Johannesburg – The W-Suite Summit launch, which was held at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), Johannesburg on 20 March 2019 provided a candid exchange, facilitated stimulating and motivating conversations by way of keynote address and panel discussion co-creating a new leadership culture that is inclusive and progressive. The W-Suite is a group of eminent influential women in South Africa, along with select leaders in government, philanthropy, business, and entrepreneurship, who aim to significantly increase and evolve the position of women in leadership.
Under the motto “Empowering Women to Take a Seat at the Table”, the W-Suite Summit, was conceived by dynamic, charismatic television broadcaster, businesswoman, and CEO Katie Mohamed, who encapsulates what W-Suite stands for – unprecedented possibilities with a platform for advocacy and action aimed at bringing woman into key leadership and operational roles- dedicated to spotlighting women voices, vision, drive and transformation; shifting the culture of leadership, respectively.
In opening the W-Suite Summit Launch, addressing the guests present, Katie Mohamed stated that “The W-Suite Summit will engage, inspire and accelerate the dialogue of creating a strong female economy.”
The panel discussion included 3 panellists, Sithe Ntombela, AMCO Brand SA, Brenda Modibane, Kaya FM Head of Marketing and Business Development and Leah Manezhe, Gauteng Enterprise Propeller. The launch presented powerful women in their respective industries, whose personal stories illuminate the most pressing issues for women in the 21st Century and narrated the remarkable impact effected by woman.
Marketer Brenda Modibane, rooted in her heritage and committed to telling the Afropolitan story through innovation in the media and marketing space, has faced many challenges as a young, black woman. Where transformation in the extremely skewed industry seemed far- fetched, she continually stayed ahead of the curve and it had always been clear to her that whenever an opportunity arises, she will be available to make an impact. Redefining leadership for women, Leah Manenzhe, acting CEO of GEP, continues to contribute to transformation and growth of the economy including revenue generation and SMME development with a focus on women and youth companies.
Completing the list of Panelists, Sithembile Ntombela, Acting Chief Marketing officer at Brand South Africa, possesses great leadership qualities in the marketing industry including developing and implementing impactful and sustainable strategies. Ntombela had some positive facts of how women have made an extra ordinary impact in society. “Quote from discussion” is her catchphrase.
Top-tier contributors to the day’s programme included a number of successful women entrepreneurs such as woman cricket commentator and founder of The GSport Trust Kass Naidoo, environmentalist, entrepreneur, social activist and businesswoman Catherine Constantinides and entrepreneur Allegro Dinkwanyane, who all contributed to the captivating conversation.
What do all these phenomenal women have in common? While they all play a huge role in a representation of women in leadership positions, most agreed that a lot has been done to empower women to thrive, but a lot more can still be done to drive the meaningful movement; with many involved in the fight for gender inequality.
Key highlights included an attendance from a diverse range of South Africa female icons, Basetsana Kumalo, Joanna Mukoki, Criselda Dudumashe, Zanele Luhabe and Virashnee Pillay
In celebration of National Women’s Month, the W-Suite launch, set for Wednesday 31 July 2019, comes at a crucial point in time where women are collectively in support of connecting and empowering each other in defining their leadership purposes and successes.
Katie Mohamed asserts “You do not have to have a powerful title to define a leadership purpose. Your drive, determination and passion will allow you to efficiently and confidently evolve your purpose and core identity, eventually establishing and reaching heights in top leadership position” and borrowing the words from the American poet and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou, Katie concludes: “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possible, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”
The W-Suite website is a go-to-source for objective and timely information on the W-Suite Summit, www.wsuite.co.za, together with their social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).
Social Media details
Facebook: W-Suite ZA
Twitter: @ZaSuite
Instagram: @wsuiteza
Hashtag: #WSuiteSummit2019
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For more information please contact
Appointed PR Agency, Mason Communications
Tel: +27 11 325 2605
Micaela Soliani, Director of PR I micaela@masonco.co.za
Nompumelelo Mngqibisa, Publicist I nompumelelo@masonco.co.za
Tshepo Tau, Publicist I Tshepo@masonco.co.za
