MEET OUR 2019 #InspiringFiftySA WINNERS!

This year marks the 3rd edition of #InspiringFiftySA Awards. We're once again impressed with the calibre of winners for #InspiringFiftySA. There are so many strong South African women in STEM! Here's to another 50 in the limelight, and rightfully so.

Image: ©BZ

#InspiringFiftySA aims to increase diversity in tech, by boosting the visibility of female role models in STEM. It is a non-profit initiative that originated in The Netherlands and was brought to South Africa, by former Consul General, Bonnie Horbach in 2017. Our mission is to inspire more girls and young women to choose a career in STEM and our motto is very simple, namely that; “if she can see it then she can be it!”

Congratulations to the role models of tomorrow's future women leaders in STEM. You are proof that it is possible to reap the fruits of your hard work and talent. We have so much respect for you ladies!" said Sebastiaan Messerschmidt, Netherlands Consul General.

Ellen Fischat, The South African Ambassador for #InspiringFiftySA since 2018, says she was blown away by the talent and internationally recognized  work of these amazing  STEM trailblazers in South Africa.

Anita Nel, a 2018 #InspiringFiftySA Winner and Chief Director: Innovation and Business at  Development of Innovus, had the following to say about the importance of the network, “ #InspiringFiftySA became a business network of strong and successful women who actively support and truly inspire each other. It is a wonderful feeling to be part of something so special!”

Ellen Fischat says they are grateful for the support #InspiringFiftySA continues to receive from the Dutch Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands and the Consulate General in Cape Town and that their new leadership team recognizes the importance and impact of the network and the women.

Dutch Ambassador Han Peters said that “Inspiring the girls and women of tomorrow is exactly what these top 50 women do. We are glad to be able to celebrate this achievement with them in the 2019 #InspiringFiftySA Awards”.

There were 389 nominations were received and it was a tough task for the judges to select  them. It’s been an honour and privilege to discover and learn about the amazing work these women do, mostly unnoticed and with persistence. They truly are the change agents our country needs and that she is humbled to serve these ladies and be a part of this amazing group of women.

Some of this year’s judges included Irene Ochem, Founder and CEO of the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF); Dr Mmaki Jantjies, Senior Lecturer, Information Systems from UWC, Professor Arnaud Malan, Department of Mechanical Engineering of  UCT and Abongile Nzelezele, CapeTalk Presenter of The Early Breakfast Show.

We are honoured to congratulate and welcome the following women as this year’s #InspiringFiftySA 2019 winners: 

Aphiwe Hotele

Ashleigh Killa

Aviwe Funani

Balindiwe Sishi

Birgit Smythe

Bonolo Sedupane

Buhle Goslar

Dorreen Mokoena

Dr Cherise Dunn

Dr Noluxolo Gcaza

Dr Portia Manamela

Dr Tozama Qwebani-Ogunleye

Duduzile Mkhwanazi

Ezlyn Olivia Barends

Fadzayi Chiwandire

Farhana Parker

Jayshree Naidoo

Keneilwe Hlahane

Kutlwano Hutamo

Leehandi de Witt

Lerato Dontache

Loretta Magagula

Lucy Cunnama

Lynette Hundermark

Maria Joubert

Mbali Makhathini

Mmakgosi Mosupi

Nisha Maharaj

Nobukhosi Dlamini

Noluvuyo Mpekelana

Palesa Mahlatji

Paula Barnard-Ashton

Portia Maluleke

Prof Debra Meyer

Raesibe Sylvia Ledwaba

Rene Parker

Reshmi Muringathuparambil

Safiyyah Iqbal

Shamiso Kumbirai

Shubna Harilal

Sibongile Mongadi

Tabassum Qadir

Tebogo Makgatho

Tebogo Mokwena

Thembiso Magajana

Vanessa Sealy-Fisher

Yandisa Sokhanyile

Yolandi Schoeman

Yolandi Strauss

Zikhona Tywabi-Ngeva