Latest news with #TashlineJooste
The Star
7 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Innovator Trust prepares for prestigious Women in Tech Awards celebrating female innovators
Innovator Trust Women in Tech Awards to honour South African female pioneers in technology This year, the Innovator Trust Women in Tech Awards (WIT) shines a spotlight on the ingenuity of South African female-owned Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) that are steering the charge in technology innovation. Founded over a decade ago by Vodacom, the awards has been pivotal in nurturing and advancing the capabilities of women-led businesses within the tech sector. The WIT platform, a cornerstone initiative of the Trust, aims to amplify the achievements of women who lead not just with innovation but with intent and influence. Tashline Jooste, CEO of the Innovator Trust, emphasised the importance of women-led innovation for societal and economic progression. 'Women-led innovation is essential for long-term social and economic progress,' she stated. 'Research conducted by the McKinsey & Co Report 2020 highlights that companies with gender-diverse leadership teams are more likely to be profitable and create greater value, showing that inclusion boosts business performance.' Furthermore, the Boston Consulting Group indicates that startups founded or co-founded by women generate significantly higher returns, more than twice as much revenue per dollar invested, compared to those founded by men. Jooste affirms, 'The evidence is clear: investing in women delivers measurable results.' It is revealed that the event will feature a series of thought-provoking panel discussions, engaging keynote presentations, interactive plenary discussions, and exhibitions showcasing emerging talent in innovation. Attendees can look forward to invaluable networking opportunities that foster dialogue centred on reflection, celebration, and forward-thinking strategies.
IOL News
7 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Innovator Trust prepares for prestigious Women in Tech Awards celebrating female innovators
This year, the Innovator Trust Women in Tech Awards (WIT) shines a spotlight on the ingenuity of South African female-owned Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) that are steering the charge in technology innovation. Founded over a decade ago by Vodacom, the awards has been pivotal in nurturing and advancing the capabilities of women-led businesses within the tech sector. The WIT platform, a cornerstone initiative of the Trust, aims to amplify the achievements of women who lead not just with innovation but with intent and influence. Tashline Jooste, CEO of the Innovator Trust, emphasised the importance of women-led innovation for societal and economic progression. 'Women-led innovation is essential for long-term social and economic progress,' she stated. 'Research conducted by the McKinsey & Co Report 2020 highlights that companies with gender-diverse leadership teams are more likely to be profitable and create greater value, showing that inclusion boosts business performance.' Furthermore, the Boston Consulting Group indicates that startups founded or co-founded by women generate significantly higher returns, more than twice as much revenue per dollar invested, compared to those founded by men. Jooste affirms, 'The evidence is clear: investing in women delivers measurable results.' It is revealed that the event will feature a series of thought-provoking panel discussions, engaging keynote presentations, interactive plenary discussions, and exhibitions showcasing emerging talent in innovation. Attendees can look forward to invaluable networking opportunities that foster dialogue centred on reflection, celebration, and forward-thinking strategies.
