The WDB Trust

A New Chapter! We are pleased to announce the consolidation of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation and the WDB Trust, giving rise to the Thabo and Zanele Mbeki Foundation. In July 2026, the respective Boards and Trustees signed the resolutions and Deeds of Amendment giving effect to this transition. The Thabo Mbeki Foundation Trust has been renamed the Thabo and Zanele Mbeki Foundation, while the WDB Trust has been reconstituted as the WDB Endowment Trust. This marks a new chapter in our shared journey, bringing together our legacies, resources and ambitions in service of Africa's future. @WDBtrust

Dancing to our own anthem all our esteemed guests took to the floor and celebrated the second day of the Zanele Mbeki International Women's Day Dialogue. @unisa #IWD #IWD2026 #SocialBusiness

In closing the WDB believes that poverty is not inevitable . It is a challenge that can be defeated when we empower people. Innovation is a great partner because it has allowed us to reimagine the possibilities that lie in driving change, solving problems and building systems that empower us all. #IWD #IWD2026 #socialbusiness

The WDB fosters continental collaboration, movement building for women as well as empowerment through unity. The results of the organisation speak for themselves. Women who once struggled to put food on the table are now employers , leaders and role models in their communities. @unisa #IWD #IWD2026 #socialbusiness

The additional work of the WDB involves adult literacy namely: 1. Financial Literacy 2. Intergenerational Impact 3.Economic Participation @unisa #IWD #IWD2026 #socialbusiness

The WDB does not only offer financial support it has an established Training Academy that equips women , youth and adults with skills that are needed to thrive in modern economy. @unisa #IWD #IWD2026 #SocialBusiness

The WDB has adopted the Grameen Bank Model pioneered by Nobel Prize Winner Professor Muhammad Yunus. This model has globally proven that when the poorest are given access to financial tools they can lift themselves out of poverty. @unisa #IWD #IWD2026 #SocialBusiness

Professor Edith Phaswana is our Program Director for the Day. Our program for the day focuses on 1.The work and impact of the WDB Trust 2.Case studies of successful South African businesses 3. Unlocking Market Access and Ecosystems 4. Policy Innovations 5. How do Social Businesses Thrive? 6.Partnerships that can fuel the growth of social businesses @unisa #IWD2026 #SocialBusiness #WomenLedDevelopment

Mam' Riya Phiyega, the CEO of WDB takes the stage to share the impactful work that the WDB is doing in the community. From Microfinance and enterprise development , capacity building and youth empowerment as well as adult literacy through computer training. Her presentation shows us that women don't lack ideas or innovative ideas they lack access to networks , funding and technical tools that capacitate the growth of their social businesses. The WDB consistently attempts to close that gap in the community. @unisa #IWD #IWD2026 #SocialBusiness

The work of the WDB Training Academy for the youth covers : 1.Digital Literacy 2.Future Workplace Readiness 3.Leadership Development @unisa #IWD #IWD2026 #SocialDevelopment

Day 2 starts in 2 hours! The 15th Zanele Mbeki International Women’s Day Dialogue picks up where yesterday’s powerful conversations left off. Today’s sessions will dive into practical case studies on social entrepreneurship, exploring real models in action and charting a clear path forward for women-led development in Africa. Do join us! 📍Houghton Hotel 09:00- 17:00

As we conclude the 1st day Zanele Mbeki International Women’s Day Dialogue, we extend our sincere gratitude to our distinguished speakers, panelists, our Programme Director Nicole Morris, partners, sponsors, and all our guests who contributed to a day of rich dialogue and shared learning. Our appreciation also goes to Mam’ Zanele Mbeki and the Thabo Mbeki Foundation for continuing to convene spaces that advance women-led development and social entrepreneurship across Africa. Together, we move forward with renewed commitment to building sustainable social businesses and empowering the next generation of women leaders. #IWD2026 #SocialBusiness #WomenLedDevelopment

Wrapping up #IWD2022 month with inspiration from one of the panelists from this year's dialogue. “It is our firm belief that wealth creation can enter the homes through women and communities.” - Luz Helena Hanauer, Executive Director of the WDB Trust becas-santander.com/en/blog/…

“Know yourself and change yourself. Through the change of the self, we can change the world.” Insights from Luz Helena Hanauer - Executive Director - WDB Trust You can still register to join: crowdcast.io/e/IWD2021/regis… See you at 14:00! #IWD2021