EMPOWAWOMEN LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2024

 Bubbles & Nibbles

The EmpowaWomen Summit 2024

The EmpowaWomen Summit aims to break barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and inspire change by providing a space for women leaders to connect, learn, and amplify their voices.

 

Expand your network:

Connect with women from diverse industries and backgrounds, fostering collaboration and mentorship opportunities.

 

Gain invaluable insights:

Learn from over 200 industry experts who will share their knowledge and experience on overcoming challenges and achieving success.

Drive positive change

Be part of a community dedicated to empowering women and advancing gender equality in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Celebrate women's achievements:

Join a vibrant community of inspiring women leaders and celebrate their successes.

Collaborate and create impact:

Work together with like-minded individuals to develop innovative solutions and drive systemic change.

 Who Should Attend

Why You Should Attend
If you are a woman who is determined, resilient, and passionate about creating positive change, the Empowawomen Summit is for you. Join a community of like-minded individuals who are committed to breaking down barriers and building a better future for all women.

Expand your network:

Connect with women from diverse industries and backgrounds, fostering collaboration and mentorship opportunities.

Gain invaluable insights:

Learn from over 200 industry experts who will share their knowledge and experience on overcoming challenges and achieving success.

Drive positive change:

Learn from over 200 industry experts who will share their knowledge and experience on overcoming challenges and achieving success.

Celebrate women's achievements:

Join a vibrant community of inspiring women leaders and celebrate their successes.

Collaborate and create impact:

Work together with like-minded individuals to develop innovative solutions and drive systemic change.

 Our Speakers
Experience the transformative power of EmpowaWomen’s inspirational speakers at the Leadership Summit 2024. Join visionaries who are leading towards a more inclusive and equitable future. Connect with like-minded individuals for an empowering experience that fuels your passion for positive change.
 Main Stage
Gugulethu Mfuphi

Gugulethu Mfuphi

Conversation Strategist, Global Moderator & Broadcaster
Maphefo Anno-Frempong

Maphefo Anno-Frempong

CEO, TETA

I am an Enterprise Development and Empowerment specialist. I am also a coach with a passion for development of youth, women and entrepreneurs across the spectrum. As a strategic thinker and a corporate governance expert, I lead and inspire consummate professionals to plan, deliver an impactful program in the transport sector in South Africa. My natural flair for stakeholder engagement gives me a competitive advantage to partner with the variety of role players in the private and public sector organisations. Maphefo Anno – Frempong has more than 31 years of experience in the public service, with over 23 years in leadership roles in Mpumalanga Transport Education Training Authority, Education Department, National Department of Education, Department of Transport, North West Department of Transport, Roads and Community Safety.

Gugu Mkhize

Gugu Mkhize

CEO, The Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA)
Nozicelo Ngcobo

Nozicelo Ngcobo

Director: Public Affair, Communications & Sustainability Coca-Cola Beverages SA

Nozicelo started her corporate career in 1994 when she was recruited by Sasol into their Management Trainee Programme of the top 16 academic graduates in South Africa – class of 1993.
In addition to Sasol, Nozicelo has since worked for listed companies such as Telkom SA, South African Breweries (SAB) as well as multi-national organisations such as Philip Morris International (PMI). In 2020, Nozicelo joined Coca Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) as Director for PACS.
Nozicelo has a demonstrable track record in successfully developing and managing corporate affairs and regulatory strategies for complex industries such as alcohol, tobacco and recently the beverages industry. Nozicelo has strong professional networks spanning more than 25 years in both public and private sectors. Her strategic insights, value creation, solutions orientation, strong business/political acumen, solid networks and ability to mobilise teams to successfully execute towards a common vision are just some of the many attributes she brings into any organization. Nozicelo is an advocate of human rights, animal rights and has a passion for youth/women empowerment.

 Arts & Culture Stage
Makgofe Moagi

Makgofe Moagi

MC, Presenter, Business Woman
Keitumetse Lebaka

Keitumetse Lebaka

CEO, Gauteng Film Commission
Keneilwe Matidze

Keneilwe Matidze

Actress, Casting Director, Performance Coach

Keneilwe Matidze is an actress, casting director, performance coach, intimacy coordinator and a non-practising admitted attorney who specialised in media law and defamation and privacy law. This exceptional artist has been working in the South African film and television industry for almost two decades. She started in the industry in the year 2002, while she was completing her LLB Degree at the University of the Witwatersrand. Subsequent to a 5-year hiatus from the television industry which she dedicated to her legal career, Keneilwe returned to the arts to pursue her passion for storytelling. Her skills expanded into production and finally grounded her in the field of casting, performance coaching and intimacy coordinating. Keneilwe has worked as a casting director on great shows such as Youngins, Adulting (Showmax), Outlaws (Showmax), Legacy (M-Net), The Republic (Mzansi Magic), Isidingo (SABC 3), just to name a few. You can catch her playing the role of the kind and loving teacher, Pearl, on the Showmax hit, Youngins. Her nurturing, protective nature and desire to be part of the vital movement towards creating safe working environments in the South African film and television industry inspired her to train as an Intimacy Coordinator under a Netflix funded IC training programme lead by Safe Sets Intimacy Coordinators and supported by the Independent Producers Organisation and the National Film and Video Foundation in the year 2022. She has worked on a variety of amazing shows as an intimacy coordinator such as Savage Beauty, Death of a Whistleblower, Scandal and many more. Her passion as an intimacy coordinator, casting director and performance coach, as well as, her burning desire to provide much needed support to actors on our sets stems from her own vast experience spanning 20 years working as an actress in the South African film and television industry.

Keneilwe has been a great asset to any production that she has worked on. She has a sharp eye for talent and a nurturing and vigilant spirit. She is a leader and expert in her field.

Bernice Maune

Bernice Maune

MTN Group Engagement and Communication Specialist, MTN

As MTN Group Fintech’s Corporate Affairs and PR Manager, Bernice has a purposeful approach towards diverse situational challenges and the ability to thrive in fast-paced, technology driven environments. As a highly creative and innovative professional, with sharp commercial acumen, she has pioneered communications encompassing public relations, content marketing, digital marketing, personal branding, internal and external corporate communication strategies for stakeholders whilst significantly contributing to the overall momentum of the organisation as a whole.

As an accomplished communications specialist, writer, journalist and marketer who holds a Media and Journalism Honours degree from Wits and a Masters in Social Sciences from France Based University of Burgundy, Bernice has empowered others by leading by example, overcoming hurdles in pursuit of achievement and consistently ensuring excellence in all that she does. With dynamic written and verbal communication management skills, Bernice effectively develops, motivates and contributes meaningfully to multicultural teams. She appropriately engages at all levels within an organisation, and positively liaises with stakeholders, ensuring the clarity of organisational goals and alignment of key strategies at all times.

Bernice’s all-encompassing communication, content marketing, social media and journalism skills have enabled her to successfully execute media and marketing initiatives across various sectors within various sectors, significantly contributing to some of the biggest global brands, including MTN, Huawei, Reckitt and Benckiser, HPE, Caxton, Brics Academic Journal and Arena Group Holdings. Her 15-year career has included the effective development and delivery of strategic content solutions, leveraging expertise in customer insight, marketing strategy and focus, project leadership and the understanding of industry forces. Bernice is a creative and ‘one-of-a-kind’ professional who brings immense passion, an all-round disposition and a flair for content marketing.

Through mastering social listening as well as the relevant social media strategies, Bernice ensures solid improvement in business performance. She strives to achieve best practices whilst identifying, creating and implementing innovative avenues for internal and external stakeholders. Having consistently achieved desired results within her environments Bernice has been acknowledged for her exceptional content and communication abilities.

