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About Us
Our Story
Rixile Development Institute was born out of necessity — and hope. In the wake of mass funding cuts that severely impacted South Africa’s development and health sectors, many communities were left with widening gaps in essential service delivery. Programs that once supported public health, livelihoods, environmental stewardship, and youth empowerment were scaled back or discontinued entirely.
Recognizing the urgent need to sustain and reimagine this work, the founders— came together to create Rixile. With decades of combined experience in renewable energy, finance, public health, and community systems, they envisioned a new kind of organization: one rooted in indigenous wisdom, powered by innovation, and driven by community resilience.
Inspired by the word Rixile — meaning "dawn" in Xitsonga — we believe that every ending holds the seed of a new beginning. Our work is dedicated to helping communities rise again, stronger and more self-determined, by building systems that are regenerative, just, and grounded in local knowledge.
Our Mission
At Rixile Development Institute, our mission is to empower communities through sustainable development initiatives. We believe in creating opportunities that promote health, education, and economic stability for all members of society.
Bridging Sectors, Empowering Communities
At Rixile Development Institute, we believe that lasting impact is built on strong relationships and shared purpose. By fostering collaboration across sectors, we ensure that services reach the communities who need them most. Through strategic partnerships, we bridge the gap between innovation and grassroots realities—amplifying community voices, strengthening systems, and co-creating solutions that are locally grounded and sustainable.
- Community-based organisations
- Local and national government
- Academic and research institutions
- Development agencies and funders
- Tech innovators and renewable energy providers
Our Focus
Health & Wellbeing
We aim to contribute to stronger, more inclusive community health responses across South Africa. Our future programming will integrate holistic health promotion with community-based services such as:
Primary healthcare access
- Referral pathways and linkages
- Mental health support
- Gender-based violence response
- HIV, TB, and SRHR education
- Health systems strengthening
We envision supporting healthier communities through systems that are people-centered, culturally grounded, and accessible to all.
Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)
Rixile plans to launch WASH initiatives that increase access to safe, affordable, and sustainable water and sanitation services—especially in rural and informal settlements. Our approach will promote:
- Community-led water purification and rainwater harvesting
- School-based hygiene education
- Menstrual health programmes
- Eco-friendly sanitation solutions co-designed with local stakeholders
We see WASH as a critical foundation for health, dignity, and gender equity.
Food Security & Agroecology
To address rising food insecurity and the climate impacts on agriculture, we aim to promote community-driven food systems grounded in agroecology. Planned initiatives include:
- Community and school gardens
- Seed saving, composting, and sustainable land practices
- Nutrition education and food literacy for families and caregivers
Our vision is to help communities reclaim food sovereignty while regenerating the land.
Renewable Energy & Green Infrastructure
As energy insecurity continues to deepen inequality, we plan to bring clean, affordable, and community-owned energy solutions to underserved regions. Our future initiatives will include:
- Solar installations in clinics, schools, and community centers
- Youth-led green technology training and enterprise support
- Clean cooking and household electrification pilots
Our aim is to foster energy justice while building green livelihoods.
Climate Justice & Environmental Resilience
Rixile will work to ensure communities most impacted by climate change are at the center of adaptation and restoration strategies. We envision programs focused on:
- Nature restoration, indigenous land care, and reforestation
- Community-based disaster preparedness
- Youth climate activism and education
- Local-level climate planning and advocacy
We seek to align climate justice with social justice for lasting environmental and human wellbeing.
Youth, Children & OVC Empowerment
Recognizing the urgent need to support young people and vulnerable children, Rixile’s future programming will focus on:
- Holistic support for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and early childhood development
- Life skills, digital literacy, and education bridging
- Social innovation labs for youth-led solutions
- Entrepreneurship incubation and civic leadership training
- Arts, sports, and healing-centered programming for trauma-affected youth
We are committed to empowering a generation to heal, lead, and transform their communities.
Gender Equity & Social Inclusion
In a society still marked by deep gender and social disparities, our future work will focus on inclusive development and protection. Planned interventions include:
- GBV prevention and response services
- Women-led cooperatives and livelihood strengthening
- Disability inclusion and accessibility programming
- LGBTQIA+ advocacy and safe space creation
- Community dialogues to challenge stigma and discrimination
Equity is at the heart of everything we aim to build.
Our Impact
Collective Achievements of the Founders and Co-Directors
Over the course of their professional journeys, the founders and co-directors have jointly delivered an impressive portfolio of impact-driven accomplishments across South Africa’s public health and development sectors.
These milestones underscore the founders’ and co-directors’ proven ability to bridge innovation and implementation, mobilize