At ERA NPC, we believe that the transition to a circular economy is powered by the people behind the scenes. As the world gears up to celebrate International Women’s Day on Sunday 8 March 2026, we are turning the spotlight on the women who make our mission possible.
Today, we sit down with Khanyiswa Dziba, our Assistant Administrator. Khanyiswa’s journey from intern to a core member of our administrative team is a testament to the growth and talent we strive to foster within the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) sector.
ERA: Khanyiswa, it is wonderful to chat with you. To start us off, what is one misconception people have about being a woman in the e-waste and tech-circularity industry that you would love to shut down?
Khanyiswa: A common misconception is that administrative roles do not shape the industry. People often focus only on the technical or heavy lifting side of e-waste. I started at ERA as an intern with limited knowledge of administration or the WEEE space, but I have learned that excellent administration is what keeps sustainable systems running. Without the backbone of organised data and process management, the circular economy simply wouldn’t function.
ERA: That is a powerful perspective. Admin really is the engine room of sustainability. If you could hand a refurbished laptop to your younger self, what piece of advice would be saved on the desktop?
Khanyiswa: It would say: “Start where you are and learn everything.” I would remind my younger self that not knowing is not a weakness; it is the beginning of growth. When I first joined the team, I had a lot to learn, but I realised that every task and lesson contributes to building confidence and capability. You don’t need to be an expert on day one to make a real impact.
ERA: We love that. Growth is such a core value here. Finally, why do you think ‘Female Energy’ is a secret weapon for the circular economy?
Khanyiswa: Female energy brings resilience, attention to detail, and long-term thinking. The circular economy depends on people who care about process, impact, and sustainability. These are qualities women consistently bring into the space. We don’t just look at the task in front of us; we look at the legacy we are leaving behind.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Khanyiswa’s journey highlights why ERA is committed to providing a platform for women to lead and grow in the e-waste sector. Whether in the boardroom, the warehouse, or the administrative office, our female team members are essential to closing the loop on electronic waste in South Africa.