The Centre for Women and Gender Studies at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and the WDB Trust (WDBT) hosted the ‘Banking on Women’ colloquium at the NMU Campus on Friday (21 August 2026). 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 for Centre for Women and Gender Studies says hosting this significant gathering was 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 brought 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 mark 35 years of WDB Trust....