4 minute read
TECHNOLOGY
WOMEN RIDING THE TECH WAVE
and making their mark
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There was a time - not so long ago - when technology was like ‘GOLF’ (Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden). To even think of technology and black women in the same sentence seemed like an even bigger crime. Yes, there were women that pushed boundaries and challenged the norm, but the difference then is that they were never recognised for their contribution, never celebrated nor encouraged to keep doing what they were doing. Times have changed and we are grateful for that. We are thankful for platforms such as MentHer, which encourages mentorship by and for women which makes it that much easier for women in various sectors to walk tall and participate fully in the economy. As I prepared for this article, I was pleasantly amazed by the number of women that are riding the tech wave to offer lasting solutions for communities. I chose to focus on these four powerful women; Dr Mmaki Jantjies, Dr Aisha Pandor, Ms Annette Muller and Dr Maggie Mojapelo and highlight some of their incredible work. Dr Mmaki Jantjies
Born in Mahikeng, Dr. Mmaki Jantjies was one of the first black South African female PhD computer science graduates in the country at the age of 28 and is currently the Head of the Information Systems academic department at the University of the Western Cape. Amongst other roles, she has also previously served as a Head of Department at the North West University (being one of the youngest academics to have headed that department). In 2016 she was runner up in 3 categories of the first women in ICT awards by MTN South Africa in leadership recognition, community builder and outstanding women. She was also listed as the Mozilla top 50 people in the world making the internet a better place in 2016. Dr. Janjies researches in ICT4Development and develops mobile software for education in STEM subjects for schools. The content of the applications is also view-able in English and other South African languages to enable language access as well as platform access on mobile phones.
She also conducts research about the role that technology can play in enhancing the business and health sector in South Africa.
Dr Aisha Pandor Annette Muller
Dr. Maggie Mojapelo
Dr. Aisha Pandor is an awardwinning scientist with a PhD in Human Genetics, a business management graduate, and the co-founder of SweepSouth. SweepSouth is an online platform that provides home cleaning services. From their platform you can order, pay for, and manage the home cleaning services from your laptop, phone, or tablet. SweepSouth is the first company on the African continent to offer this Uber-like system and connect professional, experienced and insured cleaners with homeowners.
The SweepSouth solution strives to give people access to dignified working opportunities. Dr. Pandor is one of the leading women in South Africa’s tech industry. Muller is a seasoned tech entrepreneur currently working on her latest venture
Flexyforce.com. Flexyforce is an innovative B2B cloudbased software business, used by companies like Showmax, 2Stories and BiB Africa to manage suppliers, freelancers, contract workers, service providers and creatives. Previously, she founded DOTNXT, one of South Africa’s first innovation consultancy firms. According to Annette “Business is like gardening; it’s just another form of being human on planet Earth right now. Something us humans do all over the world, every day. You can help with someone else’s garden, visit one and enjoy it for a while, or start one.
And then you must know, that with it comes great responsibility to nurture it every day, keep it alive, sometimes even end it, but with that comes all the joy in the world – as you get to sit in it and watch it grow every day.”
Dr Maggie Mojapelo and Dr Malebo Mokotedi
Dr Maggie Mojapelo was born in Atteridgeville and at an early age decided that she was going to be a doctor and improve the lives of the people in her community. Listening to her account at the Innovator Trust event in November 2021 gave me goosebumps. She founded a multidisciplinary private practice - Mediwell - in Dainfern in Northern Johannesburg, which she says, “has become a premier destination for digital health innovation”. Dr. Mojapelo and her partner and daughter; Dr Malebo Mokotedi offer innovative health solutions.
According to Dr. Mojapelo, Mediwell is a paperless practice where they use electronic health record systems, the Telerad and Telederm telehealth services, a mobile and online booking system, real-time claiming system, digital practicemanagement system as well as an integrated mobile laboratory for patient results to which they provide 24-7 access.
From raising awareness about the value and opportunities that come with STEM subjects to creating solutions for domestic cleaning and maintenance all the way to creating digital medical and creative solutions for the likes of ShowMax, we have women unapologetically showing up and riding the tech waves like they were born there. I look forward to more personal engagements with these and other women in tech that are marking their mark and letting it be known and never forgotten that they were here.
