coopratif on Tembeka's Board.

Teddy Setshedi - Dr Setshedi has served on Corporate Leadership Departments of various companies including SAB's CSI Department, MEDUNSA. He also served at ECITI as Board of Director, Seda & Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality SNMBT.

Adrienne Hall - Ms Hall is a director at Beerstecher Hall Consulting and is the past Development Director for Strathclyde, Oxford and WITS Universities. Ms Hall is an experienced marketing and communication professional and holds an MBA, MA (Oxon)& BA hons.

Sunet Jordaan is a consultant for the Foundation for Professional development and previously lectured at the University of Zululand in Development Studies Department.

Richard Bates - Chairperson Dr. Bates is a development consultant with extensive experience in agriculture development. Over the years Dr. Bates has worked with local & international organisations in setting up & managing village banks & finance schemes for small sugar-cane farmers.