Celebrating new voices, fresh perspectives, bold partnerships for Women’s Month in SA
Summary
iGB has launched a new monthly column in partnership with Women in Gaming Africa, curated by Lois Bright, to highlight the people shaping Africa’s gaming ecosystem. The inaugural piece, timed for South Africa’s Women’s Month, profiles five influential women across regulation, marketing, operations and technical compliance: Jodi Scholtz (National Lotteries Commission), Thandokazi Mkiya (SunBet), Judith Benetello (InsaGames), Prakashnie Govender (Kingdomslots) and Boipelo Lencwe (BMM Testlabs SA).
The column focuses on personal stories, leadership, mentorship and the changing role of women in African gaming. Themes include modernising regulatory frameworks, building creative and strategic leadership, growing technical expertise, and shifting public perceptions of the sector as an engine for jobs and community upliftment. Women in Gaming Africa positions the piece as part of a broader mission to increase visibility, representation and opportunity across the continent.
Source
Key Points
- • iGB and Women in Gaming Africa have launched a monthly column, curated by Lois Bright, to amplify voices across Africa’s gaming industry.
- • The first instalment profiles five South African women leaders across regulation, retention marketing, brand strategy, operations and technical compliance.
- • Jodi Scholtz emphasises inclusive regulation and an “African lens” for sustainable development.
- • Thandokazi Mkiya highlights consistency and resilience as keys for women rising into strategic and creative roles.
- • Judith Benetello focuses on mentorship and the value of visibility for tracing how women reached their positions.
- • Prakashnie Govender wants gaming recognised for its role in job creation, education funding and community upliftment.
- • Boipelo Lencwe champions technical upskilling, internships and integrity-focused compliance to widen access for women in tech roles.
- • The column reframes Africa not as a “frontier” but as a partner and innovator in the global gaming narrative, and invites collaboration and sponsorship.
Why should I read this?
Short answer: because it’s a neat, human snapshot of where African gaming is headed — led by women who are changing the rules. Quick read, big signals: leadership, tech chops, regulation and real-world community impact. We’ve done the skimming for you.
Author note
Punchy and practical: this piece matters if you follow gaming markets, diversity in tech, or African industry growth. It’s less about hype and more about people who are building systems, mentoring the next generation and shifting perceptions.
Context and relevance
The column arrives at a time when African markets are rapidly professionalising and attracting global attention. Showcasing regulatory reform, marketing innovation and technical leadership helps international partners see the continent as an equal contributor rather than a developing market. For industry professionals, regulators and investors, these profiles signal talent pipelines, emerging leadership models and areas for partnership or sponsorship.
Get involved
Women in Gaming Africa invites partners and sponsors to support visibility and opportunity across the continent: www.womeningamingafrica.org or hello@womeningamingafrica.org.