Sponsored

Gugu Mthembu, Chief Marketing Officer, Telkom

Telkom is proud to renew its role as lead sponsor for the 2026 Wired4Women Awards, an initiative spearheaded by ITWeb Brainstorm and the Wired4Women Technology Forum.

Since their launch in 2024, the Wired4Women Awards have promoted a more equitable, diverse, and thriving tech ecosystem – strengthening the industry while supporting South Africa’s broader economic growth. From the start, Telkom has been instrumental in establishing and expanding the programme. By shining a spotlight on female leaders, innovators, and emerging startups, the awards aim to inspire more girls to pursue careers in tech, ultimately helping to close the gender gap in South Africa’s ICT sector.

The response over the first two years has been outstanding: hundreds of nominations each year highlight the talent, impact, and creativity women bring to the industry. With 13 award categories, the Wired4Women Awards recognise excellence across a broad spectrum – from top executives, industry trailblazers, and mentors, to entrepreneurs, innovators, rising stars, and students.

Thanks to Telkom’s support, the awards have become a flagship event on the ICT industry calendar.

CHAMPIONING FUTURE TALENT

“Our industry needs more young women choosing tech careers, believing that it is not only possible, but exciting and rewarding,” says Gugu Mthembu, Telkom Chief Marketing Officer. “The Wired- 4Women Awards show that women can lead, innovate, and succeed – and that there is a strong community ready to support them.”

The 13 Wired4Women Awards categories recognise leadership, entrepreneurship, business acumen, community involvement, and emerging talent

Telkom encourages the entire ICT community to get involved in the nominations process and make it possible to identify hidden champions, exceptional leaders, and rising stars, inspiring the next generation of women to drive South Africa’s technology sector forward.

In addition to being the lead sponsor, the Telkom Group is supporting five key categories:

• CIO of the Year – Sponsored by Telkom

Recognising an outstanding Chief Information Officer who has led her organisation’s digital strategy and enabled business success through groundbreaking technology innovation.

• Top Tech Innovator – Sponsored by Telkom

Celebrating an original thinker who has used technology to address a significant industry or social challenge.

• CISO of the Year – Sponsored by BCX

Honouring a top information security executive who has excelled in safeguarding her organisation’s assets and driving a security first culture.

• Rising Star: AI and Data Innovation – Sponsored by BCX

Recognising a young professional driving innovation in AI, data science, analytics, or machine learning.

• Top Tech Student – Sponsored by Openserve

Honours an ICT student excelling academically and in community leadership.

“At Telkom, we believe in celebrating leadership, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities for those driving meaningful change in technology,” says Mthembu. “By supporting these awards, we recognise the female CIOs and CISOs whose vision and dedication are shaping the future of the ICT sector, as well as the innovators working behind the scenes to make progress possible. This sponsorship also reflects our commitment to empowering emerging talent and the brightest ICT students, who are leading by example and inspiring more women to pursue tech careers, helping to build a more inclusive and thriving industry.”

COMMUNITY-BUILDING

The Wired4Women Awards feature an open nomination process inclusive of the entire ICT community and the public, combined with a rigorous, independent judging system. A panel comprising of Wired4Women Forum board members, ITWeb editors, past award winners, academics, and industry leaders evaluates the candidates, selects the shortlists, and interviews all finalists. Winners will be announced at the Wired4Women Awards Banquet on 16 April 2026 at The Four Seasons Hotel, Westcliff.

“As we are accepting the nominations for the third annual Wired4Women Awards, we look forward to uncovering hidden champions, innovators, leaders, and rising talents in South African ICT sector,” says Caryn Berman, Business Development Director: ITWeb Brainstorm and Wired4Women board member. “The Wired4Women Tech Forum focuses on improving gender balance in tech through mentorship, training, and community building. Telkom’s support is vital to achieving it.”

“As a brand and lead sponsor, we are excited to engage with this new cohort of inspiring female professionals,” Mthembu adds. “By celebrating female excellence, these awards contribute to a more inclusive and equitable industry, helping organisations identify key talent and role models for future generations. Their significance will continue to grow, and drive progress, empowerment, and diversity.”

www.telkom.co.za