Zakheni Training and Development Centre, hereinafter referred to as ZTDC, was established and registered with the Department of Social Development in 2003 with its core in youth participation and development. This was after an array of challenges facing the youth population was identified and in response to these challenges, the Centre initiated programmes that would involve the youth to be the drivers in implementing the activities. Peer education for youth in and out of school became the ideal notion.

The organisation initially operated in Soshanguve, Tshwane District in Gauteng; and later expanded to the rural areas of Sekhukhune District, in Limpopo Province, Rustenburg, in Bojanala District.