Limpopo schoolgirls urged to be a part of science and tech careers at Polokwane STEM summit
YOUNG women from throughout Limpopo had been reminded that their future shouldn’t be outlined by the place they arrive from, however by how laborious they’re prepared to work.
This was the message as business leaders and schooling consultants gathered to encourage the subsequent technology of scientists, engineers and tech innovators.
The message echoed all through the opening day of the Dream Women in STEM Technovation Summit 2026 at Tom Naude Technical Secondary School in Polokwane on Friday, 3 July.
The three-day summit brings collectively pupils, educators and professionals to encourage extra women to pursue careers in science, expertise, engineering and arithmetic (STEM), fields the place girls stay underrepresented.
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Throughout the day, the joy was evident as most of the pupils shared how impressed they had been to be a part of the summit. Several stated assembly profitable girls and expertise leaders had motivated them to consider that careers in STEM had been inside their attain and that they, too, may make a distinction in Mzansi.
Phuluwani Mashapa, Chief Education Specialist for Physical Sciences at the Department of Basic Education. Photo by Rejoice Ndlovu
Chief Education Specialist for Physical Sciences at the Department of Basic Education, Phuluwani Mashapa, urged pupils not to let their backgrounds outline their future.
“Everything is possible. It doesn’t matter who gave birth to you, but it matters what your destination is,” she told Daily Sun.
Mashapa stated pupils from rural communities ought to by no means consider they’re deprived just because their faculties lack laboratories.
“Practical work can be done outside the laboratory. As long as you have the apparatus and the know-how, you can perform experiments anywhere,” she stated.
She inspired women dealing with monetary challenges not to lose hope, saying alternatives can be found for many who excel.
“Bursaries are out there, but competition is also out there. Work hard, become the best and outshine the rest. That’s how you overcome financial challenges.”
Reflecting on her personal journey, Mashapa stated being recognised for excelling in science whereas she was nonetheless at faculty opened doorways that formed her profession.
“I grew up in Venda where we didn’t even have a laboratory. Today I’m leading physical sciences in the whole country. The only thing you need is your brain and a willingness to work hard.”
Thabiso Mabuye, founding father of Young Tech Giants. Photo by Rejoice Ndlovu
Founder of Young Tech Giants, Thabiso Maboe, stated introducing coding to younger folks may change their lives.
“We are here to ignite a passion for technology and teach pupils how to code. If it is to be, it is up to me. Everything is possible if you put in the effort,” he stated.
Maboe inspired extra women to enter the expertise sector, saying range leads to higher innovation.
“We need women in technology. They see things differently and can bring ideas that many of us might miss. They can change the world.”
He additionally referred to as for coding and digital abilities to be launched earlier in faculties to higher put together younger folks for careers in expertise.
Sekadi Phayane-Shakane, Chief Executive Officer of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering. Photo by Rejoice Ndlovu
Chief Executive Officer of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering, Sekadi Phayane-Shakane, stated one of many greatest challenges dealing with the engineering career is the shortage of girls.
“Only about 22% of professionally registered engineers in Mzansi are women. We want girls to see that they belong in STEM and that these careers are waiting for them,” she stated.
Phayane-Shakane stated many ladies merely lack function fashions and encouragement.
“When they see women who have succeeded in these careers, they begin to believe that they can do it too. Even if you fail, get up, dust yourself off and try again.”
She stated exposing pupils to STEM actions, mentorship and profitable girls within the business is vital to closing the gender hole.
“We need diversity. Women bring different perspectives and solutions. We want every girl here to know that she belongs,” she stated.
The summit continues over the weekend with hands-on actions, mentorship classes and profession steering aimed at equipping extra women with the arrogance and abilities to change into the scientists, engineers and expertise leaders of tomorrow.
Judging by the passion within the room on day one, most of the pupils are already dreaming a lot greater.