MTN SA, in partnership with Kagiso Media, marked the last day of this year's Women's Month by honouring the work and achievements of women in SA's ICT sector at an awards event last night.
The inaugural Women in ICT - Partnership for Change Awards, is an initiative that aims to acknowledge and celebrate the contribution made by female professionals in the growth of SA's ICT sector.
According to MTN SA, it is geared at attracting female professionals to the ICT sector by showcasing available career opportunities in the industry that is still male dominated.
The gala function, attended by ICT veterans, captains of industry, as well as science and technology minister Naledi Pandor and telecommunications and postal services deputy minister Hlengiwe Mkhize, showcased the work the award nominees are doing in the development of the ICT sector.
MTN SA CEO Mteto Nyati said the company has been encouraged by the positive response, having received 134 nominations across all the award categories. Nyati noted the Women in ICT - Partnership for Change Awards may be the first, but are definitely not the last, as MTN SA will keep the tradition of celebrating women going.
Mark Harris, CEO of Kagiso Media, lauded the launch of the awards initiative, noting the celebration of women in ICT as a step in the right direction.
Some of the winners include local start-up entrepreneur and co-founder of BeSpecular Stephanie Cowper, who took the innovator recognition award, with Irene Charnley named the winner of the entrepreneur award.
The special award of the night, which is the sponsor's leadership award, went to Eileen Wilton, CEO of Gijima. Wilton was recognised for the work she is doing to turn business around at the IT services company.
The full list of winners:
Leadership Recognition Award: Aisha Mohamed
Innovator Recognition Award: Stephanie Cowper
Community Builder: Dianne Broodryk
Outstanding Woman Award: Zimkhita Buwa
Entrepreneur Award: Irene Charnley
Excellence in Journalism: Thabiso Mochiko
Graduate Award: Sharon Rao-Farista
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