Celebrating its 9th year, the conference continues to empower women in leadership across various industries
The Standard Bank Top Women Conference 2024, a prestigious event renowned for celebrating and advancing women in leadership, is set to return for its ninth edition on 25-26 November at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Scheduled as a hallmark of excellence and innovation, this year’s conference will bring together a diverse and influential lineup of women leaders and global thought leaders. This year especially the attendance is going to be all inclusive, from entrepreneurs to multinational companies, in an effort to network and get business opportunities with people on the ground.
“There are so many things that are happening in our country that are not okay but what I like here is that you hear about good stories, you hear about hope, you hear about ‘how can we elevate each other’, so people leave here saying ‘wow, if that person can make it, I can make it.” – Nene Molefi, CEO of Mandate Molefi Consultants
Attendees can look forward to insightful keynote speeches, dynamic panel discussions, and interactive workshops designed to inspire and equip women with the necessary tools to excel in their professional journeys. The conference will create a space for networking and collaboration, encouraging mentorship and meaningful connections among participants.
Some of the esteemed speakers include:
- Honourable Minister, Sisisi Tolashe, the Department of social development
- Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)
- Dr. Thembisile Xulu, CEO, South African National AIDS Council (SANAC)
- Lerato Molebatsi, Non-Executive Director, South African Reserve Bank
- Nomfanelo Magwentshu, Senior Partner, McKinsey
- Margaret Hirsch, Co-founder, Hirsch’s Home Stores
- Claudia Conceicao, Regional Director, Southern Africa, International Finance Corporation (IFC)
- Palesa Mokaba, Head of Marketing and Communications Africa, Wipro
- Nosizwe Dlengezele-Senyakoe, Head of ENU ( Energy, Natural Resources & Utilities) Wipro
- Nombasa Tsengwa, CEO, Exxaro Resources
- Mabo Malaza, Head of Learning, Development and Transformation, Harmony Gold
- Nomalanga Makwe, Founder and MD, Mosholu
Key topics include gender parity, career advancement, leadership strategies, and the emerging opportunities for women in today’s evolving professional landscape. The event will not only celebrate the achievements of women in leadership but also address the challenges that remain, providing actionable strategies for driving progress.
Some more topics of discussion include:
- Empowering Women Across Sub-Saharan Africa: Unlocking Economic Potential through Financial Freedom and Entrepreneurship
- The Future of Female Entrepreneurship in Africa
- Women at the Helm: Redefining Leadership in Sustainable Business Models
- Women at the Forefront: Bridging Gender and Climate Action for a Sustainable Future
- Closing the Digital Divide: Enhancing Tech Access and Education for African Women
- From Passion to Profession: Navigating the Side Hustle to Full-Time Entrepreneur Journey
- Why Investing in Women’s Health and Wellbeing is Good Business
- Women Supporting Women: The Role of Networks and Mentorship in Career Advancement
- Career-Long Mastery for Women: Building Inclusive, Health-Conscious, and Leadership-Oriented Workplaces
By spotlighting trailblazing women leaders and amplifying their voices, the Standard Bank Top Women Conference 2024 aims to foster change and elevate women’s representation in key decision-making roles. A platform for empowerment, the event is a must-attend for those committed to advancing women’s leadership and professional growth.
“There’s such a wonderful atmosphere and the team is so excited. Thank you for taking the initiative of putting something together that people like myself and other women really need. I think it’s a phenomenal conference.” – Miskyah Toth, CEO of Business Directive Contract Services (BDCS)
Award-winning sports broadcaster, Carol Tshabalala, returns as the official MC and moderator and host of the conference.
This event would not be possible without the sponsors that partner up with the same mission and goal of advancing gender empowerment in South Africa and beyond:
Platinum Sponsor: Standard Bank
Host City Partner: Gauteng Tourism Authority
Silver Partners: Merchants; MerSETA; VISA; Eskom Holdings SOC Limited; Strategic Fuel Fund
Premium Digital Partner: i-me.tech / Interview me LTD
Bronze Partners: BP South Africa; WIPRO; Harmony Gold Mining Company; MDNTV; Exxaro Resources Limited; Mosholu; KZN Convention Bureau; SANAC
Showcase Counters: Davhadumela; Hloba Clothing; TicketKore; Mancosa; Corporatemall; Kriel Occupational Health Centre; South African Airways; Biovac; Godrej Consumer Products; Bridging and Associates; Diversifi; and Afrizan People Intelligence.
