Who are we? A partnership-based learning network of organisations applying a proven savings methodology. Our aim is to reach and empower 23-million people without access to secure livelihoods

The WeSave Collective exists to shift the poverty needle, one savings group at a time. The goal is to enable groups of women and youth to develop their capacity to pursue livelihood pathways and move out of poverty. They do this by supporting each other by; strengthening their financial capabilities, learning to save, and manage capital; building cushions against shocks, and making deliberate choices about their futures rather than reacting to crises.

Small, regular savings contributions, pooled and managed within a savings group, become a foundation for resilience, livelihoods and dignity — especially but not exclusively for women and youth. Men make up 8% of our members. The outcome is agency and collective action amongst members of savings groups. This represents a force for systemic change within our society.

The challenge: South Africa carries a poverty burden compounded by a poor savings culture and an economic ecosystem inaccessible to the most vulnerable. In 2023 about 23.2 million people lived below the lower-bound poverty line of R1 300 per person per month, the level at which a household must choose between food and other essentials. KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, North West and Limpopo are home to nearly 60% of South Africans living below the poverty line , and the strain falls hardest on the young: over 71% of those affected are under 35, and children make up 43% (Stats SA, 2025). Only two in ten South Africans sustain a savings habit with the average household savings rate at – 1.3% (Stats SA, 2026). As one of the most unequal countries it is essential that we adopt deliberate methods to change this.

Member organisations bring many years of experience to addressing the profound challenges that women, youth and other vulnerable groups face in our society. We promote a range of community-based activities and outcomes across: enterprise development, health, agroecology, sustainable natural resource use and social protection, while recognising the central role that savings plays in developing self-reliance and enhancing sustainable livelihoods. The Collective shares a savings and financial-education methodology and a commitment to advocating for its wider application given its proven success.

SaveAct acts as custodian, convening partners, co-ordinating the rhythm of the network and safeguarding quality. Thematic leads from partners bring depth in monitoring, climate resilience, livelihoods, health/ nutrition and in digital tools. Member organisations rotate the convening role, host exchange visits and carry the learning back into their communities. Together they form a nexus of advocacy with many voices amplifying one methodology.

The Collective is a space for learning and collective improvement, not a funding mechanism. Partners come to share what works, test ideas and solve problems. They build a common understanding of how to apply the methodology responsibly and at scale, and strengthen one another through mentoring and peer learning. They amplify a shared voice that can shape funders responses, policy and the wider ecosystem toward systemic change for vulnerable women and youth.

Quality and integrity : protect the core methodology while allowing it to adapt through learning.

Trust, respect and openness :guide honest exchange, free of extractive or competitive behaviour.

Mutual accountability: commit partners to consistent practice and reliable data. Reciprocity means every partner gives knowledge, not only receives it. Inclusion and equity reject discrimination and political alignment.

Environmental responsibility: tie savings work to climate adaptation and circular economic practice.

Learning by doing: favour practical exchange over theory.

A light structure with strong purpose: keep the network agile and grounded in value for its members.

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If your organisation would wish to contribute to the collective or support any of the partner organisations, or if you want to find out more about the methodology and the work we do please contact Angela at: info@saveact.org.za.

Alternatively, go to member websites and learn more about what they do.