{"id":21472,"date":"2025-08-08T14:20:54","date_gmt":"2025-08-08T12:20:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=21472"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:04:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:04:37","slug":"top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 South African Women in ICT (Information and Communications Tech)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>For South African students, job seekers, and parents navigating the ever-evolving tech world, the journey can feel overwhelming\u2014especially for young women aspiring to enter a historically male-dominated field. The good news? South Africa is home to trailblazing women who have not only broken into the ICT (Information and Communications Technology) industry but are leading it with innovation, integrity, and impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech\">Top 10 South African Women in ICT (Information and Communications Tech)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This article highlights 10 inspiring South African women who are shaping the future of ICT. Whether you\u2019re exploring a career in coding, cybersecurity, tech entrepreneurship, or telecoms, their stories will guide, motivate, and show you what\u2019s possible\u2014right here at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1647932470\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-baratang-miya-tech-educator-amp-founder-of-girlhype\">1. <strong>Baratang Miya \u2013 Tech Educator &amp; Founder of GirlHype<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-building-digital-skills-in-underserved-communities\">Building Digital Skills in Underserved Communities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Baratang Miya is a powerhouse in ICT education, best known for founding <strong>GirlHype<\/strong>, a non-profit that teaches coding and digital literacy to girls in townships. With over two decades of experience, she has trained thousands of young women and continues to advocate for inclusive tech policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> If you&#8217;re interested in tech education for girls, explore GirlHype\u2019s free bootcamps and workshops in Cape Town and other regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654445.png\" alt=\"Top 10 South African Women in ICT (Information and Communications Tech)\" class=\"wp-image-21477\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654445.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654445-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654445-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654445-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654445-390x220.png 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-basetsana-kumalo-media-tech-entrepreneur\">2. <strong>Basetsana Kumalo \u2013 Media Tech Entrepreneur<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-bridging-media-technology-and-empowerment\">Bridging Media, Technology, and Empowerment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While widely known as a media personality, <strong>Basetsana Kumalo<\/strong> is also a savvy tech entrepreneur. She has invested in digital media platforms and is a vocal advocate for women in STEM through mentorship and corporate social responsibility programmes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654585.png\" alt=\"Basetsana Kumalo\" class=\"wp-image-21478\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654585.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654585-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654585-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654585-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654585-390x220.png 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1748464819\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-rapelang-rabana-tech-innovator-and-ceo-of-rekindle-learning\">3. <strong>Rapelang Rabana \u2013 Tech Innovator and CEO of Rekindle Learning<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-driving-edtech-innovation-across-africa\">Driving EdTech Innovation Across Africa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rapelang Rabana<\/strong> is the founder of <strong>Rekindle Learning<\/strong>, an award-winning EdTech company using mobile technology to improve workplace and school learning outcomes. She has been listed on Forbes\u2019 &#8220;30 under 30&#8221; and served on the South African Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654683.png\" alt=\"Rapelang Rabana\" class=\"wp-image-21479\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654683.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654683-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654683-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654683-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654683-390x220.png 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-dr-mmaki-jantjies-ict-researcher-and-academic-leader\">4. <strong>Dr. Mmaki Jantjies \u2013 ICT Researcher and Academic Leader<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-championing-inclusive-digital-transformation\">Championing Inclusive Digital Transformation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As Associate Professor at the University of the Western Cape and Group Executive for Innovation and Transformation at Telkom, <strong>Dr. Mmaki Jantjies<\/strong> leads research into ICT for development, multilingual education tech, and gender inclusion in STEM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Local Insight:<\/strong> Her work helps shape national digital policies and youth-focused ICT curriculum enhancements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654795.png\" alt=\"Dr. Mmaki Jantjies\" class=\"wp-image-21480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654795.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654795-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654795-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654795-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654795-390x220.png 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3305081082\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-phumzile-van-damme-digital-rights-advocate\">5. <strong>Phumzile Van Damme \u2013 Digital Rights Advocate<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-fighting-for-online-safety-and-internet-access\">Fighting for Online Safety and Internet Access<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Former Member of Parliament and now a digital rights consultant, <strong>Phumzile Van Damme<\/strong> focuses on disinformation, cybersecurity, and digital democracy in South Africa. Her advocacy ensures technology is used responsibly and equitably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654892.png\" alt=\" Phumzile Van Damme\" class=\"wp-image-21481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654892.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654892-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654892-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654892-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654892-390x220.png 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-zandile-mkwanazi-chairperson-of-girlcode\">6. <strong>Zandile Mkwanazi \u2013 Chairperson of GirlCode<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-growing-the-next-generation-of-female-coders\">Growing the Next Generation of Female Coders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Zandile Mkwanazi<\/strong> heads <strong>GirlCode<\/strong>, a social enterprise that runs coding bootcamps, hackathons, and tech festivals to support women in IT. Under her leadership, GirlCode has trained over 5,000 women in software development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> Students can apply to GirlCode\u2019s annual Hackathon and win internships or scholarships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654985.png\" alt=\"Zandile Mkwanazi \" class=\"wp-image-21482\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654985.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654985-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654985-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654985-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754654985-390x220.png 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2692852293\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-nthabiseng-mosia-co-founder-of-easy-solar\">7. <strong>Nthabiseng Mosia \u2013 Co-Founder of Easy Solar<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-using-tech-to-solve-energy-challenges\">Using Tech to Solve Energy Challenges<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Born in South Africa and raised across multiple African countries, <strong>Nthabiseng Mosia<\/strong> co-founded <strong>Easy Solar<\/strong>, a company using mobile technology to provide off-grid solar solutions. She blends ICT with sustainable development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754655087.png\" alt=\"Nthabiseng Mosia\" class=\"wp-image-21484\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754655087.