On 12 March 2025, Provincial Minister of Infrastructure, Western Cape, Tertuis Simmers, will be addressing the annual Women and Leadership conference in Sandton, JHB.

Now in the 4th year running, one of the key outcomes from last years’ conference was to include the input and support of male leadership specifically within STEM/male populated sectors.  Adding his voice as support also addressing the delegation, will be MD, Transport and Greater Africa, Vishaal Lutchman, Zutari.  Men are welcome to attend since leadership doesn’t discriminate against gender, or shouldn’t.

Speakers for this year include:

• Dr Gugu Moche, Group Exec: Digital Transformation and Acting DCEO: Research, Innovation, Impact Support & Advancement (RIISA) NRF
• Natasha Ramkirpal, Group Lead – Water Security Optimisation COCA COLA BEVERAGES AFRICA
• Retang Sandra Maphothoma, Technologist-Highways AECOM
• Zandile Pule, Snr Manager: Asset Optimisation, Strategy and Systems Global GOLDFIELDS
• Monique Schmidt, Implementation Coordinator Engineering & Capex ABINBEV
• Celeste Le Roux, Founder and CEO REACT GROUP
• Nosihle Dlamini, Senior Manager TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING SOUTH AFRICA

The speakers taking to the podium have the support of their departments and teams attending to see for themselves, that although having a career in STEM is difficult it is not impossible.  With this in mind, the organisers set out to not only profile women who have already made it to the top but also aim to identify new, upcoming talent, the future Manager, CEO’s of SA - ensuring that the panel of speakers are not repeated, giving exposure to more women over the years.

In addition to the above, this year’s theme is aimed at changing statistics and awarding opportunities to women by being part of the It’s DUE series of conferences to Develop, Unite and Empower women across various professional careers.  Only 13% of STEM graduates in South Africa are women. This is under par when compared to the global average of 35%. Widening the scope, women hold just 28% of STEM-related jobs. When magnifying the engineering sector/s this alarmingly shows even lower participation, with less than 25% of candidate engineers being women and only 6% achieving professional status.

To date, the conference has opened many doors for women across sectors to be noticed and also includes the support of young professionals to pursue their career-aspirations ito opportunities available to them during the two day in-person contact sessions. With industry support, Pinpoint Stewards include 10 young professionals to attend each day of the conference and introduce them to mentors and job shadowing opportunities.  

 “Over a period of more than 20 years within the conference industry we have seen great movement in industries not only in the audiences who attend, but seeing more women making it to the top while taking women with them – that is what drives us - to see more women gain the courage to step up to a career or raise their hand to lead. It’s not about your presence but your performance and women need to ensure they are equipped with the right skills, sponsors and surround themselves with people with the same aspirations they have for themselves.” Says Owner, Sudhira Sewsunker, Pinpoint Stewards

Direct all enquiries to Ankia Roux, Co-Owner of Pinpoint Stewards at ankia@pinpointstewards.co.za to speak, support, exhibit or attend. Register before 15 January for priority booking discounts.