Big thank you to our strategic and media partners: Channel Africa, Primedia Out Of Home, Good Governance Africa, BPESA,NBI, Y, Mail & Guardian and Tractor Outdoor.
Lifestyle Partners: Era by DJ Zinhle, Elizabeth Arden, HER Wine, Hada Labo, and Selsun.
For more information on the event, visit topbusinesswomen.co.za and get your tickets here.
Busisiwe Mkhwebane latest high profile member to resign from EFF:
Former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane has resigned from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a year after she joined the party, the latest in a series of prominent members to leave its ranks since the 29 May elections.
Mkhwebane, who has served as an EFF MP in the National Assembly, also tendered her resignation to the speaker of parliament, Thoko Didiza, on Wednesday morning.
She was removed as public protector last year after parliament decided to impeach her and has since lost a number of court battles with the state, most recently her failed attempt to force the government to pay her a R10 million gratuity.
Mkhwebane was then appointed as an EFF MP and served as its representative on the justice and constitutional development committee.
In her resignation letter to EFF president Julius Malema and the party’s leadership, Mkhwebane said the past seven years had made her realise that “our fight for freedom was in vain”.
“There was never a time when I felt my rights had been violated as it had been done in the years when I was the South African public protector,” Mkhwebane wrote.
“This continued even after I was unconstitutionally removed by parliament and by the president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa.”
Mkhwebane said she “felt let down” by the judiciary, parliament, the executive and “especially the mainstream media, who seem to have been tasked to target and attack my character”.
“Each step seemed more daunting than the last, and I found my strength dwindling. This is exactly what they wanted, to suffocate, humiliate and treat me as less of a human being,” Mkhwebane wrote.
She said her “sin” was to investigate the South African Reserve Bank, the CR17 donations and the Phala Phala scandal.
“My sin was delivering reports and findings against certain individuals, who were offended and felt I had to be dealt with harshly. My family was attacked, my mother who later passed away never knew peace after journalists harassed her. I survived many attempts where there were plans to take my life,” she wrote.
She thanked the party for having supported her in her “time of need”.
“After careful consideration and talking to my family, they advised and felt I needed to go away, spend time with them, rest and continue to fight for the vulnerable where possible,” she wrote.
“In my time of need, you fighters extended me a helping hand, becoming a refuge for me over the past 12 months. Your unwavering support has been a beacon of hope and for that I am deeply grateful,” Mkhwebane said in her letter.
She said that she would now “focus on spending cherished moments with my family”.
Mkhwebane’s departure from the Red Berets follows that of its founding deputy president, Floyd Shivambu, who is now national organiser for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party.
But its spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, said that he was not aware of any plan for her to join the MK party.
EFF spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys had not responded to a request for comment at the time of writing.
Academic offers matrics valuable advice for 2024 exams:
With matric finals just days away, North-West University (NWU) academic in the Faculty of Education Dr Judicial Sebatana says they must focus on the present and not on past shortcomings.
Sharing his insights on the readiness of matric learners for their final exams, which start on 21 October 2024, Dr Sebatana points out that the final exams account for 75% of their mark, whereas past performance only counts for 25%. “It’s important for learners to remember that it’s not too late.”
Assessing the readiness of matrics is a complex task due to multiple factors, he says. “We need to consider the content factor, which includes curriculum coverage and learner performance in school-based assessments, mid-year exams and preparatory exams.
“For subjects that require practical experiments, a key issue to consider is the availability of resources and whether schools were able to conduct those experiments.”
He also highlights the role of the measures in place to assist learners who have struggled academically during the school year, such as after-hours and weekend classes run by teachers in partnership with school governing bodies.
Support for the last stretch
The NWU’s Ikateleng project has also been assisting learners across the North West, Gauteng, Northern Cape and Free State provinces. “There are also various support programmes such as the Last Push, initiated by the Department of Basic Education,” says Dr Sebatana. He adds that the department’s mathematics, science and technology unit offers further support, both in person and through virtual learning, to schools that have struggled with performance.
Dr Sebatana identifies mathematics, physical science, accounting and economics as subjects where learners may face more challenges. Mathematics had a pass rate of 53% in 2023 and physical science 61%. “These subjects are difficult for both learners and teachers, partly due to the need for various teaching and learning resources.”
He advises learners to prepare for these exams by working through past exam papers, using physics education technology simulations for certain physical science topics and accessing recorded lessons made available by the Department of Basic Education.
A final piece of advice for learners is to focus their revision on simpler topics before moving on to more difficult ones. “This can help them manage their study time better and enhance their exam readiness.”
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