South Africa’s brightest female tech students are being called to step into the spotlight — but time is running out. All entries must be in by Sunday, 8 February,
The Top Tech Student category at the Wired4Women Awards recognises exceptional female ICT students who excel academically, show leadership and apply technology beyond the classroom. The winner will take home a R30 000 cash prize, sponsored by Openserve.
Whether you are a high-performing ICT student or know someone whose talent deserves national recognition, this is your moment to act.
Now in its third year, the Wired4Women Awards, hosted by ITWeb Brainstorm in partnership with the Wired4Women Tech Forum and supported by Telkom as lead sponsor, have become a powerful platform for celebrating women shaping South Africa’s technology landscape.
Across 13 categories, the programme honours leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, community impact and rising talent. Crucially, it also recognises the next generation of tech leaders — students who are already making an impact while preparing to enter the industry.
The Top Tech Student Award goes beyond academic excellence. Judges look for leadership in student or community tech initiatives, active engagement in extracurricular technology activities and clear potential to influence the future of ICT. In addition to the cash prize, the winner gains valuable industry exposure, access to leading mentors and growth opportunities.
In 2025, the award was won by Rejoice Chitengu, a data science student at Wits University — proof that today’s students are tomorrow’s industry trailblazers.
Key dates and selection process:
- Nominations close: 8 February 2026 at 23:59 SAST
- Judging panel: Wired4Women board members, senior ITWeb editors and academic experts
- Winner announcement: 16 April 2026 at the Wired4Women Awards Banquet, Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff
Get involved – nominate now If you know an outstanding female ICT student at tertiary level — or if that student is you — don’t wait until the last minute.
Successful nominations should demonstrate:
- Strong academic performance
- Leadership in tech-related student or community initiatives
- Active participation in extracurricular technology activities
Submit your nomination before the deadline:
https://www.itweb.co.za/event/wired4women-awards-2026/nominations/index.html
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