The Women in Tech (WIT) 2024 Conference, held recently at the Vodacom World Dome in Midrand, South Africa, was a powerful gathering that highlighted the role of women in driving change within the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. This year’s event, centred around the theme “Rise with Intention”, solidified its position as one of the leading platforms for empowering women entrepreneurs, SMEs, and industry leaders to take charge of their futures in the digital landscape.
With South Africa’s tech ecosystem rapidly evolving, the WIT 2024 conference provided the perfect space to highlight the incredible achievements of women-led ICT SMEs. These businesses, many of which have benefitted from the Innovator Trust’s Enterprise Development, Youth Entrepreneurship, and Supplier Development incubation programmes, were given a stage to showcase their success stories and share insights into how they overcame challenges to thrive in today’s competitive market.
Empowering Women Through Technology: The WIT 2024 Experience
The WIT 2024 conference was not just an event; it was a celebration of progress, resilience, and ambition. Women who had built their businesses from the ground up in an industry that has historically been male-dominated shared their journeys, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. The event underscored the need for women in tech to harness the right technological tools, pursue entrepreneurship with purpose, and scale their businesses for long-term sustainability.
The conference focused on three key pillars that are essential for women entrepreneurs in the ICT space to succeed:
- Digitise: Adopting the latest digital tools and technologies to stay competitive.
- Monetise: Turning innovation into revenue by exploring new business models.
- Scale: Expanding businesses to reach broader markets and increase impact.
These pillars were explored in depth through a series of keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, all aimed at helping women gain the practical skills and strategies needed for success in the digital economy.
The Youth Entrepreneurship Programme: Nurturing Future Leaders
One of the standout initiatives at the WIT 2024 conference was the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (YEP), which serves as a springboard for young women entering the ICT sector. This programme plays a crucial role in equipping the next generation of female leaders with the skills, resources, and mentorship needed to succeed in the competitive tech landscape.
Many of the attendees and speakers at the event were alumni of the programme, and their success stories served as an inspiration to the next wave of young female entrepreneurs. As Tashline Jooste, CEO of Innovator Trust, put it in her keynote address, “We are called to be intentional – to actively shape our futures, break barriers, and lead with vision.”
A Star-Studded Line-up of Speakers
This year’s WIT 2024 conference brought together an impressive roster of speakers and panellists, each of whom shared their unique insights on navigating the tech world as women. Some of the most notable names included:
- Dr Tamaryn Green-Nxumalo, former Miss South Africa and leading advocate for women in business.
- Siyabulela Xuza, an energy engineer and founder of Galactic Energy Ventures, who shared his innovative work in renewable energy.
- Zukiswa Phillips, Managing Executive of Financial Planning and Analysis at Vodacom South Africa, who discussed the role of financial strategy in scaling tech businesses.
The star-studded event also featured engaging panel discussions and presentations that covered a wide range of topics, from funding strategies for women in tech to overcoming gender barriers in the workplace. These sessions were designed to equip attendees with actionable insights they could immediately implement in their businesses.
Keynote Highlights: Leading with Intention
The highlight of the conference was undoubtedly Tashline Jooste’s keynote speech, “The SMME Wave of Change: Being an Intentional Woman.” Jooste’s address focused on the importance of intentionality in every aspect of business and life. She encouraged women to take ownership of their entrepreneurial journeys and make decisions that would push them closer to their goals, no matter how big the obstacles might seem.
Her message resonated deeply with the audience, urging them to be deliberate in their actions and vision. As Jooste remarked, “We cannot wait for opportunities to come to us; we must go after them with purpose and intention.”
Celebrating Excellence: Awarding Women’s Impact
As part of the conference, the Innovator Trust celebrated the outstanding achievements of women in the tech and entrepreneurship sectors by awarding individuals who have made significant contributions. The award ceremony honoured women leaders who have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields, from enterprise development to supplier growth.
Some of the notable award winners included:
- Kutlwano Mzolo of Amafu Technologies, recognised as the Top Female Achiever in Enterprise Development for Q1 2024.
- Aphiwe Tafeni from Olem Business Boutique, awarded Top Female Employment Creator 2023/24.
- Wahseema Miller from Temo Digital, named Top Female Achiever Year-to-Date 2023/24.
- Simangele Mphahlele, founder of ejoobi, who won the Pinnacle Award for her outstanding contributions to enterprise development.
Mphahlele, who was visibly moved by the recognition, spoke passionately about how important it was for her to lead with vision and purpose. “It means a lot to me because it is validation of my team’s work, and it shows that what we are trying to build is being seen,” she shared during an exclusive interview after receiving the award.
Looking Ahead: A Future Built on Innovation and Collaboration
The WIT 2024 conference has reaffirmed the critical role that women play in the ongoing evolution of South Africa’s tech sector. It is evident that the future of the ICT industry in South Africa is in good hands—thanks to the collective drive, passion, and determination of women entrepreneurs who are breaking down barriers and charting new paths for others to follow.
The conference has also solidified the importance of initiatives like the Innovator Trust, which continue to provide essential support for women looking to scale their businesses and create lasting impact. As we move forward, it’s clear that empowering women in tech is not just about providing resources; it’s about shaping the future of South Africa’s digital landscape.
Relevant Links for Further Reading:
- Innovator Trust Youth Entrepreneurship Programme
- Vodacom World Dome Events
- Women in Tech South Africa
- Innovator Trust Enterprise Development Program
- SMME Funding in South Africa
