Berliner Abendpost - Innovator Trust WIT 2026 Awards Focus on Women Turning Tech Belief into Action

The Innovator Trust Women in Tech Awards (WIT) 2026 is returning with a focus on the practical application of technological belief, centering its programming on women who speak about, build, and supply technology. Under the theme "Tech Believers," the event aims to highlight how these professionals are shaping conversations and delivering solutions to communities in need.

Tashline Jooste, CEO of the Innovator Trust and keynote speaker for the 2026 awards, emphasized the continuity between past discussions and current initiatives. She noted that insights gathered from last year’s forum regarding the needs of women-led small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) have directly influenced this year’s structure.

"We’ve carried last year’s insights into this year’s work, creating stronger pathways for women-led SMMEs to grow in ways that are meaningful to them," Jooste said. "At WIT, we’ll bring together leaders who have shaped industries and innovators creating solutions for their communities. Their stories show what it takes to turn belief into progress."

The event schedule includes a breakfast session where Innovator Trust SMMEs will present creative technology solutions developed to address local community needs. This segment features panelists Nonhlanhla Moloko, CEO of SAMO Engineering; Siphokazi Simandla, Managing Director of Bolunga Systems; and Zoe Molapisi, Founder and Group CEO of Fresh Minds. The group will discuss how local insight and creative approaches to technology can drive practical innovation.

A central feature of the program is a headline session titled "Audacity to Believe," which brings together Prof Thuli Madonsela, Nonkululeko Gobodo, and Irene Charnley for a fireside chat on leadership, enterprise, social impact, and legacy building. Madonsela, who serves as Director of the Centre for Social Justice at Stellenbosch University and is a former Public Protector of South Africa, makes a highly anticipated return to the WIT forum. She was among 11 technical experts who helped draft the South African Constitution.

Gobodo, Founder and CEO of AWAKENED Global, brings a historic perspective as the first Black woman to qualify as a chartered accountant in South Africa. Her career includes founding Gobodo Inc., which later merged with SizweNtsaluba to form SizweNtsalubaGobodo, now known as SNG Grant Thornton. Charnley, described as a "tech believer" in action, co-founded Smile Telecoms, the first operator in Africa to successfully roll out and operationalize a broadband network using 800 MHz spectrum.

The event also introduces an industry-first Executive Speed Mentorship session designed to address access challenges for women-owned SMMEs. This format allows participants to engage in focused, direct conversations with C-suite executives, senior leaders, and industry stakeholders. The goal is to provide practical guidance on real business challenges and foster relationships that may lead to ongoing mentorship, referrals, and new opportunities.

Moderating the main stage will be conversation strategist Nozipho Tshabalala, CEO of Conversation Strategists. Known for facilitating high-level presidential conversations, Tshabalala will draw out perspectives from panelists and weave them into a broader narrative connecting individual experiences with systemic issues. Joining her as the main-stage Master of Ceremonies is Kim Jansen, Chief Experience Officer of Peralta Technologies. Jansen brings over 20 years of experience as a professional MC and 18 years in communications and copywriting to the role.

The Innovator Trust has extended invitations for online audiences to join WIT 2026 on November 24. The organization aims to expand its community of "Tech Believers" by incorporating voices from beyond the physical venue, celebrating women who are actively shaping the technology landscape.

H.Bauer--BlnAP