Jessica Denyschen

Jessica Denyschen

CEO, Arts & Culture Trust
 Retail Stage
Zinathi Gquma

Zinathi Gquma

Business News Anchor, Moderator, MC
Disa Mpande

Ncedisa Mpande CA(SA)

CFO, merSETA
Sally Van Den Berg

Sally Van Den Berg

Senior Buyer, Hirsch's Home store
 Wellness Stage
Sazini Mojapelo

Sazini Mojapelo

CEO, GBVF
Dr Karin Luck

Dr Karin Luck

Social Work Prof
Dr Ladawa Goga

Dr Ladawa Goga

Specalist Psychiatrist, Dr Goga Psychiatry

Dr Goga is a vibrant, empathetic and diverse specialist psychiatrist based in Pretoria. Her passions lie in the amelioration and deeper understanding of mental health and the complex human experience through evidence-based medicine and a multi-disciplinary approach. Dr Goga is an advocate for mental health and firmly believes that mental health is the cornerstone of health. She is passionate about raising mental health awareness, especially within the African context, as well as the global improvement thereof through psycho-education.

Having obtained her medical degree from the prestigious University of Pretoria, completed her specialisation in Psychiatry at the University of the Witwatersrand and being a member of the South African Colleges of Medicine, Dr Goga is well-versed in the assessment, diagnosis and management of mental illnesses in adults as well as children. Dr Goga is passionate about Women’s Mental Health and as a mother of three navigating multiple roles, Dr Goga is a woman who wears many hats and can appreciate the importance of Women’s Mental Health from a personal and global perspective.

Dr Khosi Jiyane

Dr Khosi Jiyane

Master Facilitator Clinical Psychologist
Dr Jacky Hattingh

Dr. Jacky Hattingh

Doctor Natural Medicine, Iridologist, Biokineticist
Refiloe Mogale

Refiloe Mogale

Pharmaceutical Services Manager, Dept. of Health
Stavros Nicolaou

Stavros Nicolaou

Group Senior Executive, Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited

Stavros Nicolaou has almost 33 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry, mainly in domestic and international general management and has been Recognized in the Global Top 100 Health Edition Honorees Most Influential People of African Descent(MIPAD) in Healthcare and recently received Greece’s ARGO Public Service award from the President of Greece. He is a previous winner of the SA Institute of Marketing Management (IMM) Health Care Marketer of the year Award, has been inducted as a fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa. He has been elected as an honorary member of the Southern African Society for Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Received an honorary doctorate in Medicine from Wits University and was awarded the Order of the Lion of St Mark by the Greek Orthodox Pope Theodoros II and is a recipient of the Title of “High Commander of the Order of the Apostle & Evangelist Mark” of the Patriarchate of Alexandria.

Prof Glenda Grey

Prof Glenda Grey

President, SA Medical Research Council

Glenda Gray Distinguished Professor (Senior Scientific Advisor), Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits University Chief Scientific Officer, Office of the President, SAMRC. Gray who trained as a Medical Doctor and Paediatrician at the University of the Witwatersrand, co-founded and led the Internationally renowned Perinatal HIV Research Unit, based at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto. As a clinical researcher, she is internationally known for her research in HIV vaccines and interventions to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV. She is the Co-PI of the of the NIH funded HIV Vaccine Trials Network and is responsible for the expansion of HIV vaccine research in Africa. In 2002, she was awarded the Nelson Mandela Health and Human Rights Award for pioneering work done in the field of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV-1. She is a member of the Academy of Science in South Africa, the African Academy of Science and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). She is one of a handful of foreign associates of the USA National Academy of Medicine, of the National Academies of Science, and has served on their Global Health Board. She was the Chair for the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD). Gray has also been awarded the IAPAC “Hero of Medicine” award for work done in the field of HIV treatment in children and adults.

In 2009, James McIntyre and Gray received the N’Galy-Mann lectureship in recognition of their HIV
research contribution in South Africa. She has also been admitted into the American Academy of
Microbiology in 2012. In 2013 she received the country’s highest honour, the Order of
Mapungubwe, granted by the president of SA for achievements in the international area which have
served South Africa’s interest as well as the EDCTP’s outstanding Africa scientist award. In 2017, she
was listed amongst the Times 100 influential people in the world and in 2020 Forbes top 50 women
in Africa. Her focus now is on capacity development in Science with a special focus on
transformation and increasing diversity in Science. For this, in 2018 she has received the Regional
World Academy of Science award for science capacity development in Africa.

Dr Langa

Dr Langa

Founder, Dr Langa Medical Spa
Juanita Khumalo

Juanita Khumalo

Founder and Fitness influencer, Trove Wellness
Sanam Naran

Sanam Naran

HPCSA Registered Counselling Psychologist and Founder of Conscious Psychology
Dr Jane Semugga<br />

Dr Jane Semugga

Doctor and Founder, Ask Doctor Jane
Dr Brian Monaisa

Dr Brian Monaisa

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
 Energy Stage
Nala Dagada

Nala Dagada

Radio Presenter & Producer
Morongoa Ramaboa

Morongoa Ramaboa

CMO, SA Wind Energy Association (SAWEA)

Morongoa Ramaboa is an accomplished communication and public relations specialist with over a decade of experience in various industries, most notably in the renewable energy and sustainability sectors.
As the Chief Communications Officer for the South African Wind Energy Association, she draws on her previous experience in the green hydrogen field to support her team in establishing strong domestic wind power sector in response to South Africa’s evolving energy landscape.

Furthermore, Ramaboa’s contributions to the renewable energy sector have played a crucial role in promoting the use of clean and sustainable energy sources. Her work in wind energy and green hydrogen has involved strategic communication initiatives aimed at raising awareness, promoting their environmental benefits, and advocating for their integration into the global energy landscape.

By leveraging her expertise as a communication and public relations specialist, she is able to effectively engage stakeholders, bridge knowledge gaps, and fostered support for renewable energy initiatives, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future for our country.

Pramod Penceliah

Pramod Penceliah

Co-Founder/ Operations Executive, i-solar Africa
Dr Obafemi Olatunji

Dr Obafemi Olatunji

Renewable Energy Professional, Program Manager, University of Johannesburg
 CAM Stage
Luthando Lootlove Shosha

Luthando “Lootlove” Shosha

TV Show Host and Radio Personality
Monalisa Sibongile Zwambila

Monalisa Sibongile Zwambila

Founder and CEO, Riverbed agency
Tandi Potgieter

Tandi Potgieter

CEO, Icarus Media Group
Kina Nhlengethwa

Kina Nhlengethwa

Business Manager, Metro FM

Ms. Nhlengethwa has vast experience spanning over 18 years within the organization in the radio division and has served as Marketing Manager for Radio 2000 and SAFM, as well as Acting Station Manager for SAFM and Radio 2000 respectively at different periods. Before her becoming the Business Manager for METRO FM, she occupied the position of Programmes Manager for Radio 2000 as well as serving as Acting Business Manager for the Fortune Combo (Radio 2000, SAfm, and Lotus FM). Her first experience with the METRO FM brand dates as far back as 2005, when she occupied the role of Marketing Assistant. She was later appointed as the Brand Executive in 2009. Between 2012 and 2015 she served as the Marketing Manager for the same brand. She holds several a BSC Degree from University of Zululand, postgraduate qualifications including a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Milpark Business School, a Management Development Program (MDP) from the University of Stellenbosch, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She is currently doing her Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with Regennessys Business School.