The Citizen
08-08-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Women in Tech awards return to empower women-led innovation
This year, the Innovator Trust's Women in Tech awards (WIT) celebrate the creativity and achievements of South African female-owned small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) leading the way in technology innovation. Established by Vodacom over a decade ago, the Innovator Trust has significantly contributed to the development of black-owned ICT SMMEs in South Africa. The WIT platform is one of its most impactful initiatives, dedicated to recognising and amplifying the achievements of women in technology who lead with purpose and influence. Read more: Combatting crime using technology The 2025 awards will take place on November 20 at Vodacom World in Midrand, bringing together a diverse audience of entrepreneurs, business leaders, policymakers, and next-generation innovators. The event will feature thought-provoking panel discussions, insightful keynote presentations, interactive plenary sessions, exhibitions by emerging talent in innovation, and valuable networking opportunities. It will serve as a platform for reflection, celebration, and forward-thinking dialogue. Significantly, this year marks a decade of commitment to not only providing financial support but also offering consistent mentorship, hands-on guidance, and unwavering dedication to fostering the growth of women-led innovation. Tashline Jooste, CEO of the Innovator Trust, emphasised that women-led innovation is crucial for long-term social and economic advancement. 'Research conducted by McKinsey and Company in 2020 highlights that companies with gender-diverse leadership teams are more likely to be profitable and create greater value, demonstrating that inclusion enhances business performance,' Jooste explained. 'Furthermore, a Boston Consulting Group report shows that startups founded or co-founded by women deliver significantly higher returns—over twice as much revenue per dollar invested—compared to those founded by men. The evidence is clear: investing in women yields measurable results.' This commitment to recognising the value of women in innovation is reflected in the high calibre of speakers attracted to the WIT platform. The 2025 edition honours the legacy built over the past 10 years and the leaders developed along the way while also paving the way for new ideas, meaningful progress, and a renewed commitment to creating environments where women have decision-making power and lead effectively. Further details, including the full speaker list and programme agenda, will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, please visit the Innovator Trust website or follow the updates on the official media channels. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
Zawya
17-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Innovator Trust's Accelerator Programme (ITAP) strengthens SMMEs support for long-term success
South Africa's small businesses may be the backbone of the economy – but for many, staying upright is the challenge. High operating costs, limited networks, and lack of funding keep countless SMMEs from scaling. The Innovator Trust is flipping that narrative. Recognising these barriers, the Innovator Trust through their latest initiative, the Innovator Trust Accelerator Programme (ITAP), is offering more than just encouragement. Providing support beyond just lip service, SMME businesses have received structured business development support to the value of R165,000, offering them the opportunity to invest in key areas that are practical and essential for their particular business. "There's a particularly delicate balance that we cannot ignore when supporting SMMEs. Financial support alone is not enough to ensure business longevity. Yet, the financial support is equally important because these businesses have very real, practical needs too," says Tashline Jooste, CEO of the Innovator Trust. From funding to mentorship, technical assistance to customer access – ITAP is a full-circle solution for tech-focused entrepreneurs ready to scale. Beneficiaries gain access to tools previously out of reach, including high-value software, digital infrastructure, and expert guidance and mentorship. Thabo Moloi, operations director at Eagle-Trace Solutions, is one of the programme's success stories: 'The introduction of proper accounting systems helped streamline our finances. Monthly performance reviews have also encouraged accountability and planning, ensuring that the business remains competitive. The Innovator Trust has provided invaluable business development resources. Structured mentorship and technical support have helped businesses like mine enhance operational efficiency." Simangele Mphahlele, CEO of digital recruitment platform Ejoobi, highlights the strategic edge the programme provides: "I truly value that they've put us in front of potential customers, which is a big deal. If we meet the brief, we can secure direct business with them. It makes all the difference." 'It's the first programme where I felt truly seen – where people understand my needs without judgement,' Mphahlele adds. ITAP doesn't stop at the technical. It focuses on human connections, too. We can unanimously agree that technology is a necessity for business growth. Yet, many small businesses struggle with the costs of essential digital tools. Through ITAP, participants have been able to integrate technology into their business models in ways that were previously out of reach. "Innovator Trust covered some of the expensive software licenses and sales tools we needed," explains Mphahlele. "Without that support, we wouldn't be in the position we are in today. Our training was also more internationally aligned, helping us think beyond local markets." The numbers show commitment. The support – both financial and strategic – is designed to break real-world barriers. Webinars on cybersecurity, digital transformation, and automation equip entrepreneurs to compete locally and grow globally. "Having access to advanced technical support has allowed my business to improve on-site efficiency and professionalism. These advancements have positioned us competitively in the local market and will enable continuous innovation. We're better prepared to scale internationally because of this,' Moloi says. Applications are now open. If you're a South African tech entrepreneur ready to scale, visit or email keneuoe@ for more information. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
