Duduzile Mahlangu: Accelerating inclusion and leadership | PEP

“I celebrate cultural diversity in the workplace by creating an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and included. Or, in Pimville speak, to light each other’s candle, collectively creating a brighter world.”

Duduzile Mahlangu, PEP Central Planning Manager

At PEP, Duduzile Mahlangu is accelerating action by shaping a workplace where diversity fuels innovation and leaders grow by uplifting others. From her start as a planning manager to graduating from Pepkor’s Ascend Programme, she has remained committed to mentoring, learning and ensuring that more women step into leadership roles.

This #IWD2025, we celebrate women like Duduzile who don’t just talk about change – they make it happen.

Ntombizethu Sithole: From entrepreneur to supplier | Pepkor Speciality

From a community-driven initiative to an official Pepkor supplier, Ntombizethu Sithole’s journey proves that accelerating action for women means creating real economic opportunities.

When the Hammarsdale distribution centre needed a food solution for 180 employees, it turned to the community. Through a partnership with Pepkor Speciality, the Do More Foundation and Niya Consulting, Ntombizethu was trained and supported to run her own business, Ezojobe’s Canteen.

Now? She’s not just a cook. She’s an entrepreneur. A supplier. A leader. And she’s paving the way for other women to thrive in business.

As we celebrate #IWD2025, let’s recognise the power of enterprise development in accelerating action for gender equality.

Queenith Mthambo: Building a sustainable future in finance | PEP Africa

“I always hoped that one day I would have a real job title, and now it’s happening!”

Queenith Mthambo, Assistant financial manager, PEP Africa

Through Pepkor’s SAICA Chartered Accountant Training Programme, Queenith gained experience in investor relations, internal audit, risk management and financial planning. But what stood out most was the supportive, people-first culture, which helped her navigate personal challenges and emerge stronger.

Why does this matter? Accelerating action for women in finance isn’t just about giving them opportunities – it’s about creating environments where they can thrive.

On International Women’s Day 2025, we celebrate women in finance who are breaking barriers and future-proofing businesses.

Ntokozo Ndabandaba: Driving digital transformation in finance | Flash finance

“I entered the programme knowing about spreadsheets. Now I can write Python scripts – and they work!”

Ntokozo Ndabandaba, Chartered accountant trainee, Flash finance

In just three years, Ntokozo transformed her skill set, stepping beyond traditional finance to embrace the digital world. From presenting research to the Pepkor CFO in year one to mastering Python in year three, her journey proves that women in finance are not just keeping up – they are leading digital transformation.

Digital skills are the future. If we want to accelerate action for gender equality, we must ensure more women enter tech-driven industries.

This #IWD2025, let’s commit to closing the gender gap in finance and technology.

Musawenkosi Skosana: Forecasting the future with data | Flash finance

For Musawenkosi Skosana, numbers are more than just numbers; they tell a story, shape strategies and predict the future.

As a junior data analyst at Flash, she uses historical data to forecast trends three months ahead. However, the real value for her is collaboration because when diverse minds come together, the insights are even more powerful.

Data is shaping the future in fintech and beyond. If we want more women at the forefront of innovation, we must act now to recruit them into STEM fields.

This #IWD2025, let’s accelerate action to get more women into data, analytics and tech.