Today across South Africa, National Women’s Day offers an opportunity to honour the remarkable strength, resilience, and vision of women who shape our society. At ERA NPC, celebrating this day means shining a light on the women driving sustainable innovation within the local tech-circularity and e-waste landscape.
To mark National Women’s Day, we caught up with our Finance Manager, Bongiswa Ntsomi, to get her insights on leadership, personal growth, and why female perspectives are essential to building a sustainable future.
Challenging Misconceptions in Tech and Circularity
The e-waste and recycling sectors have historically been seen as male-dominated spaces, particularly when it comes to operational and technical leadership. We asked Bongiswa about one common misconception she would love to shut down once and for all:
“That women are better suited to supporting roles than technical or operational leadership positions. Women bring valuable expertise, innovation, and strategic thinking that help drive meaningful change across the industry.”
Breaking down these outdated stereotypes is crucial for building a resilient, modern circular economy. By creating space for diverse leadership, organisations can unlock fresh strategies to tackle South Africa’s growing e-waste challenge.
Advice to the Next Generation
Imagine having the ability to send a message back in time to your younger self. If Bongiswa could hand a refurbished laptop to her younger self, here is the note she would leave saved right on the desktop:
“Believe in your abilities, speak up with confidence, and do not be afraid to take on challenges that seem beyond your comfort zone. Growth often begins where confidence is tested.”
It’s a powerful reminder for anyone entering the green economy: true impact requires courage, self-belief, and the willingness to embrace new opportunities.
Why Female Energy is a Secret Weapon for Sustainability
Women consistently stand at the forefront of impactful sustainability movements around the world. When asked why female energy plays such a vital role in pushing the circular economy forward, Bongiswa highlighted the core values that underpin effective environmental stewardship:
“Women often lead with collaboration, empathy, and long-term thinking, which are essential qualities for building sustainable systems. These strengths help create partnerships, inspire communities, and drive lasting impact in the circular economy.”
At ERA NPC, we believe that transitioning from a traditional linear economy to a circular one requires holistic thinking. Empathy and community engagement are just as important as logistics and technology when it comes to keeping electronic waste out of landfill.
Happy National Women’s Day from ERA NPC
Today, we celebrate Bongiswa Ntsomi and all the incredible women across South Africa who are leading with purpose, pushing boundaries, and advocating for a greener tomorrow.
Happy National Women’s Day!