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Bidding farewell to Dr Gertrude Mongella as a truly memorable weekend draws to a close. It has been an honour to host and engage with one of Africa’s most distinguished leaders and champions of women’s empowerment. The conversations, reflections, and shared moments over these past days have been both inspiring and enriching. #IWD2026

We were truly honoured to welcome Gertrude Mongella to our International Women’s Day activities. From the Dialogue to the Soirée where she was celebrated, it was a privilege to honour her remarkable contributions to women, communities and the African continent. It was equally inspiring to see her in conversation with @MbuyiseniNdlozi on leadership and Africa’s future. A powerful reminder of the importance of intergenerational dialogue as we continue shaping the continent’s path forward.

Thank you, Mam Zanele, for going beyond the norm and asking why and how can it be done differently. With this level of passion, commitment, resilience, and curiosity, we stand tall because of you. Your vision inspires us to challenge the status quo, your courage motivates us to act boldly, and your unwavering belief in possibility reminds us that progress is always within reach. We are deeply grateful for your leadership, your mentorship, and the legacy of excellence you continue to build. @unisa #IWD #IWD2026 #SocialBusiness

To the organising committees of both the Dialogue and this Soirée, under the leadership of Phindile Ndlovu, thank you. You collectively worked incredibly long hours behind the scenes to ensure every detail of this week was perfect. We see your dedication. @unisa #IWD #IWD2026 #SocialBusiness

''An evening of this magnitude does not happen by accident. It is the result of deep collaboration and a shared vision. On behalf of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, I want to express our deepest gratitude to our partners. Your unwavering support allows us to create these vital spaces where African excellence is envisioned and celebrated. @unisa #IWD #IWD2026 #SocialBusiness

''To achieve this, we need your partnership. We are asking for your letters, photographs, journals, and videos to help us build a richer archive. We also need your financial support. Your contributions will directly fund the construction of the Dome that will house the Institute. We need champions willing to advocate for the Centre within their networks to inspire others across the continent''. @unisa #IWD #IWD2026 #SocialBusiness

''Our goal is to correct a deep historical imbalance. We will collect and showcase the stories of extraordinary women so future generations grow up in a world that celebrates them. The Centre will serve as a dynamic reservoir of knowledge that tells the full story of Africa’s struggles and triumphs'' @unisa #IWD #IWD2026 #SocialBusiness

"We are celebrating more than individual achievements tonight. These women provide a precise blueprint for us all. The dialogue of the past two days gave us the theory of what must be done, but our honorees give us the living proof that it actually can be done. They remind us that true leadership is never about momentary applause. It is about laying down a foundation so solid that future generations can stand upon it without fear of it crumbling" COO of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation Lukhanyo Neer @unisa #IWD #IWD2026 #SocialBusiness #Leadership

As we honour the Mam’ Zanele Mbeki Leadership Honourees for 2026, the celebration continues! Award winning and style icon Zoe Modiga takes the stage, filling the evening with music, joy, and a spirit of triumph as we dance in recognition of these extraordinary women. #IWD2026 #Leadership #Celebration #IWD #IWD2026

A moment of honour and celebration! Tonight, we pay tribute to Mam Gertrude Mongella, recognising her visionary leadership and enduring impact on women across Africa. @unisa #MamZaneleMbekiHonourees #IWD2026 #Leadership #SocialBusiness

Tonight, we celebrate an extraordinary trailblazer, visionary leader, and tireless champion of women’s empowerment. Mam Gertrude Mongella has dedicated her life to advancing women’s rights and shaping opportunities for women across Africa through decades of remarkable leadership and service. It is with great pride and admiration that we congratulate her on being inducted as one of the Mam’ Zanele Mbeki Leadership Honourees for 2026 an honour recognising her exceptional leadership, pioneering spirit, and enduring legacy of empowerment. @unisa #IWD #IWD2026 #SocialBusiness

A moment of celebration for an extraordinary trailblazer, leader, and champion of community empowerment. Congratulations to Dr Gloria Serobe on her induction as one of the Mam’ Zanele Mbeki Leadership Honourees for 2026, in recognition of her visionary leadership and lasting impact on women and communities across Africa. @unisa #IWD2026 #IWD #SocialBusiness

We honour , acknowledge as well as celebrate the efforts, hard work and the legacy of Dr Gloria Serobe. A trailblazing businesswoman and champion of women’s economic empowerment, Dr Gloria Serobe co-founded Wiphold, the first post-1994 women’s group to list on the JSE, and now leads Wipcapital. Her visionary leadership and innovative approach have created opportunities for hundreds of thousands of women across South Africa, leaving an enduring legacy of empowerment, inclusion, and transformative impact. @unisa #IWD #IWD2026 #SocialBusiness

Dr Penny Thlabi, Wendy Tlou, and Mam’ Nana Magomola celebrated the remarkable journey of Dr Gloria Serobe, sharing not only her impact on their lives but also the profound legacy she has created for countless others. Reflections on her life and achievements remind us that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step and along the way, she has illuminated the path for so many. Tonight, her unwavering determination, exceptional career milestones, keen business acumen, and visionary leadership were honoured and celebrated. @unisa #IWD #IWD2026 #SocialBusiness

"There is no doubt that Mrs Mbeki is one of the foremost Queen Mothers of this content. We owe her a huge debt of gratitude that this generation must repay by following in her footsteps". @unisa #IWD #IWD2026 #SocialBusiness

"For us as a Foundation , this is a fight against erasure and invisibilising of women. More importantly it is a moment of reflection borne out of the realisation that , despite Africa's many years of past colonial order, softness and vulnerability has not been fully extended to women" @unisa #IWD #IWD2026

The CEO of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, Max Boqwana, welcomed all esteemed guests and extended a warm tribute to the evening’s two honourees. In his remarks, he underscored the pivotal role women have played in shaping inclusive societies and in steadfastly advancing the participation and leadership of women across all sectors of society. The Leadership Soirée celebrates women whose leadership embodies dignity, service, and institution-building. @unisa #IWD #IWD2026 #SocialBusiness

We are deeply honoured and grateful to have the Honourable Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma in our midst this evening. Her presence adds profound significance to this occasion as we celebrate Dr Gloria Serobe and Gertrude Mongella. Her presence stands as a powerful affirmation of the legacy, solidarity, and collective progress of African women leaders. @unisa #IWD #IWD2026 #SocialBusiness

Mam’ Zanele Mbeki and President Thabo Mbeki have arrived at the 15th International Women’s Day Soirée Gala Dinner, held in honour of Dr Gloria Serobe and Gertrude Mongella. This evening of reflection and celebration recognises the enduring contributions of these distinguished women whose leadership continues to shape Africa’s development and the advancement of women across the continent. @unisa #IWD #IWD2026 #SocialBusiness

The proceedings of the Soirée Gala Dinner are now underway. The evening’s programme director is @CathyMohlahlana, an accomplished broadcaster and journalist, guiding us through this special evening of reflection and celebration. @unisa #IWD #IWD2026 #SocialBusiness