{"id":639341,"date":"2026-04-10T10:43:54","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T08:43:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/?p=639341"},"modified":"2026-04-10T10:47:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T08:47:00","slug":"blazing-the-trail-for-women-in-tech-introducing-trailblazeher","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/industrynews\/639341-blazing-the-trail-for-women-in-tech-introducing-trailblazeher.html","title":{"rendered":"Blazing the trail for women in tech: Introducing TrailblazeHER"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Marking a decade of impact in advancing South Africa\u2019s small business ecosystem, Telkom FutureMakers has launched <strong>TrailblazeHER<\/strong>, a three-month Women-in-Tech Enablement Accelerator designed to scale black women-owned technology enterprises within the digital economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the past 10 years, Telkom FutureMakers has supported black-owned micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to build sustainable businesses, unlock market access, and grow within an increasingly digital landscape. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/group.telkom.co.za\/Innovation\/future-makers.html?utm_source=MyBroadband&amp;utm_medium=Sponsored+Article&amp;utm_term=April+2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Click here to learn more about Telkom FutureMakers.<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>TrailblazeHER represents a focused next step, deepening this impact by accelerating high-potential women-led tech businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trailblazeher-3-1200x675.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-639354\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trailblazeher-3-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trailblazeher-3-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trailblazeher-3-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trailblazeher-3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trailblazeher-3.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The programme will support 10 black women-owned suppliers within Telkom\u2019s value chain through a targeted blend of executive leadership coaching, specialised technical mentorship, and structured business development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Participants will also gain supplier-readiness support, access to networks, and opportunities to engage with markets and investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1067\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trailblazeher-2-1067x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-639351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trailblazeher-2-1067x800.jpg 1067w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trailblazeher-2-533x400.jpg 533w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trailblazeher-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trailblazeher-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trailblazeher-2.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1067px) 100vw, 1067px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cTelkom FutureMakers\u2019 mandate is to grow the digital economy by developing high-growth, black-owned enterprises that create meaningful jobs and long-term economic value,\u201d says Tshepo Phetla, Executive: Business Development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBy backing trailblazing women entrepreneurs, we are unlocking access to technology, networks, and opportunities that have historically been out of reach. TrailblazeHER reinforces our commitment to digital inclusion and the growth of sustainable, tech-driven enterprises in South Africa,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Delivered in partnership with The Innovation Hub and SAICA Enterprise Development (SAICA ED), the programme brings together a strong ecosystem of innovation, incubation, and enterprise support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Innovation Hub, a subsidiary of the Gauteng Provincial Government, advances technology innovation through incubation and enterprise development across the green, digital, and bio-economies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SAICA ED, a long-standing FutureMakers partner, provides business, financial, and governance mentorship to strengthen enterprise sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As South Africa\u2019s digital economy evolves, expanding access for women entrepreneurs is not only a social priority but a business imperative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>TrailblazeHER reflects Telkom\u2019s ongoing commitment to enabling women who are shaping the country\u2019s digital future- through access, partnerships, and targeted capability development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis partnership reflects our shared commitment to collaboration, empowerment, and inclusive growth, ensuring that digital transformation creates value for both established businesses and the next generation of innovators,\u201d concludes Phetla.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1067\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trailblazeher-1067x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-639353\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trailblazeher-1067x800.jpg 1067w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trailblazeher-533x400.jpg 533w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trailblazeher-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trailblazeher-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trailblazeher.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1067px) 100vw, 1067px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>TrailblazeHER is more than an accelerator; it is a catalyst for change, enabling women to lead, innovate, and shape a more inclusive and competitive digital economy for South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meet the TrailblazeHER Cohort (2026)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The Collective Pride<\/strong> \u2013 Sharzia Rolls<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kamva Innovations<\/strong> \u2013 Zodumo Precious Ngqasa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Morou Wa Basadi<\/strong> \u2013 Lineo Elisa Sibisi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Technology Infrastructure Architects<\/strong> \u2013 Boitumelo Mkhwebane<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mpete Business Concepts (Pty) Ltd<\/strong> \u2013 Linneth Ngoakwana Mpete<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nonku Ntshona &amp; Associates Quantity Surveyors (Pty) Ltd<\/strong> \u2013 Nonku Ntshona<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mknock Knock (Pty) Ltd<\/strong> \u2013 Sarah Lidzhade<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Black Elegance Group (Pty) Ltd<\/strong> \u2013 Simone Julies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nyawo Company<\/strong> \u2013 Thobile Nyawo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>NSTP Trading &amp; Projects (Pty) Ltd<\/strong> \u2013 Sphokazi Ngwenya<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1067\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trailblazeher-4-1067x800.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-639352\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trailblazeher-4-1067x800.jpg 1067w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trailblazeher-4-533x400.jpg 533w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trailblazeher-4-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trailblazeher-4-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Trailblazeher-4.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1067px) 100vw, 1067px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/group.telkom.co.za\/Innovation\/future-makers.html?utm_source=MyBroadband&amp;utm_medium=Sponsored+Article&amp;utm_term=April+2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Click here to learn more about Telkom FutureMakers.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Telkom FutureMakers has launched TrailblazeHER, a three-month Women-in-Tech Enablement Accelerator designed to scale black women-owned technology enterprises within the digital economy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":341030,"featured_media":639593,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28937],"tags":[109,103597],"class_list":["post-639341","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-industrynews","tag-telkom","tag-telkom-sponsored"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/639341"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/341030"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=639341"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/639341\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":639586,"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/639341\/revisions\/639586"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/639593"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=639341"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=639341"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=639341"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}