SAAB Grintek Defence, Centurion - 09 May 2025

SAWID Breakfast Engagement Sets the Stage for a Transformative Women's Month in Defence

In a morning charged with vision, purpose and solidarity, the South African Women in Defence (SAWID) initiative held a powerful Engagement Breakfast at the prestigious SAAB Grintek Defence headquarters. This engagement was not merely a networking event—it was a rallying call to action. A declaration that the time for talking is over and the era of transformative inclusion in the defence sector is now.

Originally planned for 100 guests, the event garnered overwhelming interest, with nearly 150 RSVPs and an oversubscription of 175 guests on the day. This remarkable turnout is not just a testament to the strength of the SAWID movement but a powerful indicator of a sector-wide readiness to embrace transformation and advance gender equality.

Ms Michelle Nxumalo, who delivered the welcome address, set the tone for the day by reminding attendees that only three months remain before National Women's Month in August. Her call was clear: "It’s up to us to change the face of the industry." Adorned in traditional attire, guests were reminded of the richness of heritage, the importance of identity and the power of visibility in spaces of influence.

Nxumalo reaffirmed SAWID’s role as a gender advocacy arm of the Aerospace Maritime and Defence Industries Association (AMD) and emphasised the collective responsibility to empower women through leadership, development and industry exposure. With the current Women on Boards (WOB) representation standing at only 13% within AMD, she urged for urgent intervention and a united front to lift as we rise.

The breakfast also marked a vital milestone on the road to the SAWID Relaunch in August, a moment set to cement SAWID's position as a driving force for gender transformation during South Africa’s Women’s Month. Nxumalo confirmed that early signs of event overflow signal growing interest and commitment to real change.

The spirit of transformation was echoed by General Maso, who movingly stated, "I stand on the shoulders of giants." Her message was clear—this journey is intergenerational. In challenging the norm of women speaking only among themselves, she stated, "We won’t have another conference where we talk to ourselves as women."

Dr Khulile Mtseftwa delivered one of the most poignant moments of the morning, powerfully illustrating the resilience, vision and transformative strength that women bring to the defence sector. With a commanding presence and authenticity rooted in experience, she traced her journey to industry leadership—reminding all present that empowerment is not given, it is claimed.

Sharing the remarkable evolution of Swatek Defence & Aerospace, she revealed that the company was founded 32 years ago, and her own ownership journey began in 2008 when she became a 30% shareholder. In 2013, she advanced to majority ownership at 51%, and by 2021, she had achieved full ownership, becoming 100% shareholder of the enterprise.

Her story was not just a personal milestone—it was a testament to what is possible when women are determined, strategic, and unapologetically ambitious. With grace and conviction, she concluded: "That is women for you—you wear heels knowing you will ascend the staircase." It was a metaphor that echoed deeply, symbolising both the challenges and the unwavering strength of women who continue to rise—not despite the odds, but through them.

The panel discussion brought together a powerhouse of voices and perspectives:

• Ms Khulile Msteftwa
• Ms Evelyn Motsatsing
• Ms Louisa Garland
• Ms Retsibile Sekhukhune
• Ms Nomfuneko Majaja

Each panellist brought to the fore her personal journey, industry insights and strategies to break systemic barriers. Their shared message was unified: “Together, we really can create an inclusive and diverse defence sector.”