Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and founder of Grameen Bank, Muhammed Yunus, highlighted, "Social entrepreneurship is the pursuit of sustainable solutions to neglected problems with positive social impact, with the ultimate goal of changing society for the better."
Unathi Nuku, the founder of New Era IT, embodies this powerful vision. A tech trailblazer in her community, Unathi's unwavering commitment to social development, represented by her company, New Era IT, and its social arm, the New Era Foundation, is truly inspiring.
As a nominee for the Innovator Trust Awards, held at the annual Women in Tech Experience on Wednesday, 13 November 2024, Unathi joins other remarkable women celebrated for their contributions to the tech industry. To register for your free virtual seat, click here.
The WIT conference has become a leading platform for women in tech, focusing on female-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the ICT sector. This event will empower female ICT business owners with tools and strategies to accelerate their success.
The 2024 WIT conference will honour and celebrate the accomplishments of these programmes' beneficiaries, shining a spotlight on the importance of empowering the next generation of women through technology and entrepreneurial ventures.
Roots and Evolution
Unathi’s journey is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability. New Era IT focuses on innovative IT solutions, including installing fibre optics and selling Microsoft software products, while also building its mobile network.
“We can install it for others, and we realised we can do it ourselves,” Unathi explains, capturing the company’s self-sufficient approach.
Despite offers to move to Johannesburg, Unathi remains dedicated to the Eastern Cape. “Being in the Eastern Cape is like untouched virgin ground; there's so much incredible potential,” she says. Her commitment to nurturing her home region drives her growth plans.
In a significant milestone, New Era IT recently secured a contract with Broadband Infraco (BBI), affirming the company’s rising influence.
The Social Entrepreneur’s Heartbeat
Unathi’s dedication to social causes shines through in the New Era Foundation, which addresses community challenges with coding programs for schools, digital literacy initiatives, and book clubs. These programs aim to empower the community and foster growth. “There are so many social ills, and we are healing where the social wounds are through what we do,” Unathi emphasises.
Empowerment through Partnership
Unathi attributes much of her business growth to her partnership with Innovator Trust. “The Innovator Trust really excels at identifying a business's needs and collaborating with us to address them effectively. They are not only here to tick a box or push their own agenda,” she remarks. This partnership has opened new doors for New Era IT and instilled a culture of accountability.
As a woman in the male-dominated telecommunications industry, Unathi has faced challenges. “In most meetings, as a woman in telecom, you walk into a room that’s 99% male,” she notes. Yet, she’s built credibility through her track record. “Being a woman in this sector doesn’t give you respect—your work and track record do, as they should.”
Future Vision: Growth and Innovation
Looking ahead, Unathi envisions a bright future for New Era IT. “A huge part of our vision is to have our own network, which we are currently working on,” she reveals. The Eastern Cape remains central to her plans, and she is excited by the new digital opportunities on the horizon. “In this digital age, we don’t even know today what will be needed in the future. Don’t be intimidated by the sector. There are so many opportunities for women,” she advises.
Unathi encourages innovation within her team, empowering them to try new ideas and methods. “I advise, but I try not to tell them how to do things,” she says. Her young team brings creativity and enthusiasm, driving New Era IT forward.
Through her work at New Era IT, Unathi is shaping the future of telecommunications in the Eastern Cape and inspiring the next generation of tech leaders.
For more information, please visit their website: https://newerait.co.za/
To register for the Women in Tech Experience, please RSVP here.