By Phaphama Tshisikhawe
The CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria buzzed with energy on 27 August 2025 as the Women in Innovation and Leadership Dialogue (WILD) 2025, hosted by the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and the City of Tshwane, spotlighted women at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and global change.
Themed “Artificial Intelligence and Reimagining Global Change: Women Leading the Future of Innovation,” the gathering united women leaders, innovators and policymakers to push for gender equity in technology and ignite a movement for inclusive progress.
Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, TUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement, set the tone with an impactful keynote address. “Women are the architects of innovation, the heartbeat of progress,” she said.
Yet, she also highlighted sobering statistics: globally, only 12% of AI researchers are women, and in South Africa, Black women hold less than 2% of tech leadership roles.
Rallying the audience with a vision of action, she said: “WILD 2025 is our pledge to rewrite this story. We are not here to merely discuss change – we are here to build it. Every woman in this room has the power to shape AI that uplifts communities and dismantles systemic barriers.”
Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, TUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement, delivering the keynote address
Building on the success of last year’s dialogue, which featured leaders such as Chief of Police Yolande Faro and Microsoft’s Andrea Campbell, WILD 2025 once again brought together an impressive line-up of local dignitaries and innovators. Among them were City of Tshwane Executive Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya, Honourable Baleka Mbete, Honourable Lindiwe Zulu, Dr Phathiswa Magopeni (Executive Director of the Press Council of South Africa and AI ethics scholar) and Nontuthuzelo Gugushe (Head of Network Operations at MTN South Africa). They were joined by leading innovators including Dr Nthabiseng Mosia, whose AI-driven solar solutions are transforming rural communities and Dr Nonhlanhla Hlengiwe, advancing healthcare through AI diagnostics.
Dr Phathiswa Magopeni, reinforced the call for inclusivity: “AI must mirror the diversity of our society. By centering women, especially Black women, we ensure technology serves all of humanity, not just a privileged few.”
Dr Phathiswa Magopeni, Executive Director of the Press Council of South Africa and AI ethics scholar
The dialogue blended inspiration with action. Honourable Baleka Mbete inspired with her reflections on resilience, reminding the audience that women have always driven transformation: “From the struggles of our past to the innovations of our future, women have always driven change. WILD 2025 is proof of our power to shape a just and innovative world.”
Top: Honourable Baleka Mbete
Top: Nontuthuzelo Gugushe (Head of Network Operations at MTN South Africa
Nontuthuzelo Gugushe, emphasised corporate accountability: “MTN is committed to closing the digital divide. By investing in women-led AI initiatives, we are building a future where every woman’s voice is amplified and valued.”
Dr Papu-Zamxaka outlined three key priorities for WILD 2025:
- Expanding Access – empowering women tech entrepreneurs and challenging government and industry to invest in their growth.
- Amplifying Voices – Celebrating TUT alumna Reabetswe Dire, CEO of green-tech firm Edenvinne, and ethical AI scholar Dr Lerato Mkhize, WILD 2025 aims to shape equitable AI policies and inspire future leaders.
- Driving Impact – measuring success by lives transformed, echoing Charlotte Maxeke’s call: “If you rise, bring someone with you.”
Closing with a call to action, Dr Papu-Zamxaka declared: “WILD 2025 is a movement. Let’s code, create and conquer a future where women’s innovation leads the way. Malibongwe igama lamakhosikazi!”
The audience rose in unison, energised to reimagine South Africa’s digital future - this time with women at the helm of AI-driven change.
WILD 2025 speakers who participated at the event.
WILD 2025 fireside talk on women's approach to innovation and leadership. From the left: Sesona Mphaga, Hon Lindiwe Zulu and KB Motsilanyane.