A good leader with integrity, self-awareness, courage, respect, empathy, and gratitude

Nkgabiseng Motau

Nkgabiseng Motau

Founding Partner, Think Creatives

Takalane Khashane is a Senior Business Executive with over 20 years’ experience in different industries focusing on Customer Service Excellence, Customer Relations & Customer Process Improvement. Takalane has worked in Pharmaceutical, Financial Services, Telecommunications and Facilities Management. The experience in different industries has contributed in making her one of the most well-rounded executives in the market in her ability to contribute commercially to the bottom line. She has gained invaluable exposure and contributed to turnaround strategies in ailing businesses, launching new business solutions and in growing existing businesses. Takalane enjoys purpose-driven work that improves lives and encourages inclusion. Takalane is passionate about the development of key talent within the organisation to deliver and exceed set objectives. She functions optimally in an environment where she can focus on optimising system efficiencies, and develop strategies that deliver sustainable returns. Her strong emotional stability and ability to solve abstract and unfamiliar problems with ease allows her the opportunity to adapt to any industry. She is assertive, self-assured, confident, and composed even under challenging circumstances. She has great interpersonal skills and is not afraid to make decisions. Takalane was most recently Managing Director for Iron Mountain South Africa business (IRN MTN head Office is in Boston, USA). She successfully restructured the team to a profitable business with 318 employees (reduced from 500). Previously as MD at Servest her portfolio had more than 12,000 employees (waged and salaried), 1000 unique corporate customers and over 2000 customer sites across South Africa. She has done business in RSA, Kenya, DRC, Mozambique, Lesotho, Namibia, eSwatini and Tanzania.

Happy MaKhumalo Ngidi

Happy MaKhumalo Ngidi

CMO, Proudly SA
Nothemba Gqiba

Nothemba Gqiba

Head: Marketing and Stakeholder Relations, SEFA
Celeste Burger

Celeste Burger

Board Member, Marketing Association of SA

CELÉSTE BURGER is a Brand strategist and Chartered Marketer.

  • She holds a BA (Fine Arts) with honours in graphic design.
  • She has a MBL degree and specialised in services marketing and e-commerce.
  • Obtained a Charter Marketer designation in 2015.

Celéste has 30 years of creative industry, brand management and marketing
experience. She managed Angelcy Brand Messengers for the past 19 years.

She works in various industry sectors, B2B and B2C and was invited to judge the
2022 and 2023 and 2024 Marketing Achievement awards.

She lectured Brand Strategy, Brand Architecture and Positioning at Vega School of Brand leadership at honours level.

Celéste is a board director of the Marketing Association of South Africa and Former president now board member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation.

Personal highlights:

She serves on the Mandela poster project Collective. Her work is included in this collection that is travelling internationally and had been exhibited in New York, Boston, Madrid, Brazil, Zagreb to name a few and this collection sold for R1million, which was donated to the Mandela Children’s Hospital.

All 3 of the above are NPO’s.

 Transport Stage
Makololo Makgola

Makololo Makgola

MD, Alstom
Nolwandle N'noli<br />

Nolwandle N’noli

CEO, Mdumo Investments PTY Ltd

Mrs Nolwandle “Noli” Thula-Mboweni was born in Orlando East, Soweto Johannesburg South Africa. She Matriculated at Marrianhill High School in
Pinetown (KwaZulu Natal). She has a Senior Teacher’s Diploma, BA in Education degree from Vista (University of Johannesburg, South Africa), MAP (Wits Business School). She was a Science Teacher for 10yrs (1988-1998) at Fons Luminas High School in Diepkloof (Soweto, South of Johannesburg).
In 1999 she ventured into the business world. She partnered with ABSA Bank (Barclays) as a director and a shareholder in All pay Gauteng (Pty )for a period of 10 years for payments of Social grants on behalf of Government, for the whole of Gauteng Province.
In 2000 she was appointed as a Director and a Shareholder at Sun international (Hotel and Hospitality) Group Owners of the Sun-City Hotel and others. She has Chaired Sun Carnival for the past 10 years, In 2020 she was appointed on Board
of Sunbet (Menlyn).
In 2002 She partnered with Total South Africa as a shareholder& director through TOSACO( Pty). She also chaired Total South Africa Transformation & Ethics board committee.
In 2004 she became a partner& director in Phumelela Horseracing ( pty). She served in their audit committee.
She is one of founder members of the 1 speed train in Africa, the GAUTRAIN. She became a shareholder& director of BOMBELA through SPG pty( BEE partner).
In 2005 she entered the mining industry as a shareholder& director of TEM( pty) a manufacturer of Electrical Motors used for blasting in the mines.
She is also a shareholder of Investfem pty Ltd, a women owned company that is a shareholder of Cell C.
Noli is very passionate about Women& Youth empowerment. She is the founder& visionary of PROVERBS 31 LEGACY ministry. It is Honourable Mention,
through this ministry that she mentors women ( young & old) how to balance family& career/business.
Noli’s love for teaching has gone beyond the science classroom. She offers Master class cooking lessons to women& also offers business development
mentorship to entrepreneurs.
She also has her own Bursary Fund: that has produced Pilots, lawyers, accountants.
Noli has been featured in the book titled: South Africa’s Most Inspirational Women Volume 2 by Lonwabo Jabavu and also in the DESTINY Magazine (June 2014) title:
POWER HOUSE.
Noli is a member of IWFSA the South African Chapter of the International Women’s Forum(IWF) a global network of over 8,000 members across 76 forums in 33 countries.
On the 20th May 2017, she received the Best Business women in Africa award in London (UK).
On the 18th November 2021, she was Honoured with the Order of Baobab in Silver by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa the president of South Africa.
She is married to Dr Lincoln Mboweni (A medical Doctor) & they are blessed with 3 children (2 Sons &  1 daughter), 1 granddaughter & a grandson.

Lihle Khoza

Lihle Khoza

CEO, Motor Industry Fund Administrators (MIFA)
Mesela Nhlapo

Mesela Nhlapo

CEO, African Rail Industry Association (ARIA)
 Entrepreneurship Stage
Gugulethu Mfuphi

Gugulethu Mfuphi

Conversation Strategist, Global Moderator, Broadcaster | Kaya FM 95.9
Ntsapho Madyibi

Ntsapho Madyibi

Founder, Entrepreneurs Development Forum
Dr Mothomang Diaho

Dr Mothomang Diaho

Founder, Spiral Aloe Health and Wellness
Thuli Magubane

Thuli Magubane

Founder, Mint Fresh Advisory Services

Thuli has over 24 years professional experience spanning Management Consulting, Corporate Finance and Investment Banking and Entrepreneurship. Thuli holds an executive master degree from IE Business School in Madrid (Spain) in Leadership and Strategy. Prior to starting her company, she worked at Absa Capital and Investec Bank. Thuli is a director of Mint Fresh Advisory Services, a company specialising in Enterprise and Supplier development that she founded 14 years ago. Thuli has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs across the country to grow and develop their businesses. She has consulted for organisations in the private and public sector such as National Empowerment Fund, Sasol SA, BankSeta, South32, Transnet and Standard Bank. Thuli has worked with Nedbank, 702 and Cape Talk for the past two years in the successful Business Ignite campaign and competition. She was the face of the campaign and a judge in the competition.

Thuli is the former host of KayaBizz and My Money and Me on KayaFM, a weekly show that dealt with personal finance and investment matters. She was nominated for a Liberty Radio Award for the best Business and Finance Show in 2017 and in 2018.

Thuli is also the host of the Success Rate Podcast. The Success Rate showcases inspirational stories of individual’s journey to success. She has interviewed successful entrepreneurs, trailblazers from diverse industries as well as celebrities such as Tasha Cobbs Leonard. The Podcast launched in October 2023.

