In its first column for iGB, Women in Gaming Africa marks National Women's Month in South Africa by shining a light on prominent figures across the sector.
This August, in honour of/Womens Month in South Africa,/iGB is proud to launch a new collaboration with/Women in Gaming Africa, a monthly column dedicated to elevating the voices shaping the continents gaming ecosystem.
Curated by/Lois Bright, founder of/Women in Gaming Africa, this column will spotlight the people and stories powering industry growth in Africa; from regulators and entrepreneurs to marketers, developers, and rising talent.
Based in Cape Town, Lois brings over years of experience in iGaming and recruitment across the continent, along with a deep passion for building inclusive, community-led spaces within the industry.
To mark the start of this partnership, were celebrating five standout women in South Africas gaming space each representing a different corner of the industry. Their stories are personal, powerful, and rooted in purpose.
Through their reflections, we explore what Womens Month means, what legacy they hope to leave behind, and how Africa is rising; not only as a market but as a force in the global gaming narrative.
Commissioner, National Lotteries Commission
As commissioner of South Africas National Lotteries Commission, Jodi Scholtz holds one of the countrys most influential regulatory positions and brings to it a clear vision of progress, equity, and structural change. She sees Womens Month as a time for recommitment; to create an inclusive industry that works not just for women today, but for future generations.
Jodi Scholtz
Jodis proudest milestones include launching the NLCs digital modernisation programme, securing an unqualified audit opinion, and strengthening the Commissions mandate to support South African communities. She is also proud to lead with what she calls an African lens, shaped by a Cape Flats upbringing rooted in empathy and collective advancement.
My legacy should reflect the values of ethical leadership, empowerment, joy and sustainable development. And it doesnt hurt to have some fun while working!
Africa is not a frontier to be explored it is a force to be engaged with.
Jodi Scholtz, National Lotteries Commission
CRM Campaign Manager, SunBet
With over 12 years in iGaming, Thandokazi Mkiya has made her mark in retention marketing, promotions, and customer engagement. Her rise through the ranks is a testament to consistency, adaptability, and resilience; qualities she believes are essential for women to succeed in this industry.
Thandokazi Mkiya
For Thandokazi, Womens Month is about honouring progress while staying focused on the road ahead. Shes particularly passionate about seeing more African women in strategic and creative leadership roles.
Gaming is changing and African women are not waiting for permission to be part of it.
Looking back, shed tell her younger self: Trust your vision, take up space, and know that even small steps forward count. Your consistency is your superpower.
Theres a new kid on the block Africa and were hungry, innovative, and ready to make our mark.
Thandokazi Mkiya
Marketing & Strategy, InsaGames
Judith Benetello brings soul and strategy to her work in marketing and brand building. She sees Womens Month as a time to pause and honour the complex roles women play, not only in business, but in families, communities, and personal lives. Its about visibility; not just for where weve arrived, but for how we got here.
Judith Benetello
She finds the most joy in mentorship recently guiding a young intern who reminded her that growth is contagious when nurtured intentionally. Seeing another woman thrive because you made space for her&thats legacy.
Judith is inspired by the momentum in Africas gaming industry, especially among women who are reshaping it with ethics, creativity, and community at the centre. Theres a very African kind of leadership rising, and its powerful to witness.
Theres room for all of us in the sun.
Judith Benetello
General Manager, Kingdomslots (Sun International)
A chartered accountant by training and a changemaker by nature, Prakashnie Govender has had an extraordinary career spanning gaming, conservation and executive leadership. She proudly wears many hats; GM, mentor, mother, board chair, and advocate for youth development.
Prakashnie Govender
Womens Month, to her, is a time to reflect on how far weve come and where the glass ceilings still need to be shattered. There are so many women running sites and operations across KZN, its time their stories are told too.
Shes passionate about shifting public perceptions of gaming showing its role in job creation, education funding, and social development. Were not just a gaming business we are an ecosystem that uplifts communities.
We dont leave our lives at the door we lead with our hearts.
Prakashnie Govender
Technical Compliance Manager, BMM Testlabs SA
Boipelo Lencwes 25-year career has taken her from a casino floor host in Johannesburg to a senior technical leader helping shape regulation across the continent. She was one of the first female Technical Shift Managers in South Africa, breaking barriers in a male-dominated space, and proving women can lead in tech, too.
Boipelo Lencwe
Now at BMM Testlabs, Boipelo works across jurisdictions to raise compliance standards, protect players, and educate regulators. My mission is to ensure integrity is non-negotiable, and that young women see this industry as a place where they belong.
She is particularly passionate about creating access points for women, through internships, mentorship, and technical upskilling. Its not just about representation. Its about being resourced, respected, and ready.
Were not just emerging were ready to lead with integrity and innovation.
Boipelo Lencwe
These five women offer just a glimpse into the power, passion, and progress unfolding in Africas gaming industry. As markets evolve and new opportunities emerge, the global gaming community would do well to look toward the continent; not as a developing market, but as a partner, innovator, and growing influence.
At/Women in Gaming Africa, were committed to building visibility, representation, and opportunity for women across the continent and this monthly column is just one part of that mission.
Want to support women driving Africas gaming future? Partner with us, sponsor our mission, or get involved:
/ www.womeningamingafrica.org | 
/[email protected]
This monthly column is curated by/ Lois Bright , founder of Women in Gaming Africa
