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September 12, 2024

Who runs the world? Girls!

Today, women make up 33% of Elenjical Solutions' workforce — a rare and trailblasing achievement in South Africa's tech sector.

In the high-stakes world of business, where boardrooms are still often dominated by men, navigating a fintech career can be particularly daunting for women. Despite these challenges, companies like Elenjical Solutions are leading the way with modern approaches to diversity and inclusion.

 

Coming out of the shell

The tech industry can be daunting, but for Palesa Mokone, it became the stage for her most significant transformation. Encouraged by her father to pursue a tech career, Mokone chose to study computer science and mathematics — a decision that set her on a path to joining Elenjical Solutions in 2022. In just one year, the once shy and reserved graduate found both her voice and her calling within the supportive environment of the company.

 

“When I first joined Elenjical Solutions, I was very shy. But interacting with the team and realizing that they genuinely believed in me and encouraged my growth helped me come out of my shell.”

Starting as a Junior Murex Analyst, Mokone quickly realized that her greatest strength lay in the technical side of her work. She was given the opportunity to work in the infrastructure and environment team, a space where her passion for technology truly flourished. Within a year, she advanced to the role of Murex Analyst, and now Mokone has further progressed to a Murex Consultant position, where she is poised to pursue   leadership development both for herself and within the company.

 

Breaking barriers

“At Elenjical Solutions, it’s all about equal opportunities,” says Jenni De Bruin, a longtime employee who has been with the company for seven of its ten years in existence. “From day one, I felt I was given the same chances as any of my male colleagues. That’s not something you find in every company.”

 

When De Bruin first joined Elenjical Solutions, she was one of only two women on her team. Her journey from a junior Murex analyst to a key figure in client management illustrates the growing influence of women at the firm. As a Murex analyst, she embraced the challenges of a demanding role head-on, supported by a company culture that nurtured her potential. After several years of growth, De Bruin felt the need for a change and expressed her ambitions to the CEO, Tinu Elenjical. Rather than letting her potential go unfulfilled, the company created a role perfectly suited to her evolving strengths. Now, De Bruin is thriving as a Client and Partner Relationship Manager — a position that allows her to continue contributing to the company’s success while advancing her career.

 

A culture of empowerment and inclusion

Kerisha Govender, Head of People, further embodies Elenjical Solutions’ ethos of growth and inclusivity. She joined Elenjical Solutions three years ago with extensive senior experience yet carried the scars of navigating male-dominated industries. “It wasn’t easy. I had to constantly prove myself in environments where I was often the youngest or the only woman,” she recalls. But at Elenjical Solutions, she found a refreshing change. “Here, it’s a completely different environment. It’s a safe space for everyone, not just women,” Govender says.

 

Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping a culture of collaboration and support at Elenjical Solutions, where merit-based development and equal opportunities are the foundation. It’s embedded in the everyday work culture, where employees are encouraged to grow and succeed regardless of gender. Social initiatives, such as the annual Ladies’ Lunch and regular family days, are also part of this culture, offering employees opportunities to connect, share experiences, and build friendships along the way. These events, while important, are just one piece of the larger picture of how Elenjical Solutions fosters a genuine sense of community for all its people.

 

A vision for the future

 

The tech industry in South Africa is undergoing a visible transformation, and one of the most impactful changes has been the adoption of hybrid work models, accelerated by the global shift to remote work. This evolution has been particularly beneficial for women, especially those balancing careers with motherhood. At Elenjical Solutions, that future is already taking shape. With a focus on empowering women, fostering collaboration, and creating a supportive work environment, the company is showing the rest of the industry what’s possible. As proven by the journeys of the ladies at Elenjical Solutions, when women are offered the tools, they need to succeed, they truly do run the world — and the tech world is no exception.

 

“Progress isn’t just about how fast we move; it’s about the lasting impact we create,” says Tinu Elenjical, Founder and CEO. “By making diversity a core value, we’re ensuring that the future of tech, especially in South Africa, is shaped by everyone and for everyone.”