Marie Sebueng

Marie Sebueng

CEO, IAMS Powerhouse, Africa Ambassador, Entrepreneur, Speaker

Marie Sebueng is an award-winning South African Entrepeneur. She is CEO of IAMS Powerhouse, a management consultancy that aims to change the way leaders learn and grow in Africa. ”She founded the company in after she fell critically ill and survived a brush with death. “It was then,” Marie says, “that I realised just how fleeting life can be, and I became determined to use what time I have to make as much of an impact as I can.”

Under her leadership, IAMS Powerhouse has built a solid track record of helping executives galvanise their teams to deliver results. IAMS Powerhouse works with some of the biggest organisations on the African continent. Qualified at Harvard Business School in Leadership and Business Development Passionate Marie is a sought-after keynote speaker, mentor, and executive coach, and leads programmes that advocate for women in leadership, entrepreneurship, diversity and inclusion, and leadership development across Africa.
Marie has held positions at listed organisations including Investec, Momentum, ArcelorMittal and American Tower (a Fortune 500 and Forbes Global 2000 company).
Marie is a mother, an avid cyclist, a foodie and a firm believer that through God, all things are possible.
Key achievements include:

  • Marie will be representing South Africa at the 2024 Global Entrepreneur Festival (GEF)
  • 2023 Winner of South Africa’s Forty Under 40 Leaders
  • Awarded by the Institute for People Management (IPM)- Entrepreneurship of the Year in Skills Development
  • Through WeConnect International she lead the biggest women-owned business conference in 3 key African regions South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria
  • Finalist in the 2023 African Business Awards finalist
  • 2022 & 2021 Awarded by Standard Bank and Topco Media as a Top Gender Empowered Company in professional services
  • Elected to represent South Africa in Paris for the UN international women’s day leadership summit
  • Judge and sponsor of the Rising Star Awards (South Africa’s leading awards program for emerging leaders).
  • Marie is a trusted thought leader and expert in, leadership development, and organisational culture frequently featured on TBN Africa, Newsroom Africa, 702, Cape Talk and SABC Business Feature.
 Finance Stage
Ancillar Nombewu

Ancillar Nombewu

Entrepreneur, Podcaster, Conversation Strategist, Speaker
Andisa Kumalo

Andisa Liba

CPO, Floatpayers

Andisa Liba is a remarkable force in the world of human potential development and organizational transformation. With over 15 years of experience spanning diverse industries, including financial services, consulting, digital media, music, and fintech startups across the African continent, Andisa has consistently driven innovation and change.

As the Chief People Officer at Floatpays, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s human capital strategies, aligning them with business objectives, and fostering a high-performance culture. Her influence extends beyond the corporate realm, as she actively contributes to the advancement of women in technology through her co-founding of Women’s Tech Connection, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities and learning resources.

Andisa’s outstanding contributions have earned her recognition from prestigious organizations, including Cisco’s global Connected Black Professionals, where she has been acknowledged for her exceptional work in advancing women in technology across Africa.

In addition to her executive leadership role, Andisa served as the CEO of the Pan African Chamber of Commerce, where she passionately advocated for creating a conducive business environment that fuelled enterprise development and generated employment opportunities, ultimately contributing to the socio-economic growth of Africa.

Her dedication to positive change extends to multiple award nominations, including the Forty under 40 Africa & South Africa recognition for her contribution in the Human Capital and Social Impact spaces. She was honoured with the honorary award in the 2023 Forty under 40 for her exceptional contribution in South Africa. Andisa was a finalist in the Sentech Africa Tech Week’s Women in Tech Award category 2023 where she stands as a business and technology leader. Furthermore, Andisa’s exceptional achievements extend to her role as a finalist in the South Africa Rising Star Awards under the Banking & Financial Services category. Women’s Tech Connection, her brainchild, has also received nominations for the Conscious Companies Awards and the Women in Tech Global Awards, exemplifying her commitment to creating impactful initiatives that leave a lasting mark on society.

Andisa was recently nominated by the University of Stellenbosch for the Bridge Builder Award as well as the Social Justice Champion of Year award. This is a clear testament of Andisa’s social impact influence and commitment across multiple spectrums in advancing South Africa’s transformation agenda.

Andisa has been listed in the InspiringFifty Africa list for 2023, a global initiative under the banner of EQL: HER which is dedicated to increasing diversity in the tech industry by amplifying the visibility of women role models.

Andisa serves on the LeanIn Sustainability and Equity South Africa Chapter where she moderates dialogues around the impact of ESG and facilitating conversations with executives for best practice and strategy for the country.

Andisa Liba is not only a leader in her field but also a true pioneer driving social change through innovation and empowerment.

Takalane Khashane

Takalane Khashane

Director, Search Partners International

Takalane Khashane is a Senior Business Executive with over 20 years’ experience in different industries focusing on Customer Service Excellence, Customer Relations & Customer Process Improvement. Takalane has worked in Pharmaceutical, Financial Services, Telecommunications and Facilities Management. The experience in different industries has contributed in making her one of the most well-rounded executives in the market in her ability to contribute commercially to the bottom line. She has gained invaluable exposure and contributed to turnaround strategies in ailing businesses, launching new business solutions and in growing existing businesses. Takalane enjoys purpose-driven work that improves lives and encourages inclusion. Takalane is passionate about the development of key talent within the organisation to deliver and exceed set objectives. She functions optimally in an environment where she can focus on optimising system efficiencies, and develop strategies that deliver sustainable returns. Her strong emotional stability and ability to solve abstract and unfamiliar problems with ease allows her the opportunity to adapt to any industry. She is assertive, self-assured, confident, and composed even under challenging circumstances. She has great interpersonal skills and is not afraid to make decisions. Takalane was most recently Managing Director for Iron Mountain South Africa business (IRN MTN head Office is in Boston, USA). She successfully restructured the team to a profitable business with 318 employees (reduced from 500). Previously as MD at Servest her portfolio had more than 12,000 employees (waged and salaried), 1000 unique corporate customers and over 2000 customer sites across South Africa. She has done business in RSA, Kenya, DRC, Mozambique, Lesotho, Namibia, eSwatini and Tanzania.

Ntombana Mbele

Ntombana Mbele

Economic Policy Trade Advisor, KH Partners

Ntombi Mbele is a young, passionate policy and trade economist whose focus is in demystifying economics and making it an inclusive discipline that speaks to all economic agents. She is a highly competent economist who holds a Master’s degree from the University of Johannesburg in the field of Economics and Industrial Policy. Her interests economic include structural policy analysis, international trade policy, economic modelling ,financial markets,fiscal and monetary policy analysis, advanced micro and macroeconomics, developmental finance, supply and value chain analysis, industrial policy designs and overall emerging market development.
Her educational background includes a Bcom Economics and Econometrics – University of Johannesburg Bcom Honours Degree in Econometrics- University of Johannesburg Regional Trade Agreements in Africa – Honours Research Testing Kaldorian Laws in South African Province’s- Masters Dissertation. She currently works as an Economic and Trade Advisor at the Embassy of Switzerland in South Africa. Her primary responsibilities include conducting economic research and providing strategic policy advice to the Embassy and the Swiss government in its bilateral relations with South Africa, Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Mauritius and Namibia. She also consults on trade, regulatory and economic policy matters for Swiss companies operating in the host countries. Part of her responsibilities also include analysing regional and continental economic and financial developments (SACU, ACFTA, SADC, etc.), as well as at the global multilateral level (WTO, G20, etc.). She also Laisses with senior government officials, development banks as well counterparts at other foreign missions and international organizations.
She previously worked as a Quantamental Analyst at UBS Investment Bank South Africa and was responsible for quantifying investment positions of stocks, analysing macro and micro economics for both domestic and international markets and subsequently providing recommendations to the equities market clients in the Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Ntombi has previously worked for Investec as a Private Investment Banker, she was also junior lecturer at the University of Johannesburg (Economics Department) as well as an Independent Economist for BRICS magazine as well as Business Day, and was a frequent feature on Talk 702, Radio 2000, Kaya FM and Power FM business shows. Ntombi is also very passionate about youth development, particularly youth from previously disadvantaged communities. In her capacity as a board member of The Future Shapers Youth Organisation, Ntombi assists youth from the townships with entry to university and with providing information about various bursary schemes available for funding their academic pursuits. Ntombi is an avid reader and has participated in International Debating and Pubic Speaking Competitions during her tenure at university. With her very humble beginnings, Ntombi Mbele has set her sight on high mountains, many which she has conquered, many which she is yet to summit.
Her ultimate goal in life is to have a meaning impact in society through the work that I do. She believes that her understanding of economics as a social science and as an instrument for fostering structural change and strengthening regional and international trade relations can result in a more equitable society that is founded on the principals of social justice, of inclusion, of human value and of joint economic prosperity.

