ILIMALETHU came about when people from the poorest and rural provinces (like the Eastern Cape ) reflected on the quality of life in their provinces, and wanted to “plough back” their skills and other resources. Some of the people actually went to their home districts in groups, in order to contribute toward development of projects, and improvement of access to social services.

The establishment of ILIMALETHU, therefore, is an attempt to promote development projects on a large scale throughout the country, but within the context of the prevailing social and economic development policies and strategies of the Government. There is a strong conviction that the creativity of ILIMALETHU can enrich, add value to, and upscale integrated social development in the whole of South Africa. The main mechanism for such creativity will be through community driven projects, where the major sectors of civil society are encouraged to participate. The key to success of such projects is the favourable environment created through a synergy between traditional leaders and the elected structures of local government. Indeed, an important role of the facilitating members is to promote the necessary common understanding that leads to such synergy.