The WIIT Committee
Thenzie Stewart
Chairperson
She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology. She has a robust portfolio of certifications in Software Development, Project Management, COBIT, Business Analysis, and IT Service Management. She has also completed senior and executive leadership programmes at the University of Pretoria and Wits Business School.
Her leadership roles at various public and private organisations have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of technology strategy, digital transformation, and IT procurement.
A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, Thenzie believes in encouraging young female professionals to pursue careers in STEM with a key focus in technology. She is committed to community work and the promotion of technology for societal benefit.
As the new Women in IT Chapter Chair of the IITPSA, Thenzie envisions inspiring and empowering female professionals in STEM, with a particular focus on technology. She aims to foster an inclusive community that champions women’s advancement in IT, leveraging her extensive digital transformation experience to drive impactful initiatives. Thenzie is dedicated to ensuring that every woman in IT has the support and opportunities needed to thrive and succeed.
Ashleigh Mabaire
Vice-Chairperson
Ashleigh Mabiare is a Junior Software Engineer and was one of the finalists for the Dynamism in ICT Youth award during the IITPSA President’s awards 2023.
She holds a BSc in Information Technology, majoring in Computer Science and Informatics from the University of Johannesburg.
She was a member of the UJenius club, and she ranked in the top 10 for a majority of her majors. She is also a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society.
In addition to serving as the Deputy Chair of the IITPSA WIIT Chapter, she is also the Treasurer of the Gauteng chapter.
Ashleigh is not only dedicated to personal growth but also to fostering the growth of others, and mentors students who are studying IT and are aspiring to be IT professionals. Beyond academia, she has embraced the realm of social media, creating fun, educational, and relatable IT content on her platforms.
Denise Mukozho
Secretary
She holds a Master of Commerce in Information Systems from the University of Cape Town, complemented by 10 years of industry experience and her ongoing pursuit of cloud certifications.
Her expertise encompasses Business Analysis, Data Analysis, System Analysis, Data Management, Risk Management, Quality Assurance, Project Management, and Business Intelligence. Proficient in Agile methodologies (SAFe, Scrum, Kanban) and Prince2 Delivery, she is also a certified Professional Scrum Master.
Denise’s academic contributions include a master’s thesis and a peer-reviewed paper for the International Conference on Information Systems, both addressing the Fourth Industrial Revolution’s impact on Business Analysis skills. She has also published practical guidance on integrating Agile methodologies in work environments, developed a widely adopted career pathway and skills matrix for junior analysts, and successfully mentored Business Consulting interns.
Pearl Pasi
With over 15 years of rich industry experience, she holds a BSc Honours Degree in Information Systems and a B.Phil. in Knowledge Management from Stellenbosch University. Additionally, she has acquired several IT certifications in Microsoft and Project Management, reflecting her commitment to staying abreast of industry advancements. Recently, Pearl expanded her skill set by completing a Compliance Management programme and Data Analysis programme with the University of Cape Town and is currently pursuing an MBA at Regenesys Business School.
Pearl is deeply involved in social initiatives aimed at uplifting disadvantaged communities, particularly focusing on the empowerment of young girls. As a director for the Dream Factory organisation, she actively contributes to its mission of providing education and opportunities to youth across Africa.
Senele Goba
Senele Goba is a founder and director at 4IR Innovations (Pty) Ltd, which specialises in Industrial Automation, Technology Innovation and Educational Technology and Computer Science education.
She is also the founder of Ososayensi Education Advancement, a community development NPC which exposes young learners in under-served communities to STEM. She has implemented STEMpowerment programmes in various peri-urban and rural parts of Kwazulu-Natal and Eastern Cape as well as programmes to introduce educators to coding and robotics.
She holds an Honours degree in Computer Science and a Certificate for Strategic Integration of Technology in Education, and is currently studying towards an Executive MBA with Quantic School of Business and Leadership.
She has worked in the Food and Beverage industry for 14 years in Control & Automation and Manufacturing Systems Management. She completed a Management Development Programme and led successful Business Improvement Programmes to reduce losses and improve efficiencies.
She serves as President and Chairperson of the IITPSA board, and as a deputy chairperson of its KZN Chapter.
Senele is a TechWomen Fellow and was among 108 women selected as Emerging Leaders in STEM globally as part of the TechWomen 2020-2021 programme in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, USA. She was also named one of 50 most inspiring South African women in STEM by CoCreateSANL in 2020.
Thelma Madzikanda
Thelma is a Business Development specialist with a passion for solving business challenges through technology. She specialises in driving digital transformation and revenue growth across African markets and has worked in an advisory capacity with end users in the SADC region and across Africa to unlock strategic value and foster innovation. Her expertise spans diverse industries, including telecommunications, food, insurance, and banking, where she has successfully supported organisations in achieving their digital transformation goals.
Managing a broad range of product portfolios – from AI and cybersecurity to networking, hardware, and SaaS – Thelma brings a comprehensive, solutions-driven approach to her work. She holds a BCom in Information Systems from the University of Cape Town and is completing her Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration at the University of the Free State. Additionally, she is certified in Digital Transformation by GIBS.
With a heart for impact, Thelma also serves on the board of a youth-focused nonprofit organisation, where she contributes to shaping forward-thinking initiatives and community-led solutions.
Kholofelo Halefose
With a strong academic background from Tshwane University of Technology, she has a proven record of success in multiple facets of Technology. Her journey began with a National Diploma in Web and Application Development, which laid the groundwork for her expertise. She then earned a Baccalaureus Technologiae Information Technology (Communications Network) and a Master of Computing (Information Technology) * Cum Laude* with a core focus on Cybersecurity. Her current research as a Doctoral Candidate explores the integration of cybersecurity with artificial intelligence. This diverse educational path has provided her with a unique perspective, making her a versatile and knowledgeable professional capable of understanding various technology streams and their interconnectedness.
She is a passionate advocate for cybersecurity, actively engaging and educating others on fundamental security principles beyond her professional duties. In her role, she is responsible for protecting critical infrastructure from potential cyber threats. Her hands-on experience as a Network Operations professional within the Telecommunications Network Management Center gave her a profound understanding of network security, equipping her with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively safeguard an organization’s network. Currently serving as a Cybersecurity Senior Advisor in System Operator, Telecommunications and the Chairperson of the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) Cybersecurity Care Group.