Representing the Township and Rural Economic Development Agency (TREDA), a high-level delegation attended to align rural economic strategies with the broader national gender agenda. The delegation included:
- Ms. Qhamisa Tengile: TREDA CEO, who recently gained national prominence through her appointment to the “Engine Room” of the National Dialogue.
- Ms. Nomfundo Douw-Jack: CEO’s Advisor and Board Member.
- Ms. Vuyokazi Booi: TREDA Executive Director for Projects.
Their presence underscored TREDA’s “Activate” mandate, which focuses on transitioning informal economy productivity—often driven by women in rural areas—into structured, investable industries.
A Call for Legislative and Social Action
The symposium was hosted by Hon. Helen Sauls-August, Speaker of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature, and featured a hard-hitting keynote address by Hon. Mmamoloko Kubayi, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.
Minister Kubayi’s address pivoted on a critical proposal: the classification of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) as a national disaster. She emphasized that for women to thrive as “capable leaders,” the systemic barriers of violence and economic exclusion must be dismantled through rigorous legal frameworks and rapid response mechanisms.
“As I rise, we rise.” — The symposium’s rallying call (#AsIRiseWeRise) highlighted the collective responsibility of established leaders to mentor and pull up the next generation of women.
Strategic Collaborations and Agriculture
A significant highlight of the event was the collaborative engagement between Qhamisa Tengile and other influential figures, including:
- Prof. Somadoda Fikeni: Commissioner of the Public Service Commission (PSC), who brought insights into ethical governance and public service efficiency.
- Hon. Nonceba Kontsiwe: MEC for the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture.
The interaction between Tengile and MEC Kontsiwe was particularly vital, as agriculture remains a cornerstone of the Eastern Cape’s economy. Discussion points centered on the R19.5 million irrigation scheme revival and how women-led cooperatives can be better integrated into the commercial value chain.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Symposium concluded with a commitment to move past symbolic gestures. By integrating the economic tools of agencies like TREDA with the legislative power of the Provincial Legislature, the event set a clear roadmap for the “7th Term” of government: ensuring that women are not just participants in the economy, but the primary architects of its growth.
