As reported, the Department of Basic Education have noted that fewer students attempt the vital subjects relating to STEM fields and this can impact the economic growth of SA, and with only 13% of STEM graduates in South Africa being women a shift need to take place and at a faster rate.

Women and men across various industries will gather at the annual two-day Women & Leadership in Engineering, Infrastructure and Innovation Conference hosted by Pinpoint Stewards, with the aim to develop, unite and empower more women in these sectors.    

The keynote address will be done by Provincial Minister of Infrastructure, Western Cape, Tertuis Simmers, who have also partnered with the conference in support of women and current opportunities available in Infrastructure.  Also adding his voice to the platform of speakers is MD, Transport and Greater Africa, Vishaal Lutchman from Zutari. 

The conference organisers, Pinpoint Stewards aim to profile women excelling in these sectors through their media partners to ensure they are recognized for their contribution to these sectors but to also inspire others to take up a career in STEM.   Some of this years speakers include:

Dr Gugu Moche Group Exec: Digital Transformation and Acting DCEO: Research, Innovation, Impact Support and Advancement (RIISA) National Research Foundation, who will be addressing, unconscious bias in the workplace that affect women’s career trajectory or leadership opportunities. Dr Moche’s accolades include serving in academic management positions both locally and internationally before joining the NRF.  She obtained a PhD in Pure Mathematics from Howard University in Washington DC, focusing on Topological Semigroups, and is a member of the SA Mathematical Society as well as the American Mathematical Society. Some of the academic positions she has held include lecturing in the Department of Mathematical Sciences in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology at the University of South Africa and the Departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Catholic University in Washington DC etc.

Natasha Ramkirpal, Group Lead – Water Security Optimisation, Coca Cola Beverages Africa, will focus on, building inclusive innovation ecosystems using the power of women in diverse teams. Natasha is an experienced sustainability leader with a visionary approach and an extensive background in process engineering within the beverage manufacturing sector. In her 15+ years of hands-on industry experience she has combined strategic acumen, technical proficiency, and innovation management to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability efforts within her area, with proven expertise in optimizing manufacturing processes. She is broadly skilled in developing water security strategies internationally and implementing advanced sustainability initiatives. She is currently leading this space for Coca-Beverages Africa navigating the challenges of water scarcity across 11 African nations. She is well qualified holding a BSc in Chemical Engineering, and MEng in technology and innovation management and a BCom in Management (supply chain focused). She has ambitions of completing a PhD in Technology and Innovation Management, focusing on integrating academic research to pioneer progressive industry practices. She currently serves as an Exco board member for the Manufacturing Circle, by helping to drive sustainable practices within the manufacturing sector across South Africa.

Nosihle Dlamini, Senior Manager, Toyota Motor Manufacturing South Africa, will tackle, imposter syndrome looking at women leaders trying to be all to ALL.  Nosihle is a passionate, conscientious, and results-oriented leader with over 13 years’ experience in the manufacturing sector. She currently serves as VP of the TWIMS alumni Board. She has received awards as a finalist for inclusive leadership and positive role model in 2023, part of the 2023 cohort of the KZN top businesswomen as well as  in finalist in the 2024 Desmond and Leah Tutu foundation leading for humanity global program as Finalist on the 2024 Transunion rising star.

Celeste Le Roux, Founder & CEO, React Group, will deconstruct believing in your abilities and keep fostering self-confidence to make significant contributions to your career. Among Celeste’s accomplishments, she is a multiple ERWIC (Empowerment & Recognition of Woman in Construction) award winner of CIDB (Construction Industry Development Board) Standard Bank Top Woman Entrepreneur South Africa National Woman in Business.

Monique Schmidt, Implementation Coordinator Engineering & Capex. ABinBev, will spotlight, building a strong support network by connecting with fellow female engineering innovators, mentors, & allies, and how to gain invaluable guidance and encouragement throughout your career path. Monique is the first female implementation coordinator for ABInBev Africa Zone. Over delivering volume by 20% on one of the key strategic priorities for ABInBev in 2024 and assisted in launching a Women in Engineering program.

Other speakers joining the panel include: Retang Sandra Maphothoma, Technologist-Highways AECOM, Zandile Pule, Snr Manager: Asset Optimisation, Strategy and Systems Global GOLDFIELDS and Nosihle Dlamini, Senior Manager TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING SOUTH AFRICA.

Your support indirectly supports young professionals - Pinpoint Stewards sponsors 20 post-graduate students to attend each year to find a mentor or job shadow opportunity at the two-day conference.  Priority registrations before end January qualify for R2000 discount per delegate or host a table to ensure you “make the circle bigger.”

Direct all enquiries to Pinpoint Stewards at info@pinpointstewards.co.za to speak, support, exhibit or attend or follow them on LinkedIn.