Titled using part of the WDBT slogan, this colloquium offers African feminist perspectives on the economy, inspired by former First Lady and WDB Trust Founder, Mrs Zanele Mbeki’s development and microfinancing model.
Prof Babalwa Magoqwana, Director of the Centre for Women and Gender Studies, says hosting this significant gathering is a “deep honour for Nelson Mandela University.”
“Mrs Mbeki’s lifelong dedication has transformed the lives of women across diverse communities throughout the African continent. By bringing her legacy together with current interdisciplinary economic research, our institution is committed to advancing practical strategies that drive change for women.”
The colloquium brings together scholars, community leaders and economic experts to consider the kinds of thinking, models and possibilities that emerge through African feminist understandings of the economy, while honouring Mrs Mbeki’s life’s work and marking 35 years of the WDB Trust.
Through decades of dedicated service, Mrs Mbeki has positively impacted women from all walks of life across the African continent. From rural micro-entrepreneurs building small family enterprises to senior leaders in public and corporate life, her vision has opened doors to financial independence, self-reliance and dignity.
“Mrs Mbeki remains a true leader and an inspiration to generations. This celebration takes place during a landmark moment for the organisation, coinciding with Women’s Month and the WDB Trust’s 35th anniversary,” says Mrs Riah Phiyega, WDBT CEO.
The purpose of the colloquium is to reflect on and connect 35 years of practical field experience with academic research to tackle the ongoing economic barriers women face. The theme is inspired by the work and motto of the WDB Trust as foundational in building resilient communities.
As a metaphor and possible alternative economic framework, “banking on women” means meaningfully investing in, trusting, supporting and sustaining women’s economic initiatives in building resilient and sustainable communities.
Key highlights and discussion panels
The colloquium opens with a 20-minute live interview with Mrs Mbeki, facilitated by scholar Prof Pumla Gqola. Furthermore, the University will present a visual timeline detailing Mrs Mbeki’s body of work.
This includes her leadership in founding and guiding the WDB Trust, South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID), the International Women’s Forum South Africa (IWFSA) and WDB Investment Holdings (WDB IH).
The programme features multiple panel discussions with leading scholars and businesswomen, designed to open a wide dialogue on key issues affecting women’s participation in the economy. Thematic interventions include:
• Considering the “History, Meanings and Approaches of Banking on Women”
• “Imagining the Economy from African Feminist Perspectives”
• Investigating “Development, Debt and Deconstructing our Current EconomicFrameworks”
• Interrogating “Policies in Practice: Women’s Economy, Care Work and HowWe Measure the Market?”
• Looking forward “Towards Feminist Economic Futures” in ways that considersustainability and systemic change
Speakers at the colloquium include Mandela University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa, Dr Judy Dlamini, Dr Futhi Mtoba, Prof Edith Phaswana (UNISA), Busi Sibeko (Wits/SOAS), Safia Khan (UCT), Isabella Matambanadzo (Independent), Nombuso Mathibela (Independent/NAWI), Mrs Riah Phiyega (WDB Trust), Nana Magomola (WDB Trust), Crystal Simeoni (NAWI), Professor Michele Ruiters (GIBS) and Lebohang Liepollo Pheko (Trade Collective).
Public attendance and registration The colloquium is open to the public; however, seating at the venue is limited. Interested members of the public, researchers and media representatives must RSVP in advance to secure a seat.
Date: 21 August 2026
Time: 08h00
Venue: Ocean Sciences Auditorium, Gqeberha Campus
Nelson Mandela University
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
RSVP Details: Please click here to RSVP to attend the colloquium or email Danielle Bowler for more information.
Livestreaming link
“Over the past 35 years, the WDB Trust has shown that when you invest in women, families and entire communities thrive. This colloquium gives us the opportunity to honour her lifetime of work while setting a clear path forward for women’s economic independence across the continent,” Mrs Phiyega concludes.