A wave of innovation is sweeping across South Africa, driven by a remarkable group of women entrepreneurs who are reshaping the technology landscape. On Wednesday, 13th November, the 9th edition of the Innovator Trust Women in Tech SME Awards Conference will kick off with great excitement, as this year’s Top Tech Achievers from the 2024 list of nominees will be announced.
Innovator Trust hosts the Women in Tech SME Awards Conference recognising leading women ICT SMEs from their Enterprise and Supplier Development incubation programmes for their exceptional business growth and contributions to the industry. With a unique focus on women-owned tech SMEs, the WIT awards highlight the cry for greater support for women SMEs especially within the ICT sector.
Beyond Code: Innovation with Impact
The women nominated aren't just building businesses; they're empowering communities. Through technology, they’ve built solutions that are changing lives, and their leadership is paving the way for a more inclusive tech landscape. This year, sixteen extraordinary women tech entrepreneurs, who are pioneers in their respective fields, have been announced as nominees in the prestigious Innovator Trust Women in Tech SME Awards Conference.
The esteemed nominees include:
- Unathi Nuku of New Era IT, Eastern Cape
- Kutlwano Mzolo of Amafu Technologies, Gauteng
- Simangele Mphahlele of ejoobi, Gauteng
- Janine Wood of Ignite Media, Western Cape
- Jo-Anne Madavha of Diamonds of Africa, Gauteng
- Nadia Toffar of Brand Tribe, Western Cape
- Leigh Desai of Innativ Studio, Western Cape,
- Wahseema Miller of Temo Digital, Western Cape
- Disebo Ramonyalioa of Internal Locus of Control, Gauteng
- Thabile Makhoba of Makhoba Professional Services, Gauteng
- Akhona Mfaba of Khayakhula Enterprises, Eastern Cape
- Aphiwe Tafeni of Olem Business Boutique, Eastern Cape
- Jenny Claasen of Ngaphaya Y2k10, Western Cape
- Sisanda Mbodlela of SM Solutions, Eastern Cape
- Tanganedzeni Mfamadi, Gauteng
- Glynn Mashonga of Globescope Technologies, Western Cape
Various factors are considered when selecting nominees, including the nominee's ability to drive business growth and innovation. Key criteria include demonstrating turnover growth, successfully diversifying their business offerings, effectively leveraging and integrating technology into their operations, and creating sustainable employment opportunities. These factors highlight a nominee's capacity to not only excel but also positively impact the broader technological landscape.
Shattering the Glass Ceiling
Women in tech are still battling representation and stigma, but the 2024 nominees are breaking down barriers. Their success is a beacon of hope for aspiring female entrepreneurs, and the inclusion of young tech talent from top institutions shows a transformative shift.
"We're changing the narrative," says Tashline Jooste, CEO of Innovator Trust. "This year's nominees, with their unwavering dedication and tech-powered vision, are the future business and tech leaders of South Africa. Instead of waiting, we’ve decided to act and be the change we’d like to see in this sector.”
Join the WIT Movement: Rise with Intention
The nominations serve as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in the power of technology to transform lives.
The 2024 Innovator Trust Women in Tech SME Awards Conference where this year’s winners will be announced, the Innovator Trust has extended a call to register for a complimentary virtual seat to be a part of this historic event.
Witness the rise of South Africa’s tech titans! Secure your spot today at www.innovatortrust.co.za.
Virtual registrations are now open until Wednesday, 13th November 2024.
WOMEN IN TECH APPRECIATION EXPERIENCE – THE FUTURE OF TECH, POWERED BY WOMEN
About Innovator Trust
The Innovator Trust was created to support the growth of small black-owned Information and Communications Technology (ICT) businesses in South Africa. Through our programmes, we support and nurture the growth of SMMEs by facilitating training that develops their skills as business owners, and providing necessary resources and mentorship, ensuring they become sustainable businesses contributing meaningfully to the ICT sector and the country’s economy.