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754655087-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754655087-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754655087-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754655087-390x220.png 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-dr-andiswa-mlisa-space-science-and-ict-integration\">8. <strong>Dr. Andiswa Mlisa \u2013 Space Science and ICT Integration<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-promoting-earth-observation-for-development\">Promoting Earth Observation for Development<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As a former executive at SANSA (South African National Space Agency), <strong>Dr. Mlisa<\/strong> played a key role in integrating ICT into space science for agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fun Fact:<\/strong> She holds advanced degrees in remote sensing and geospatial ICT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754655210.png\" alt=\"Dr. Andiswa Mlisa\" class=\"wp-image-21486\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754655210.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754655210-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754655210-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754655210-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754655210-390x220.png 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-152397220\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-9-lillian-barnard-president-of-microsoft-africa\">9. <strong>Lillian Barnard \u2013 President of Microsoft Africa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-leading-one-of-the-world-s-biggest-tech-firms\">Leading One of the World\u2019s Biggest Tech Firms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lillian Barnard<\/strong> is the first South African woman to head <strong>Microsoft Africa<\/strong>. Her journey from sales executive to tech leader highlights the power of perseverance, mentorship, and technical excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Career Hack:<\/strong> Microsoft runs digital skills and cloud computing training via the <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-za\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Global Skills Initiative<\/a>, open to unemployed youth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754655324.png\" alt=\"Lillian Barnard\" class=\"wp-image-21487\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754655324.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754655324-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754655324-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754655324-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754655324-390x220.png 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-10-thato-kgatlhanye-tech-driven-social-entrepreneur\">10. <strong>Thato Kgatlhanye \u2013 Tech-Driven Social Entrepreneur<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-innovating-with-purpose\">Innovating with Purpose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Founder of <strong>Rethaka<\/strong>, Thato Kgatlhanye used recycled materials and solar technology to create \u201cRepurpose Schoolbags\u201d that charge during the day and act as night lights for learners. Her work is a great example of ICT meeting social innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754655417.png\" alt=\"Thato Kgatlhanye\" class=\"wp-image-21488\" style=\"width:638px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754655417.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754655417-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754655417-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754655417-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/top-10-south-african-women-in-ict-information-and-communications-tech-1754655417-390x220.png 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2071628230\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-representation-in-ict-matters\">Why Representation in ICT Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-gender-gap-in-south-africa-s-tech-sector\">The Gender Gap in South Africa\u2019s Tech Sector<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While more women are entering STEM fields, <strong>only about 23% of tech jobs<\/strong> in South Africa are held by women (Source: Women in Tech ZA, 2024). These trailblazers are working to change that by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mentoring younger women<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Launching inclusive programmes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shaping corporate and public policy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Also check: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/top-10-south-african-women-in-finance-investment\/\">Top 10 South African Women in Finance &amp; Investment<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-follow-in-their-footsteps\">How to Follow in Their Footsteps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-start-small-aim-big\">Start Small, Aim Big<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Study ICT courses<\/strong> through TVET colleges, universities, or online platforms like <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coursera.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Coursera<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.futurelearn.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FutureLearn<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Join coding groups<\/strong> like GirlCode, SheCodes, or WeThinkCode.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Apply for tech bursaries<\/strong> via <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nsfas.org.za\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NSFAS<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mict.org.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MICT SETA<\/a>, and other sector education authorities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Network<\/strong> at local tech events like DevConf, Africa Tech Week, or Women in Tech meetups.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3503875794\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs-getting-into-ict-as-a-south-african-woman\">FAQs: Getting Into ICT as a South African Woman<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-do-i-need-a-university-degree-to-work-in-ict\">Do I need a university degree to work in ICT?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not always. Many roles like software development, data analytics, and UX\/UI design value <strong>certifications and practical skills<\/strong> over formal degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-where-can-i-learn-to-code-for-free-in-sa\">Where can I learn to code for free in SA?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>GirlCode (Free programmes for women)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>WeThinkCode<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SA Youth Platform (<a href=\"https:\/\/sayouth.mobi\/Home\/Index\/EN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sayouth.mobi<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-subjects-should-i-take-in-high-school\">What subjects should I take in high school?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Focus on <strong>Mathematics<\/strong>, <strong>Physical Science<\/strong>, and <strong>Computer Applications Technology (CAT)<\/strong> or <strong>Information Technology (IT)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-your-place-in-south-africa-s-digital-future\">Your Place in South Africa\u2019s Digital Future<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These 10 South African women in ICT are more than just successful professionals\u2014they are role models changing the narrative and opening doors for the next generation. If you\u2019re considering a future in technology, remember: you don\u2019t need to have it all figured out to get started. The industry is growing, and your voice, ideas, and talent are needed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Explore bursary options, find a mentor, or sign up for a coding bootcamp. South Africa\u2019s ICT future is being built now\u2014and you can be part of it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore the inspiring stories of 10 South African women leading the ICT sector. From tech education to digital rights, these trailblazers are shaping the future of technology. Learn how you can follow in their footsteps and pursue a career in ICT.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":21491,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Explore the inspiring stories of 10 South African women leading the ICT sector. From tech education to digital rights, these trailblazers are shaping the future of technology. Learn how you can follow in their footsteps and pursue a career in ICT.","footnotes":""},"categories":[36],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-21472","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-jobs"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21472","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21472"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21472\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21490,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21472\/revisions\/21490"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21491"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21472"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21472"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21472"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}