“VUT’s Women & Girls in STEMI 2025 celebrated women leaders in science and innovation, with Dr Lindiwe Sisulu inspiring the next generation.”
1 September 2025 | Story By: Staff Reporter| Picture:Â Keitumetse Mokgope
5 minutes read time.
The Desmond Tutu Great Hall at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) echoed stories of courage, innovation, and hope on Thursday, 28 August 2025, as hundreds gathered for the Women & Girls in STEMI 2025 Campaign, proudly sponsored by Eskom.
More than just an event, the seminar became a celebration of women leading change in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (STEMI), and a powerful reminder of the possibilities that open when young women are encouraged to dream boldly.
Prof Christa Grobler, Executive Dean of Applied and Computer Sciences, welcomed all guests and learners to the seminar, noting that this marks the 7th annual Girls in STEMI event at VUT. She expressed her optimism for the future, saying that the bright and brilliant minds present are a testament to the possibilities ahead. Prof Grobler encouraged the learners with a powerful message: “If I could, you can. Celebrate the world of STEMI. Your presence here is essential because you bring a unique perspective to shaping the future. Be curious, be bold, and never be afraid to challenge the status quo. If you fail, get up and start again. Connect with your peers, engage meaningfully, and leave here inspired with a renewed sense of yourself.”
Adding to the inspiration, Ms Fulufhelo Makananise, a trailblazer in the energy sector and Research Manager at Eskom, shared her journey from engineering graduate to sustainability leader. She spoke passionately about mentorship and reminded students that “the future of clean energy and innovation lies in the hands of young women who refuse to give up.”
Encouraging learners to step into their full potential, she urged them to embrace growth beyond their comfort zones, to be self-aware, and to reflect on what truly aligns with their goals. “Know yourself, lead yourself, and you will be able to lead others. Go for what you
want despite the challenges,” she added, inspiring young women to be bold in shaping their future.
Ms Keneilwe Thejane, Manager at Eskom Research, Testing and Development, delivered the preamble of the VUT/Eskom partnership. In her address, she outlined the collaboration between Eskom and VUT, a partnership rooted in driving innovation, advancing skills development, and empowering young talent in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (STEMI).
Ms Thejane highlighted Eskom’s commitment to investing in future-ready graduates through initiatives such as bursaries, internships, mentorship programmes, and collaborative research. She noted that the VUT/Eskom partnership goes beyond academic support; it creates tangible opportunities for students to gain exposure to real-world challenges, particularly in the energy sector, while contributing to South Africa’s sustainability and socio-economic transformation goals.
Her remarks set the tone for the day by emphasising that the partnership is not only about corporate investment but about nurturing innovation, empowering women, and ensuring that young people are equipped to shape a digitally savvy and sustainable future.
The day’s highlight was the keynote address delivered by Dr Lindiwe Nonceba Sisulu, Patron of the Sisulu Foundation for Social Justice and a liberation struggle veteran.
In her stirring speech, Dr Sisulu reflected on her journey of resilience and leadership, reminding young women to “step into spaces of influence, knowing that your voices and ideas are vital for South Africa’s transformation.” Her words ignited the hall, drawing thunderous applause and renewed determination from all present.
She reminded the audience that women are the heartbeat of society: “Women are the centre that makes society run. We had to fight in politics for opportunities like this to exist. Today, the way has been paved for you, but your responsibility is to create the same environment for the generations that will come after you.”
Emphasising the power of education, she added: “Give a woman education, and you give her a seed. That seed grows into a family, a community, a nation. When women put their minds to something, they do it better. When a girl child makes it, society is propelled forward.”
Looking to the future, Dr Sisulu challenged young women in STEMI to seize their moment: “It is beautiful to see young girls making a statement about their future, especially in STEM fields. We have connected all these disciplines to create a way forward, and the future is now in your hands. If you want the best, get the girl. Girls carry the flag that no one else carries. You are the best. You are able. You can do it.”
Her message closed with a call to courage and persistence: “Do not take anything for granted. Be bold, be fearless, and never forget that it is possible. We have made it, and as women, we will continue to make it.”
The programme also featured Dr Madichaba Phuti Chelopo-Mgobozi, Acting Senior Manager for Bio-Innovations at The Innovation Hub, whose journey in biotechnology and health-tech proved that groundbreaking ideas could emerge from African soil. She encouraged young scientists to transform communities through innovation. Ms Zama Mavimbela, GIS specialist and training manager, echoed the importance of embracing technology and lifelong learning, urging students to “let curiosity guide their careers.”
Beyond speeches, the campaign gave participants a hands-on experience with exhibitions by leading organisations such as Eskom, Randwater, ArcelorMittal, Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), Manufacturing Engineering and Related services Sector Education and Training Authorities (merSETA), South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE), NTG Solutions Academy, National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF), Global Health, Fundi, Aldo Africa, the Innovation Hub and VUT. Laboratory tours hosted by VUT’s Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences and Faculty of Engineering and Technology showcased the university’s cutting-edge research and its role in preparing future-ready graduates.
Dr Nolutho Mkhumbeni, the Head of Health Sciences at VUT, praised the event as “a remarkable platform that not only celebrates women in STEMI but also sparks ambition in young minds who will one day lead South Africa into a digitally smart, inclusive, and sustainable future.”
The Women & Girls in STEMI 2025 seminar ended on a high note, leaving participants inspired, connected, and ready to rewrite the narrative of women in science and innovation.