Unathi Mtya

Unathi Mtya

Group Chief Information and Digital Officer, African Bank

Unathi is the Group Chief Information & Digital Officer at African Bank, a globally respected multi award winning technology leader who is passionate about narrowing digital divide and promoting equal access to financial services across Africa, a renowned speaker, a member of the Forbes Technology Council, and a Board member at PenPlusbytes. She has cultivated a massively successful career that is 25years strong and still growing. Her career started at First National Bank, she also held key positions at several major companies and institutions, incl. BCX, SITA, SA Parliament & Grindrod Bank. Unathi has led multi-disciplinary teams across a diverse portfolio of technical and strategic disciplines at Senior Management, General Management and Chief Information/ Technology levels. Her invaluable expertise provides strategic impetus in African Bank’s growth journey towards a sustainable, scalable, and diversified business leading digital transformation strategic initiatives across all verticals. Her function at African Bank is to advance and transform lives through inclusive technology, a critical part of the Group Technology Strategy.
In May 2004 Unathi was honoured by Columbia University School of Professional Studies in the City of New York as a recipient of the Dean’s excellence award 2024 in recognition of exceptional achievements in the information technology and banking sectors in Africa. Recognised as one of the world’s leading CIOs and a winner of the Global CIO 100 2022, 2023 & 2024. Recipient of the Digital Personality of the Year 2024 Award – 26th Edition of Finnovex South Africa 2024 Summit. Recipient – Excellence in Digital Leadership Award – DigiBank Summit 2024 in Sandton. Voted the Most Influential African Woman Banker of the Year – Digital Transformation category – 8th Africa Bank 4.0 Summit 2022 in Nairobi. Nominee – CIO South Africa 2023 CIO Awards. Voted the Best CIO of the Year (SADC Region) – Africa Bank 4.0 Summit 2023 in Sandton. Just before she completed her tenure in public sector, nominated for 2018 Businesswoman of the Year Award – Government Category.
Excited by the opportunities of 4IR, she presented a keynote at the highly acclaimed AfricaCom Summit on the subject ‘Embrace 4IR or be left behind: Why is SA uniquely positioned to benefit from the global digital revolution?’. Leadership Magazine articles: ‘The People side of 4IR in times of COVID-19’, ‘The 4IR progress that brings us closer’, ‘Bridging Africa’s 4IR Skills – Designing the Workforce of the Future’, ‘The 4IR as a liberator for women’. Also featured in: Brainstorm, Gigabit, Business Chief Africa and Financial Mail.
Qualifications: University of Fort Hare (BSc: Comp Sci & GIS), Wits University (Prof Cert in CIO Practice) & Columbia University in the City of New York (Master of Science in Technology Management). Unathi is currently enrolled with INSEAD Business School of the Word studying towards a Master in Change learning about human behaviour and hidden dynamics of organisations.
Finisher: New York X2, Paris X2, London, Prague, Barcelona, Great wall China, Athens and Berlin Marathons.

Akhona C. Bashe

Akhona C. Bashe

Lead: Strategic Partnerships and New Capability Development, Liberty Group SA

Akhona C Bashe : As a seasoned professional in the dynamic field of Fintech, Akhona C Bashe brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the intersection of finance, technology, and strategic partnerships.
Akhona holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Cape Town, building on this foundation, she furthered her studies with an MBA from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), solidifying her commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
With over 8 years of dedicated service in the Fintech industry, Akhona has cultivated extensive experience across various domains. Her roles in both the banking and insurance sectors have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of payments, strategic partnerships with incumbent firms, digital transformation, and the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data on financial services.
Currently serving as the Lead: Strategic Partnerships and New Capability Development Liberty, a part of the Standard Bank Group, Akhona plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the organization.
Thought Leadership and Academic Engagement: Akhona is not only a practitioner in the Fintech space but also a thought leader and contributor to academic discourse. As a fintech scholar, she regularly shares her insights through speaking engagements, shedding light on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities within the industry. Her role as an assessor for the Oxford Said Business School’s Strategic Leadership course underscores her commitment to nurturing future leaders in the business landscape.
Beyond the boardroom, Akhona is an avid runner currently training for her first marathon, a testament to her dedication and discipline. Her interests extend to the culinary arts, travel, and quality time spent with family.

Lungile Mahluza

Lungile Mahluza

Chief People Officer, Deloitte Africa

Lungile is a Director with 17 years of consulting experience. Before being appointed as Chief People Officer, Lungile was Chief of Staff to the previous Deloitte Chief Executive and led the Deloitte Africa Strategy Unit.

Her Consulting experience covers strategy design,, business model design, organisation design and implementation, project management and strategic change management.
Lungile has worked across a number of industries including Financial Services, Health Care, Technology Media and Telecommunications and the Public Sector.
Prior to her consulting career, Lungile was the IT Administrator at World Vision Swaziland where she was responsible for IT strategy and oversaw the day-to-day running of the IT department

Nosipho Mia Makhanya

Nosipho Mia Makhanya

Chairperson, BANKSETA
Linda Maqoma

Linda Maqoma

Vice President Professionals, Black Business Council

Linda Maqoma is an accomplished accountant with over 15 years of experience in both private and public sectors. She honed her skills at Xolani Phumeza & Associates and KPMG South Africa. Holding a Bachelor in Commerce (Accounting) Degree and a Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting from the University of Fort Hare, Linda Linda completed her SAICA accredited articles at KPMG Johannesburg. She later established her consulting company, Nomatshawe Group, in 2020.

Linda’s passion for business, development; and transformation is evident in her extensive leadership roles. She currently serves as the CEO of Nomatshawe Croup, National President, Council and Board Chairman of ABASA, Vice President for Professionals of BBC, and a former Executive Chairman of YAEl. In addition, she holds positions on various Boards. Councils, and Committees, contributing her expertise to organizations such as the Black Business Council, SAIGA, and SAICA, among others. Linda’s diverse experience and leadership positions make her a prominent figure in the accounting and business community.

Please suggest 3 different times you would be available to meet next week and we can try to co-ordinate a briefing meeting.

