On 26 May 2025, our founder and visionary, Zanele Mbeki, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Social Science by the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in recognition of her decades-long contribution to social development, gender equity, and women’s economic empowerment in South Africa and across the continent.
This honour is a powerful acknowledgment of Ms. Mbeki’s life’s work — as a policy influencer, feminist economist, and founder of the WDB Trust, which has impacted thousands of women and families through financial inclusion, development programmes, and feminist leadership.
“I accept this honour not for myself alone, but on behalf of the many women across Africa whose resilience and wisdom have shaped my life and work,” said Ms. Mbeki in her acceptance remarks.
From grassroots organising in rural KwaZulu-Natal to her global advocacy in gender forums, Ms. Mbeki’s leadership has always been grounded in one core belief: the transformation of society begins with the empowerment of women.
As WDB Trust, we are proud to celebrate this recognition of a woman who continues to inspire, mentor, and mobilise change-makers across generations.
Congratulations, Ma’am!
