South Africa is home to a prominent generation of female entrepreneurs and business leaders who shape the industry, promoting investment, promoting exports and introducing the country's talent on the global stage. From tourism and trade to technology and finance, these pioneers are expanding their footprint in South Africa all over the world. This International Women's Month highlights their achievements across key sectors and the impact they have made.
Lumisha Chaislam
The South African mining sector plays an important role in the economy, contributing about 8% to GDP. Despite the challenges, it remains a major employer with over 450,000 people working in the industry. Women make up about 18% of the workforce, and efforts are underway to increase gender diversity, particularly in leadership roles.
Rumisha Chaithram is a renowned mining leader with over 20 years of experience and is currently managing director for South and East Africa at Robit PLC, a global leader in consumables. In her role, she is responsible for implementing strategic business initiatives and expanding the company's presence in these regions. Before joining Robit PLC, she held senior positions at Gilbarco Veeder-Root, Atlas Copco and Sandvik, where she contributed to the business development and operational growth of the mining sector.
Beyond her corporate success, Chaislam is a passionate advocate for increasing women's participation in mining. She writes extensively about the challenges women face in the male-dominated sector and actively supports initiatives that promote gender diversity. Despite women making up only about 18% of South African mining workers, Chaislam is committed to improving this representation, especially in senior management positions.
Through her leadership, she helped establish training programs aimed at empowering women with technical and leadership skills, allowing them to thrive in the mining industry. Chaithram's efforts range from mentoring young women to providing the guidance they need to succeed in their careers. Her work is a testament to her commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse mining sector across South and East Africa.
Aviwe Matandela
Aviwe Matandela serves as the representative CEO of Business and Arts South Africa (BASA), an organization that promotes mutually beneficial partnerships between the business sector and the arts community. In her role, Matandera is committed to promoting business investment in the creative sector, aiming to transform South Africa's creative economy through innovative research, strategic partnerships and capacity building programs.
Before taking up the position of acting CEO, Matandela served as a financial and operational manager at BASA. There, he was responsible for overseeing the financial strategy and operational efficiency within the organization.
Beyond her professional efforts, Matandera is lovingly known as the “bird woman” because of her passion for ornithology. She is also an active participant in advocating for black representation in the arts, contributing to a more inclusive and diverse cultural landscape.
In October 2024, at the BASA's annual meeting, Matandera emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between business and the arts. She welcomed new executives and emphasized their incredible skills and insights as essential to fostering partnerships that have a positive impact on both sectors.
Matandera's leadership continues to influence the dynamic interaction between business and the arts in South Africa, driving initiatives that enrich the country's cultural and economic fabrics.
Dr. Gugu Mosh
Dr. Gugumosh is the group executive (DCEO) of Digital Transformation and Representative Deputy Chief Executive (DCEO) at the National Research Foundation (NRF) in South Africa. In her dual role, Dr. Mosh is crucial in integrating digital technologies to enhance research capabilities and social impact of the NRF.
Dr. Mosh's research, having a PhD in Pure Mathematics from Howard University in Washington, DC, focuses on topology semi-groups. Her academic journey began in South Africa during the apartheid era, where she opposed her social expectations in pursuing her passion for mathematics.
Prior to joining NRF, Dr. Mosh established several academic leadership positions, including Associate Vice-Chancellor of Education and Learning, Executive Director of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, and Director of the Faculty of Science at various institutions.
At NRF, Dr. Mosh is responsible for modernizing internal systems and infrastructure, developing digital skills, establishing cybersecurity expertise and promoting digital innovation. She emphasizes that new technologies such as AI, cloud computing and immersive tools are essential to enhance research efficiency and collaboration.
Dr. Mosh's leadership will help place the South African research community at the forefront of digital advancement, ensuring that the NRF effectively utilizes technology to address complex challenges and deliver concrete social benefits.
Amber Penny Young
Amber Penney Young is co-founder of Faro Africa, a pioneering company that leads accusations in a sustainable way. Faro Africa's mission is to reduce textile waste and provide environmentally friendly alternatives in an industry that is notorious for its environmental impact. In particular, the company focuses on promoting upcycling materials and ethical sourcing, which has contributed significantly to reducing carbon emissions within the South African fashion industry.
The company's efforts are part of a broader initiative to counter the impact of fast fashion, which is responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions. Faro Africa is committed to offering alternatives that will help reduce the 1.2 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions generated annually by the global fashion industry. Their upcycled clothing contributes to reducing waste while promoting sustainable production methods. Faro's work aligns with South Africa's goal of reducing carbon emissions by 40% by 2025, indicating its commitment to the country's environmental goals.
Since its inception, Faro Africa has raised millions of funds, allowing it to expand operations, increase production and continue to educate consumers on the benefits of sustainable fashion. Amber has become an influential figure in South Africa's green economy, helping to create jobs and empower the community, particularly women, through the sustainable fashion industry.
Dr. Keo Tabane
Dr. Keo Tabane is a prominent figure in the healthcare and life sciences sector in South Africa and specializes in oncology. After completing his undergraduate training in 1999, Dr. Tabane's career evolved into internal medicine and medical oncology. She received the prestigious Charlotte Maxe Award and the Medical Excellence Award in 2019.
Dr. Taban's impact on oncology is widespread. She contributed to advances in personalized cancer treatments and helped to improve outcomes for patients in South Africa. Cancer mortality rates in South Africa are a challenge, with approximately 100,000 new cancer cases being diagnosed each year. Dr. Taban's work in early detection and treatment has played an important role in addressing this issue, especially in breast and neck cancers, which are one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the country. Her innovation in precision medicine improved survival by increasing access to targeted therapies.
Through research and collaboration with international experts, Dr. Taban positioned South Africa as a leader in cancer treatment and research within Africa. Her involvement in training healthcare professionals has contributed to a 20% increase in oncology professionals over the past decade, strengthening South Africa's ability to fight cancer. Her work continues to shape the future of cancer treatment in South Africa and around the world.
When we celebrate International Women's Month, it is important to recognize the profound impact of these women and many other South African women who are fostering economic change and challenging the status quo. Their resilience, innovation and leadership serve as inspiration for the next generation of female entrepreneurs and business leaders.
