National Women’s Day is more than a calendar event. It is a reminder to reflect on the contributions women have made across industries, to acknowledge the barriers they have faced, and to commit to building a more inclusive future. In the world of technology, South African women have played key roles for over a century, yet their stories are often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
Today, women make up about 23% of South Africa’s tech workforce, a figure that is growing thanks to mentorship programmes, coding bootcamps, and women-led organisations. But the journey to this point was neither quick nor easy. The history of women in technology in South Africa stretches back to the early 1900s, long before hashtags like #WomenInTech or #GirlsWhoCode existed.
In this post, we will explore the milestones that have shaped women’s place in the South African tech industry, from the early days of telegraphy to the rise of coding communities today.
Early Foundations: Telegraph Operators in the Cape
In the early 20th century, during British colonial rule, women in the Cape took on roles as telegraph operators. At the time, the telegraph was cutting-edge technology, enabling faster communication across vast distances. Operating a telegraph machine required strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure.
These women were among the first to break into technical professions in South Africa. While they were not writing computer code or designing circuits, their work laid the groundwork for future generations of women in technology. It proved that women could handle technical, high-responsibility jobs in an era when most professional opportunities were reserved for men.
Source: “Women in Telegraphy,” Wikipedia
1970s Breakthrough: Joan Joffe and the IBM Personal Computer
One of the most important names in the history of women in South African technology is Joan Joffe. In 1977, she founded Joffe Associates, becoming the first person in the country to import, sell, and service IBM Personal Computers. This was a pivotal moment for South Africa, as it helped introduce the PC era to the country.
Joffe’s company not only made personal computing accessible but also inspired a generation of entrepreneurs, including women, to consider careers in the tech sector. Her leadership proved that women could not only participate in technology but also lead transformative change in the industry.
Source: womeninit.org.za
1980s and 1990s: More Women Enter Computer Science
By the 1980s and 1990s, universities like the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and the University of Cape Town (UCT) began to see more women enrolling in computer science programmes. This period marked a slow but meaningful shift in the gender dynamics of tech education in South Africa.
However, research from the late 1990s showed that women in these fields often faced additional challenges. These included gender stereotypes, lack of mentorship, and being outnumbered in classrooms and workplaces. Despite these obstacles, women graduating during this time went on to take up important roles in programming, IT management, and the early days of internet development in South Africa.
Source: Wits University research paper on Gender and Computer Science, 1998
The 2000s to Today: Building Communities and Expanding Access
From the early 2000s to today, women’s representation in South African tech has steadily grown. This progress has been driven by both industry changes and grassroots initiatives.
Some key organisations making an impact include:
- GirlCode – Hosting hackathons, coding bootcamps, and mentorship programmes for young women across South Africa.
- SheCodes Foundation – Offering free coding classes to help women enter or pivot into tech careers.
- Women in Tech ZA – Building a network of women professionals, sharing opportunities, and providing a platform for advocacy.
These communities are not just teaching skills. They are also creating role models, building confidence, and proving that diversity in technology leads to better products and solutions.
Why Women in Tech Matters for South Africa’s Future
Increasing the number of women in technology is not simply about equality. It has real economic and innovation benefits. Studies consistently show that diverse teams are more creative, more productive, and better at solving problems from different perspectives.
In South Africa, where the tech industry is growing rapidly thanks to fintech, e-commerce, and AI-driven solutions, women’s participation is essential to ensuring that innovation serves the needs of the entire population.
Looking Forward: From 23% to 50% Representation
The journey from the telegraph operators of the early 1900s to today’s software engineers has been long, and there is still work to do. The current figure of 23% female representation in tech needs to grow, not just for fairness but for the health and growth of the industry.
As we celebrate Women’s Month, we should honour the trailblazers like Joan Joffe and the countless women who worked behind the scenes in tech’s early days. We should also commit to supporting the next generation so that, one day, women will hold half the seats at South Africa’s tech table.
💜 This Women’s Day, let us remember the past and code a more inclusive future together.
By Zandisile Nqono
Keywords : Women in Tech South Africa, South African tech history, women in technology, International Women’s Day tech stories, Joan Joffe IBM PC, GirlCode South Africa, SheCodesZA, Women in Tech ZA, history of women in technology South Africa.
Welcome to Zandisile Nqono’s blog. This is a space where I share insights, tips, and resources to help you grow in your tech journey, career development, and personal growth. My goal is to simplify complex topics, provide practical guidance, and inspire you to take action toward your goals. Whether you're just getting started or leveling up, you'll find content designed to support your journey every step of the way.
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