Tribute to the Women Directing the Strategy of the Eastern Cape Development Corporation

August is Women’s Month, a time to celebrate the remarkable contributions of women. It also marks the start of the second term of the financial year. As I reflect on what has been a challenging start to the year for our country, and for the Eastern Cape in particular, I am encouraged by the progress we have made in transforming the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC). I am deeply honoured to work alongside a group of exceptionally skilled and committed women serving on the Board of the ECDC.

Many boards struggle to find cohesion, often swinging between being silent governors of an institution or overstepping into operational matters. The ECDC Board, however, has adopted an activist leadership approach in shaping and directing the organisation’s strategy — a deliberate choice necessitated by the scale of challenges we face.

In a corporate context, activist leadership means having a deep understanding of the strategic issues confronting the organisation and crafting focused actions, often structured as programmes or campaigns, that mobilise both the organisation and wider society. Under this approach, the Board sets the direction and establishes the guardrails within which management executes strategy, while remaining firmly within its governance role. To make such a strategy work, you don’t only need a cohesive Board; you need high levels of trust among Board members, between Board and Management, and a great degree of openness to dissenting views.

This Women’s Month, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the women at the helm of the ECDC. They bring diverse expertise, sharp insights, strong intuition, and measured pragmatism as we tackle some of the Eastern Cape’s most stubborn socio-economic challenges. It is rare to find a Board with such diversity of skills, a strong representation of women, and a youthful energy that drives strategic execution to its limits in pursuit of economic recovery.

Women of the ECDC Board

Dr Makaziwe Makamba holds a PhD in Computer Science and brings deep expertise in digital technology. She reminds us that even the most advanced technologies succeed only when infused with human logic and social understanding. Dr Makamba not only challenges the Board and organisation on digital transformation but also chairs the Human Resources, Social and Ethics Committee.

Siyabuka Siko, a Chartered Accountant and MBA graduate, provides the Board with a strategic perspective on finance and investment. With sharp commercial insight and attention to detail, she is particularly valuable in a turnaround environment where the margin for error is small. She also serves on the Audit and Risk Committee.

Nolitha Pietersen, also a Chartered Accountant with an MBA, has deep knowledge of the economic development landscape through her time with the Independent Development Trust. Her experience in building capacity to implement large-scale infrastructure projects strengthens the Board. Nolitha serves on the Finance and Investment Committee and the Human Resources, Social and Ethics Committee.

Tracy Cummings brings a forensic approach to numbers and an eye for detail, ensuring that the Board’s pragmatism in dealing with strategic issues is balanced with risk oversight. She serves on the Audit and Risk Committee and the Finance and Investment Committee.

Loren Smith, a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in running audit committees, chairs the Audit and Risk Committee. As an external member, she contributes a broader perspective on the organisation’s risk universe and how it is being managed.

Nande Mheshe, a sharp legal mind, brings much-needed expertise in commercial law and litigation, especially given the challenges of property hijackings and invasions affecting ECDC properties. She serves on the Finance and Investment Committee and the Human Resources, Social and Ethics Committee.

Xolie Titus, with a Master’s in Development Studies and extensive experience as an executive in the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), provides valuable strategic insight on economic development and development finance.

Dr Palesa Mkhetha-Kosi, who holds a PhD in Economics from Nelson Mandela University, is a new addition to the Board. As Head of Department at the University of Fort Hare, she will drive the economic development agenda at Board level and foster linkages between the ECDC and institutions of higher learning, enabling collaborative partnerships in action-based research.

Looking Ahead

In a province facing limited industrial development and high unemployment, an economic development agency cannot afford to play it safe. It must play to win, and that requires pragmatic, bold strategies that move the needle. I am privileged to work alongside a Board that is committed to making a difference, balancing ambition with accountability, and delivering measurable progress.

Tribute to these women leaders driving the strategy of the ECDC. While the task ahead is daunting, your contributions are both visible and invaluable.

Malibongwe!

-        Vuyani Jarana- ECDC Board Chairperson