 Tourism Stage
Cecilia Molokwane

Cecilia Molokwane

President, Netball South Africa
Janine Muthusamy

Janine Muthusamy

GM: Marketing and Communication Head, Constitution Hill
 Manufacturing Stage
Dr Felleng Yende

Dr Felleng Yende

CEO, FP&M SETA
Beth Dealtry

Beth Dealtry

Head: Policy & Regulatory Affairs, NAACAM
Zandile Mposelwa

Zandile Mposelwa

Corporate Affairs Director, Kellanova

Zandile is a passionate, high-energy, innovative, focused and purpose-driven corporate affairs leader committed to driving meaningful impact through purposeful communication and strategic engagement. She honed my skills in navigating complex stakeholder landscapes and shaping resonating narratives.
She is a member of the company’s leadership team and leads its Corporate Affairs team. She believes every action should align with a greater purpose. Whether advocating for sustainable practices, championing diversity and inclusion, or fostering community partnerships – she leads with intentionality. She thrives on collaboration by fostering strong relationships with internal teams, external partners, government, and regulatory bodies; she drives alignment and creates win-win solutions.
Before this role, she held various mid- to senior-management positions at Kellanova and, before Kellanova, at various organizations—Tetra Pak, Nampak, BPSA, Woolworths, and HomeChoice.
She holds an MBA from Henley Business School.
She is committed to creating an inclusive world of work where every woman stands tall, unapologetically. She does this by dismantling barriers, amplifying voices, and igniting transformation. She leads Women of Kellanova for the South Africa business. She seeks to inspire action, whether speaking at conferences, engaging audiences about Purpose Leadership, or mentoring young women in navigating the corporate world. She believes that “Incredible things happen when women support each other.”
She was recognized as a winner of the 2024 Gender Mainstreaming Positive Role Model Award for my commitment to gender advocacy in the workplace.
She is a mother to a 19-year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter, who are a constant inspiration.

Ndia Magadagela

Ndia Magadagela

Co-founder, Everelectric
 Mining Stage
Nolitha Fakude

Nolitha Fakude

Chairman Of Anglo American’s Management Board In South Africa
Mbali Sibisi

Mbali Sibisi

Non-Exexcutive Director, South African Women in Mining Investment Holdings
Candice Naidoo

Candice Naidoo

Managing Director, Paramount Tracks (Pty) Ltd

Candice Naidoo is the Managing Director of Paramount Tracks, which is a heavy engineering company that focuses on the manufacture and fabrication of mining machinery attachments. Candice has over 13 years of experience in various segments of the mining industry. She is the Partnership Lead at Women in Mining South Africa (WiMSA), which is a non-profit organisation that offers a support structure for women in STEM related positions in the South African Mining Industry. She has been successful in mentoring various employees at Paramount since her joining the organisation. Candice has accumulated a wealth of knowledge from a business, leadership and technical perspective throughout her career and is in the process of completing her MBA degree. She has successfully completed projects in Sub Saharan Africa and growing international business. She has a passion for business, gender equality, animal rights and for the upliftment of people.

Dr Urishanie Govender

Dr Urishanie Govender

Director, EHS & ESG Vedanta Resources Limited

Achieved a proven track record in Business Leadership and Sustainability/ESG through more than 30 years of experience as Director and Senior Executive in varying organisations including Mining, Public, Metallurgical, Mining, Diamonds, Cementitious, Engineering, Construction, Environmental and Sustainability sectors and industries.
Led innovative approaches around increasing market reach, people engagement and sustainable results have been achieved.
Specialise in ESG, safety, environment, health, risk, general management, project management, sustainability strategy formulation and public speaking.
Currently the Director at Vedanta EHS-ESG

Given Refilwe Sibiya Ca(Sa)

Given Refilwe Sibiya Ca(Sa)

Non Executive Director Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd

Given is a Chartered Accountant and until 31 August 2014 was Head: Internal Audit at SekelaXabiso Proprietary Limited. She has over 30 years’ experience in internal and external auditing, risk management, management consulting, corporate governance and forensic auditing. Prior to joining SekelaXabiso Proprietary Limited, she spent nine years at SizweNtsaluba VSP where she was Director: Forensics and where from 2005 she headed the Corporate Governance Services Division. She also worked for Anglo American Corporation as an internal auditor in the Group Audit Services Department from April 1994 to May 1996. Prior to that, she served articles at KPMG Aiken & Peat from 1991 to early 1994. She has served as a member of the audit and risk committee for several entities, including as chairperson of the audit committee for Basil Read Holdings Limited, South African Express Airways SOC Limited and Brand South Africa. She currently serves as a part-time Chief Operating Officer of Chapter Zero South Africa, as a non-executive board member of Harmony Gold Company Ltd, where she is a member of both the Audit Committee and the Social and Ethics Committee, as a non-executive director of Ithala SOC Limited, where she chairs both the Audit and Compliance Committee (ACC) and the Social, Ethics and Sustainability Committee (SESC). She was the audit committee chairperson of The Presidency until December 2022 and currently chairs the audit and risk committee of the Composers, Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO). She is a mother of two beautiful girls and

 Property Stage
Khali Masooane

Khali Masooane

Professional Property Educator, SA Property Investors Network, Host/Speaker
Tshidi Mndzebele

Tshidi Mndzebele

MBA North board member and CEO of AvenirHoldings Pty Ltd

Tshidi is a business executive, entrepreneur, director and an engineer with over 20 years of experience. Her career spans across various sectors, including Mining, Manufacturing, Engineering, Built Environment and Public Sector, showcasing her versatility and broad expertise.
As the founder and CEO of AvenirHoldings (Pty) Ltd, a company specializing in EPCM & EPC projects within the built environment and infrastructure sectors, Tshidi has demonstrated her entrepreneurial acumen and strategic vision. Her professional affiliations, such as her certification with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and as a Certified Director with the Institute of Directors Southern Africa (IoDSA), underscore her dedication to maintaining the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct.
She holds a National Diploma and B-Tech in Industrial Engineering from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (PDBA), and a master’s in business administration (MBA) from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). She is currently pursuing her PhD at Wits Business School, further solidifying her commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth.
In addition to her professional achievements, Tshidi is a qualified Skills Development Facilitator. She currently serves in numerous influential roles, including as a council member and 2nd Vice President for the Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering (SAIIE), board member for Master Builders Association North (MBA North), Vice Chairperson for Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) Gauteng branch, and was recently appointed as a Trustee for the Building and Construction Medical Aid Fund (BCIMA). She also chairs the ECSA Voluntary Associations (VAs) working group, further demonstrating her leadership within the industry.

Mark Berman

Mark Berman

Managing Director, SoundRock Integrated Property Solutions
Thato Ramaili

Thato Ramaili

CEO, Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority
Corene Breedt-Rammutla

Corene Breedt-Rammutla

Co-Founder & CEO, Circle Senior Living

Corene : After 21 years of experience in the care industry, Corene has decided to transition to entrepreneurship. She co-founded Circle Senior Living in 2018, currently spearheading the development of a cutting-edge senior living brand. With a wealth of experience in collaborating closely with property developers, Corene has been instrumental in designing and implementing residential solutions that cater to the unique needs of the senior community. She loves to share her profound insights into the nexus of property development and senior care. Her journey from managing large-scale healthcare operations to pioneering senior living solutions provides a unique perspective on how to design and deliver residential projects that truly enhance the lives of their residents.

 Fashion & Beauty Stage
Jill Snijman

Jill Snijman

Marketing Manager: Lancome & Kiehls

Jill Snijman is the Marketing Manager of french luxury beauty brand, Lancôme having joined Loreal South Africa in 2021. With over 16 years’ experience in marketing management she is passionate about people development and leading happy high-performance teams to deliver real business results. She’s a mom of 3 who is passionate about woman empowerment and the wellbeing of the communities in which she serves. Her time in business has afforded her exposure to multiple sectors however beauty and its role in peoples lives remains of particular interest to Jill who is also a qualified professional make-up artist . Jill began her career in the rise of the digital age igniting an ongoing interest in the discipline which she believes will play a critical role in realising a more prosperous Africa through improved access to digital products, digital competency and digital skills development at a grassroots level.

