That core truth sits at the heart of the Innovator Trust Women in Tech (WIT) Awards 2026, taking place in a hybrid format on Tuesday, 24 November 2026 under the banner Tech Believers.

Led by Innovator Trust CEO Tashline Jooste, this year's gathering moves firmly from dialogue to structural action.

"Last year’s discussions raised important questions about what women-led SMMEs need to thrive," highlights Jooste. "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."

• Tech Believers Breakfast & Showcase: Innovator Trust SMMEs present practical, community-centered creative technology solutions. Panellists include Nonhlanhla Moloko (CEO of SAMO Engineering), Siphokazi Simandla (Managing Director of Bolunga Systems), and Zoe Molapisi (Founder & Group CEO of Fresh Minds).

• The Audacity to Believe: A headline fireside chat bringing together Prof Thuli Madonsela (Director of the Centre for Social Justice at Stellenbosch University and former Public Protector), Nonkululeko Gobodo (Founder & CEO of AWAKENED Global and first Black female CA in SA), and Irene Charnley (co-founder of Smile Telecoms).

• Executive Speed Mentorship: An industry-first session connecting women-owned SMMEs directly with C-suite executives, senior leaders, and industry stakeholders for focused conversations on real business challenges.

Moderated by conversation strategist Nozipho Tshabalala alongside main-stage MC Kim Jansen, WIT 2026 continues to redefine how female-led SMMEs scale with purpose and economic weight. Virtual registration is open online.