The Centre for Women and Gender Studies at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), in partnership with the WDB Trust (WDBT), will host the ‘Banking on Women’ colloquium on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the NMU Campus in South Africa (SA).
The event honours the life’s work of former SA First Lady and WDBT Founder Mrs Zanele Mbeki, while celebrating 35 years of the WDB Trust. Inspired by Mbeki’s development and microfinancing model, the colloquium brings together scholars, community leaders, and economic experts to explore African feminist perspectives on the economy.
According to Professor Babalwa Magoqwana, Director for the Centre for Women and Gender Studies, hosting the gathering is a “deep honour” for the university, noting Mbeki’s dedication to transforming women’s lives across the continent.
Riah Phiyega, Chief Executive Officer of WDBT, highlighted that the event connects 35 years of practical field experience with academic research to tackle ongoing economic barriers facing women.
–ChannelAfrica–