Mbali Sebapu

Mbali Sebapu

Founder & CEO, Hermosa Flor
Nkateko Khoza

Nkateko Khoza

Founder, Lufi D
Londeka Buthelezi-Ndaba

Londeka Buthelezi-Ndaba

Founder and Designer, Malondie Official

Londeka Buthelezi, a gifted young South African is a mother of three, a wife, entrepreneur, law student, budding property mogul and creative designer and owner of Dream Fashion. She initially travelled overseas to buy clothes which she sold from her apartment. Not afraid of hard work, she took up the challenge to design her own clothes, founding Dream Fashion, a fast-moving women’s fashion brand in 2015.
The company’s small factory currently employs six people. In 2017, she opened her first store in Menlyn Mall, Pretoria and also launched her online store. Dream Fashion recently signed onto Zando and Takealot with plans to increase its reach on other online platforms.
While online sales have boosted her business tremendously Londeka still believe’s in brick and mortar stores and her vision is to expand her store footprint in the country’s major retail shopping malls in the main cities. This has been proved by the popularity of her pop up stores which she has across the country so her customers can touch and feel the clothes.
Londeka has a burning desire to positively influence and enhance the lives of others through her work and everyday life.

Lihle-Nqini

Lihle Nqini

Managing Director, MaXhosa Africa
Masego Mokoene

Masego Mokoene

Franchisee, WAXIT The Club

Masego Mokoene is a young, entrepreneurial powerhouse showcasing the strength and brilliance of women in business. Hailing from a family deeply rooted in entrepreneurship, with interests spanning agriculture, HR, and hospitality, she has recently earned her degree in Internal Auditing. At present, Masego boasts an impressive portfolio of four franchises, including the role of owner and operator of South Africa’s smoothest beauty franchise, WAXIT The Club in Hazelwood, Pretoria.

As a franchisee, Masego epitomizes WAXIT’s ethos and vision, fostering empowerment within her community, instilling confidence in her clients, and nurturing her team’s growth. Masego is a shining example of excellence in the boardroom and beyond, balancing thriving businesses a dedicated commitment to social impact and community enrichment. Masego is set to captivate the audience as a guest speaker at the EmpowaWomen Annual Leadership Summit in August 2024, where she will share her journey as an entrepreneur in the beauty industry.

 Funding Stage
Tryphosa Ramano

Tryphosa Ramano

Board Member, IWFSA and Solidarity Fund
Keshni Morar

Keshni Morar

Managing Director South Africa, Founder Institute
Shadi Chauke

Shadi Chauke

Chairman of the Board, MiWay Insurance Limited
Maseabi Marageni

Maseabi Marageni

Head Of Business Development, Futuregrowth Asset Management
 Agriculture Stage
Nokuthula Selamolela

Nokuthula Selamolela

CEO, FoodBev Seta

Nokuthula Selamolela is an accomplished executive with over 15 years solid leadership experience, within various organisations mainly within telecommunication and skills development in both public and private industries.

Ms Selamolela’s expertise lies in the financial and supply chain management, strategic leadership, skills development, governance and consulting advisory services and throughout her career, Nokuthula has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, driving organisational performance to achieve its goals, success, and growth.

With her extensive experience in skills development, Ms Selamolela has been at the forefront in facilitating and ensuring that various skills development initiatives are implemented to address the skills gaps in the sector. Her ability to navigate complex market dynamics and leverage emerging technologies has played a crucial role in addressing skills gaps and improve organisational inefficiencies. Ms Selamolela has been spearheading the drive for innovation and digital transformation in the sector to address emerging future skills needs.

Nokuthula is known for her ability to forge impactful strategic partnerships in collaboration with the private and public sector aimed at addressing youth, women and previously disadvanted groups to improve their social and economic wellbeing. Moreover, Ms Selamolela’s advisory services expertise has allowed her to provide valuable insights and guidance to organisations seeking direction in sound corporate governance. Her deep understanding of the business landscape, coupled with her analytical acumen, has enabled her to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and drive sustainable growth for her clients and stakeholders.

In addition to her executive roles held, Ms Selamolela serves as a non-executive director in both private and public sector boards. Her board-level involvement demonstrates her commitment to governance and her ability to contribute strategic oversight and independent decision-making. She is a chartered director.

Ms Selamolela’s academic achievements further bolster her professional profile. She holds a Master of Commerce in Development Finance from the Graduate Business School at the University of Cape Town. She has a BCom Honours in Accounting and CTA from the University of KwaZulu Natal, as well as a Bcom degree in Accounting from the University of North-West. To enhance her leadership skills, she completed the Senior Executive Program at Harvard Business School and the Executive Development Program at Wits University. With her wealth of experience, academic qualifications, and proven leadership abilities, Ms Nokuthula Selamolela continues to make significant contributions to the business landscape, driving organisations towards excellence and sustainable growth. 

Agnes Hove

Agnes Hove

CEO, AWIA (African Women in Agriculture)

CEO, AWIA (African Women in Agriculture)
Agnes Hove is a dynamic business leader and social entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in strategic management and business development. As the CEO of AWIA, a non-profit organization dedicated to capacitating African women in agriculture, Agnes has become a catalyst for change, driving developmental initiatives in food security, sustainable community nutrition, and agricultural entrepreneurship.
Her educational background includes a Master of Science in Strategic Management and many other qualifications. She has a rich career history, having held executive roles in various sectors including agribusiness, mining, healthcare, and corporate wellness.

Dimakatso (Nono) Sekhoto

Dimakatso (Nono) Sekhoto

Sector Lead, AL for Agribusiness Network, African Leadership Academy
 Book Now

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Fill in the form below and a member of our team will get back to discuss your attendance at EmpowaWomen Leadership Summit 2024.

  • Price: R1,200.00
 Sponsorship Enquiries

Interested in sponsorship opportunities or exhibiting at EmpowaWomen Leadership 2024? Complete the form to enquire about available opportunities now!

 Industry Stages

Across 16 dynamic industry stages, you’ll discover fresh perspectives, share solutions, and forge connections. Learn how to overcome unique challenges while uncovering universal strategies to shape a future where women’s leadership is paramount

Transport Industry Stage

Women driving change in the transportation industry, breaking barriers and leading innovation to create more inclusive and sustainable mobility solutions.

Energy Industry Stage

Women powering the future in the energy industry, challenging norms, and driving innovation to create a sustainable and inclusive energy landscape

Health & Wellness Industry Stage

Women at the forefront of the health and wellness industry, empowering individuals to prioritize self-care, promoting holistic approaches, and shaping the future of healthcare.

Mining Industry Stage

Women that are digging deep in the mining sector, challenging stereotypes and contributing their skills and knowledge to ensure sustainable resource extraction and create inclusive work environments.

Communication, Advertising and Marketing Industry Stage

Women that are shaping narratives and driving impactful campaigns in the world of communication, advertising, and marketing, harnessing creativity and strategic thinking to engage audiences and challenge societal norms.

Health & Wellness Industry Stage

Women at the forefront of the health and wellness industry, empowering individuals to prioritize self-care, promoting holistic approaches, and shaping the future of healthcare.

Property Industry Stage

Women that are shaping the future of the property industry, defying stereotypes, and leading with creativity and expertise to transform spaces and build inclusive communities.

Entrepreneurship Industry Stage

Women entrepreneurs that are driving economic growth and innovation, forging their own paths, and creating businesses that disrupt industries, empower communities, and inspire the next generation.

Manufacturing Industry Stage

Women in the fibre and manufacturing sector that are driving change, leading innovation, and promoting inclusivity and sustainability. Their expertise and insights are reshaping the industry, fostering technological advancements, and promoting responsible practices.

Funding Industry Stage

Finance has traditionally been male-dominated. Women are underrepresented in leadership and investment decisions. However, there’s growing recognition of the value of gender diversity in finance.

