It is with deep sadness that the WDB Trust reflects on and mourns the passing of Dr Anne Letsebe, a long-serving trustee, distinguished leader, and passionate advocate for women’s empowerment in South Africa. Dr Letsebe passed away on Tuesday, 16 September 2025.
Dr Letsebe devoted her life to advancing the rights, dignity, and opportunities of women and communities across the country. Her tenure as trustee of the WDB Trust was marked by wisdom, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the vision of building an inclusive economy that uplifts women and families.
Through her stewardship, Dr Letsebe played a critical role in guiding the Trust’s programmes, ensuring that thousands of women entrepreneurs gained access to financial inclusion, capacity building, and opportunities to break cycles of poverty. She was known for her humility, her sharp intellect, and her ability to inspire others to serve with integrity.
Tribute from Mme Zanele Mbeki, Founder of WDB Trust
“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. We honour her memory and celebrate the profound contribution she has made to our society.”
Tribute from General Riah Phiyega, CEO of WDB Trust
“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. We will carry forward her vision of an inclusive and just society with even greater determination, in honour of her extraordinary life.”
About Dr Anne Letsebe
Dr Anne Letsebe was a distinguished leader whose career spanned social work, education, development, and social justice. Trained as a social worker, she dedicated her early career to providing quality social support to underserved communities, often in rural areas where access to such services was most limited.
Her passion for community upliftment led her to serve in development organisations, where she combined her professional expertise with a deep commitment to social and economic empowerment. Over the years, she played a pivotal role in national dialogues on public health, women’s empowerment, and poverty eradication. She earned recognition as a pioneer of holistic development strategies and further distinguished herself through public service, including her role as Secretary in the Cabinet of South Africa.
Dr Letsebe joined the WDB Trust as a trustee where she provided governance leadership, strategic guidance, and mentorship. Her vision and values were instrumental in shaping the Trust’s approach to women’s financial inclusion and enterprise development.
In addition to her work with WDB Trust, Dr Letsebe served in various leadership and advisory capacities across the public and non-profit sectors. She was deeply respected for her ability to bring people together and to champion causes that improved the lives of the marginalised.
Her life’s work reflects a profound belief in the power of women to transform families, communities, and economies. She leaves behind a rich legacy of service, leadership, and empowerment.
