On 12 March 2025, Provincial Minister of Infrastructure, Western Cape, Tertuis Simmers, will be addressing the annual Women and Leadership conference in Sandton, Johannesburg.

Supplied by Pinpoint Stewards

The fourth annual Women in Engineering, Infrastructure and Innovation conference is hosted by Pinpoint Stewards. “One of the key outcomes from last years’ conference were requests to include the input and support of male leadership, specifically within STEM and male dominated sectors. The department of Infrastructure, Western Cape, is one of the first onboarded entities forming part of the faculty of speakers and showing their support towards empowering women in STEM careers,” says Sudhira Sewsunker, Pinpoint Stewards. Another male counterpart adding his voice in support, is Zutari, MD, Transport and Greater Africa, Vishaal Lutchman.

 

Additional speakers this year include:

  • Dr Gugu Moche, group exec: Digital Transformation and Acting CEO: Research, Innovation, Impact Support & Advancement (RIISA), National Research Foundation
  • Natasha Ramkirpal, group lead – Water Security Optimisation, Coca Cola Beverages Africa
  • Retang Sandra Maphothoma, technologist – Highways, AECOM
  • Zandile Pule, senior manager: Asset Optimisation, Strategy and Systems Global, Gold Fields
  • Monique Schmidt, implementation co-ordinator, Engineering & Capex, ABInbev
  • Celeste Le Roux, founder and CEO, React Group
  • Nosihle Dlamini, senior manager, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, South Africa

The speakers taking to the podium will reiterate the fact that having a career in STEM or in male-dominated sector is difficult, not impossible. With this in mind, the organisers have set out to not only profile women who have already made it to the top but also aim to identify new, upcoming talent and future managers and CEOs of SA. Each year Pinpoint Stewards ensure that the panel of speakers are not repeated, to give exposure to more women over the years and profile their contributions made to these sectors.

This year’s theme is aimed at changing statistics and making women aware of opportunities available to them through the It’s DUE series of conferences to Develop, Unite and Empower women across various professional careers.  Statistics show that only 13% of STEM graduates in South Africa are women. This is under par when compared to the global average of 35%. Women hold just 28% of STEM-related jobs. When magnifying the engineering sector/s this alarmingly shows even lower participation, with less than 25% of candidate engineers being women and only 6% achieving professional status.

To date, the “it’s DUE” series of conferences have brought women to the forefront across various sectors making their contribution to the economy more visible.  Not leaving young talent behind, Pinpoint Stewards always includes 10 young professionals, as nominated by universities and tertiary institutions to attend each day of the conference and introduce them to mentors and job shadowing opportunities during contact sessions.

“Over a period of more than 20 years in the conference industry, Pinpoint Stewards has observed a great evolution in industries – not only in the audiences attending, but in the trends with more women ‘making it to the top’ while taking other women with them. This is what drives us – seeing women gain the needed skill and showing the courage to step up to a career and raising their hands to lead. It’s not about one’s presence in in the industry, but one’s performance and women need to ensure they are equipped. The Pinpoint Stewards’ panel of speakers are specifically selected to harness home-grown talent and prove that we indeed have what it takes to lead, right here, within the borders of South Africa,”  concludes Sewsunker.

For more information on presenting or exhibiting at or supporting and attending the event, contact Ankia Roux, co-owner, Pinpoint Stewards at ankia@pinpointstewards.co.za.

Source: Supplied by Pinpoint Stewards