Fashion & Beauty Industry Stage

Historically, women have been central to fashion and beauty. While they hold many roles, leadership positions and equal pay remain challenges. The industry is moving towards greater inclusivity and diversity.

Retail Industry Stage

Women have long dominated retail, excelling in customer service and sales. Despite this, they are underrepresented in leadership roles. Efforts are underway to address gender inequality in the sector.

 Media

Women in Agriculture | Opportunities and funding for women

South African women are an important part of the agricultural sector. Yet female unemployment remains high. Agnes Hove, from African Women in Agriculture, speaks to #eNCA Courtesy #DStv403 about EmpowaWomen Leadership Summit.

Media & Society | Celebrating women in PR, Communications

For more news, visit sabcnews.com and #SABCNews on all Social Media platforms.

 Our Team
Simphiwe Masiza

Simphiwe Masiza

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Mr Simphiwe Masiza is an accomplished entrepreneur, distinguished business leader, and the Chief Executive Officer of Empowaworx Group. Holding qualifications from WITS and GIBS, among other esteemed institutions, Masiza is proficient in project management, strategy, organizational development, organizational management, event management, reputation management, business management, governance, and executive leadership. As the founder and dedicated leader of Empowaworx, he is deeply passionate about driving the organization’s success.

Dumi Le Roux

Dumisile Le Roux

ACTING GM & EMPOWAYOUTH LEAD

Dumisile Le Roux is the Acting General Manager of Empowaworx and Head of EmpowaYouth, as well as a Working Group Member of the BRICS Youth Council. With over 12 years of experience in youth empowerment, she has made significant impacts locally and globally. At EmpowaYouth, Dumisile leads an initiative that provide opportunities such as, jobs,mentorship,funding and growth opportunities to township youth in South Africa. Her previous roles include PR, Social Media Management, Events Manager & Communications Director. Dumisile’s visionary leadership and commitment to positive change make her a true champion for young people everywhere.

Zazini Molo

Zazini Molo

EVENTS AND PARTNERSHIP LEAD

As the Lead of The Speakers Firm and a seasoned speaker, Zazini orchestrates narratives that resonate with power and purpose. She also spearheads Special Projects within Empowaworx, and is intricately involved in the planning and execution of transformational streams, showcasing her expertise in project administration, media engagements, and sponsorship management. Her strategic prowess in relationship building and thought leadership sets her apart in the industry.

Kirsten Alexander

Kirsten Alexander

SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Kirsten, with qualifications in Marketing Management, Creative Writing and Psychology is a seasoned communications professional and marketing strategist with over 25 years of experience. She plays a crucial role at Empowaworx in creative strategy, content creation, event ideation and marketing.

Mbali Mavuso

Mbali Mavuso

EVENT MANAGER

Mbali holds a media studies Diploma specialising in Marketing. Her experience includes cost-effective budgeting, exceptional time management and event marketing skills. Mbali is able to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy, and she is the events lead for EmpowaEntrepreneurs, EmpowaWomen, EmpowaMen, and EmpowaYouth Industry summits at Empowaworx, contributing to the seamless execution of these vital platforms.

Sibongile Ganxa

Sibongile Gangxa

SPECIAL PROJECTS LEAD
Oupa Setale

Oupa Setale

LEAD PUBLICIST

Oupa Setale is a publicist and Lead Activations at Empowaworx. Prior to his current role, Setale had an unconventional career trajectory, starting as a taxi driver before transitioning into the media industry. With over 19 years of experience in radio broadcasting, Setale has developed an extensive understanding of media communications, advertising, branding, events management, and communications. His early career includes notable positions such as Programme Manager at VUT FM and Station Manager at Sedibeng FM, where he gained valuable insights into the operational aspects of radio stations

 Contact Information

TELEPHONE

EMPOWAWORX HOUSE

364 Pine Avenue, Ferndale,
Randburg,
2196

For Partnerships, Exhibitions, Panels Please Contact:

Ticket Sales Lead:

 Venue Details

24th August 2024

The Campus, Ground Floor,
57 Sloane St,
Bryanston

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EmpowaWomen is one of Empowaworx’ Transformational Platforms – other platforms include EmpowaYouth, EmpowaMen and EmpowaEntrepreneurs, covering a diverse eco-system for high impact and positive transformation.

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The Speakers Firm

EMPOWAYOUTH

EmpowaYouth is a highly effective platform that brings real and relevant opportunities to where the youth are, across the nation. We know that our young people desire to be viable contributors to society and their communities – all they need is an opportunity. In addition to the EmpowaYouth Week, where we host 20,000 youth, with over 200 speakers, the EmpowaYouth Weekends that are activated nationally, this platform offers insight and trends within the context of semi-rural and peri-urban township youth, bespoke youth activations and campaigns and so much more. We know what the youth of our country want and need, and we know how to deliver it to them in a way that resonates with them – fundamentally transforming their lives. We have numerous case studies and testimonials from the young people we have impacted, which you can view here: https://shorturl.at/dfgmv

To date, EmpowaYouth has impacted over 60,000 youth around the country with real and relevant opportunities for jobs, training, and entrepreneurial funding through our dedicated partners. EmpowaYouth’s success lies in the fact that we bring opportunities to where the youth are, not just giving them inspiration and information, but connecting them to people, organisations and opportunities that will fundamentally transform their lives.
To find out more, visit the website: www.empowayouth.co.za

EMPOWAWOMEN

The EmpowaWomen Summit aims to break barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and inspire change by providing a space for women leaders to connect, learn, and amplify their voices. The underrepresentation of women in key sectors not only hinders progress towards gender equality but also deprives these industries of the diverse perspectives and innovative ideas that women bring. By addressing the specific challenges faced by women in diverse industries, this summit seeks to foster a collective determination towards creating a more inclusive and equitable future.

With day one reaching 1,000 women leaders and focussing on leadership, our gala dinner will host 1,000 women, and day two is an exploration of 20 different industry sectors, enabling the 8,000 women in attendance to unpack their industries in terms of transformation, as well as network across industry sectors. Our speakers will inspire the audience and galvanize change. To get a sense of what can be expected, please view this short video from the 2023 Annual Leadership Summit, where we focussed on eight industry sectors with an audience of 1,000 women: https://n9.cl/rk3b6

EMPOWAENTREPRENEURS FUNDING SUMMIT

The summit provides a unique platform for 1,500 vetted entrepreneurs to explore funding avenues such as Venture Capital, Angel Investment, Development Finance Institutions, Women-centric Funds, Impact Funds, and more. Through interactive exhibitions and dynamic pitching sessions, attending entrepreneurs will have unparalleled opportunities to secure funding for their ventures, from funders with a collective value of over R500 Billion. Beyond facilitating funding opportunities, the EmpowaEntrepreneur Funding Summit aims to enrich the entrepreneurial ecosystem, with over 200 speakers, all experts in their fields. Networking opportunities will empower entrepreneurs with the connections they need to propel their ventures forward, contributing to the overall vitality of the entrepreneurial landscape

The Speakers Firm

The Speakers Firm represents the country’s leading thought engineers.
This includes professional key-note speakers, facilitators, motivational speakers, academics, coaches, consultants, best-selling authors, CEO’s and executives of multi-national corporations, internationally acclaimed thought leaders, entrepreneurs, celebrities, comedians, economists, and analysts. All are able to speak on topics across all industry sectors and within specific themes.
In short, we deliver. Whatever you need.
The Speaker’s Firm is your partner in creating a memorable event that is exceptionally valuable to all who attend and ensures high audience impact.
To explore our exceptional speakers, or to book a speaker, please visit www.thespeakersfirm.co.za