Page 14 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 8 2024

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REFLECTING ON W OMEN’S MONTH

A TRIBUTE TO SOUTH AFRICAN

TRAILBLAZERS

As we look back on Women’s mental health care more accessible but are mentorship and investment opportunities to
female entrepreneurs. Her influence extends
also helping to change the narrative around
Month, we’re reminded of how mental health, encouraging more open and beyond business—Basetsana has also made
her mark in the media industry, inspiring
supportive discussions.
far South African women have Kirsten Landman is breaking barriers in a countless women to pursue their dreams.
come. Today, they are doing field traditionally dominated by men. As a Phuti Mahanyele-Dabengwa has established
so much more than just caring professional off-road and enduro motorcycle herself as a key figure in South Africa’s
racer, Kirsten has competed in some of
energy sector. As CEO of Naspers South
for their families and nurturing the world’s toughest races, including the Africa, she has spearheaded investments
Dakar Rally. Her journey is one of grit and
in renewable energy and championed
relationships. They’re also determination, proving that with the right sustainable development initiatives. Phuti’s
mindset, women can excel in even the most
dedication to promoting clean energy
leading businesses, driving challenging environments. Kirsten’s success solutions and her relentless pursuit of
is not just about personal achievement; it’s
excellence have solidified her position as a
innovation, and making a about inspiring the next generation of women trailblazing female entrepreneur, inspiring
difference in their communities to pursue their dreams, no matter how others to contribute to the country’s
sustainable future.
daunting they may seem.
his transformation is the result of INNOVATORS IN SCIENCE AND CREATIVE AND CULTURAL LEADERS
generations of women pushing TECHNOLOGY Karabo Poppy Moletsane has redefined
boundaries and redefining success. Dr. Cherise Dunn, a pioneering figure in 3D African representation in the media
TSouth African women have proven printing development, has been instrumental and contemporary design spheres. As a
they can excel in any field, whether it’s in making advanced manufacturing and celebrated illustrator and artist, Karabo’s
business, science, technology, or education. innovative education accessible to South work, including collaborations with global
What stands out is how they’ve stepped into Africans. As the Chief Operations Officer and brands like Nike, highlights the vibrancy of
these traditionally male-dominated spaces founder of the Africa Makes 3D Printing for African culture. Her creative projects, such
while still maintaining their roles as mothers, Development Initiative, she is leading efforts as the tagging of the Soweto Towers and
daughters, and partners. to prepare the country for the Fourth Industrial designing basketball courts in Johannesburg,
Revolution. Her work in digital healthcare and are not only visually stunning but also
YOUNG LEADERS AND INNOVATORS additive manufacturing is not only transforming culturally significant, promoting African pride
Among South Africa’s rising stars, Zahra industries but also inspiring young women to and identity on an international stage.
Cassim shines as a young tech entrepreneur pursue careers in STEM fields.
making a significant impact. Starting Sho Madjozi, a South African rapper and
a tech company at a young age, Zahra Kiara Nirghin, a young inventor and scientist, cultural icon, has taken the music world
has led efforts to develop solutions that has gained international recognition for by storm with her unique blend of Tsonga
address critical challenges in education her groundbreaking research. While still a and English rap. Her hit single “John Cena”
and employment. Her focus on accessibility teenager, Kiara developed a polymer that garnered international attention, and her
ensures that her company’s technology is helps sustain crops during droughts, earning performances at major global events have
designed with everyone in mind, especially top honours at the Google Science Fair. Her cemented her status as a leading figure
those in underserved communities. Zahra’s work has positioned her as a global leader in the music industry. Sho Madjozi’s rise
journey is a powerful example of how young in agricultural science, and she continues to fame is a story of cultural celebration,
women can lead transformative change and to inspire others through her commitment and she continues to inspire young women
open doors that were previously closed. to solving environmental challenges. Kiara’s to embrace their heritage and express
Megan Werner is another remarkable young achievements remind us that age is no barrier themselves boldly.
woman. At just 19, Megan led a group of to making a significant impact on the world.
teenagers in building a four-seater aeroplane, BALANCING FAMILY, CAREER, AND
which they then flew from Cape Town to LEADERS IN BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY
Cairo. This achievement wasn’t just about BEYOND What’s remarkable about these women is
aviation—it was a testament to what young In the business world, women like Dineo not just their professional achievements, but
people, especially young women, can achieve Lioma are leading the charge towards how they manage to balance it all. They’re
when they’re given the opportunity to pursue innovation. As the founder of CapeBio daughters, sisters, partners, and friends, and
their passions. Megan’s story challenges Technologies, Dineo is at the forefront of they wear these hats with as much dedication
stereotypes and inspires other young women biotechnology in South Africa. Her company as they do their professional ones. It’s a
to break free from conventional expectations focuses on developing sustainable and juggling act that requires incredible resilience,
and explore new horizons. bio-based solutions for various industries, but they handle it with grace.
contributing to advancements in healthcare,
Asha Patel has made a meaningful impact agriculture, and environmental sustainability. As we move beyond Women’s Month,
as well. As a young Indian South African, Dineo’s vision is to position Africa as a let’s continue to honour these incredible
Asha has dedicated her work to mental leader in health data and biotechnology, South African women. They’re more than
health advocacy. She started a non-profit driving progress that will benefit the entire just successful professionals—they’re role
organisation focused on providing mental continent. models, leaders, and trailblazers who are
health resources and support to young Basetsana Kumalo, a name synonymous making a difference in their communities
people, particularly those in marginalised with media and business in South Africa, has and inspiring the next generation of women
communities. In a country where mental built a career that spans decades. As the to do the same. Their stories remind us that
health is often overlooked, Asha’s work is founder of Basetsana Woman Investment the possibilities are endless when women
crucial in bringing much-needed attention Holdings, she is a passionate advocate support each other and strive to achieve
to this area. Her efforts are not only making for women’s empowerment, providing their dreams.

12 DPL issue 8 2024