"The ones who make history are not the ones who follow the rules, but those who break them. They are intentional in their creativity and evolution, knowing who they are before the world tells them who they should be." With these powerful words, Tashline Jooste, CEO of the Innovator Trust, set the stage for the 9th annual Women in Tech SMME Awards 2024, celebrating South Africa's top female innovators who boldly redefine the future with a call to "Rise with Intention."
The day was a testament to the power of intentional leadership, with compelling and perspective-shifting discussions and celebrations that inspired attendees to rise with purpose, transform challenges into opportunities, and lead the charge in shaping the future of technology and entrepreneurship. In her inspiring keynote, Jooste emphasised the need for deliberate action in entrepreneurship. Reflecting on the past performance, she highlighted how Innovator Trust has incubated over 200 SMMEs. These SMMEs have generated R1.7 billion in revenue throughout the three-year programmes, creating more than 4,000 jobs. These initiatives have not only contributed to the economic growth of South Africa but also empowered women in the tech industry.
Jooste called on women to embrace intentionality: "To rise with intention means going beyond merely hoping for change. It's about taking strategic, bold steps to shape our futures and the future of technology in South Africa."
The event was masterfully hosted by the charismatic Hulisani Ravele, with Nozipho Tshabalala as the superb panel moderator. Their dynamism on stage, along with Jooste's inspiring words, curated a space where every voice was heard, every woman seen. The event highlighted exceptional keynote speakers and thrilling panel discussions marked by diverse voices. Tshabalala struck the perfect balance between steering the conversation and allowing it to unfold organically while including the audience in the conversation.
One of WIT 2024's critical conversations was the role of AI in empowering women entrepreneurs, especially in underserved rural and township markets. Panelist Vinolia Martin from Microsoft emphasised, "AI is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It's about using technology to reach where it matters most—bridging gaps in underserved areas." This statement correlates with the Innovator Trust's mission of ensuring that technology drives social empowerment by connecting women-owned SMMEs with tools to transform their operations and expand their reach.
Highlighting their efforts to bring digital literacy to rural areas, Vodacom's Zukiswa Phillips, ME: Financial Planning and Analysis, a key partner in the awards, showcased its initiatives like "Code Like a Girl", aimed at training 1 million girls in digital skills across South Africa. Dr Tamaryn Green-Nxumalo shared how technology has enabled her to juggle multiple roles seamlessly. Charmaine Houvet, CEO of CISCO, emphasised the urgent need for women to take up the call and intentionally enter the digital and AI space, where they currently represent less than 9%, urging them to upskill in areas like predictive analysis to move from passive users to active creators. One way to bridge the divide was undoubtedly captured by Serisha Barrat, CEO of Lawyered Up, who underscored the importance of using AI to meet the specific needs of African markets by focusing on localisation. She highlighted that by refining solutions for one area, businesses can effectively replicate and scale them across similar markets on the continent.
The highlight of the day was recognising exceptional female entrepreneurs who have scaled their businesses by harnessing technology. The award winners included:
These winners exemplify how women-led SMMEs can leverage technology to create sustainable, scalable businesses that drive meaningful change. In the spirit of intentionally investing in the youth, #WIT2024 partnered with the University of Johannesburg's Women in Tech Program, showcasing some of their top technology and engineering students' pioneering inventions and prototypes in a spectacular Youth SMME exhibition.
The event concluded with an inspiring message from Siyabulela Lethuxolo Xuza, a South African scientist, energy-engineering expert, and entrepreneur who urged women to be "ruthlessly curious" and fearless in their pursuits. "The future of Africa lies in the hands of women who rise with intention and break through barriers," he stated. Along with many other inspiring impartations, Xuza’s statement makes one realise that the beauty of women realising their dreams is the knowing that none of them needs to be accomplished alone, highlighting the enduring impact of partnerships.
WIT 2024 is a testament to the immense value of collaboration, with Vodacom as the partner and funder of the Innovator Trust, who have supported the growth of small black-owned Information and Communications Technology (ICT) businesses in South Africa for the past decade. Microsoft and the GBV Response Fund stood alongside the Innovator Trust #WIT24 conference as key partners this year. Thank you for moving into action to ensure that women-owned SMMEs in the ICT sector continue moving forward. When industry leaders come together, success is set in motion, and in this instance, it was encapsulated in an affirmation that rang throughout the day.
An inspiring anthem that emerged from Jooste's opening address captured the spirit of the day: "Ask yourself, what does it mean to be an intentional woman? How will you lead the wave of the SMME change in your industry, community, and country? The future is in your hands.
“‘I can. I want. I will!’"
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