Bophelo’s journey started at the University of Witwatersrand, obtaining a BSc degree in Mathematics and Computer Sciences. It is no doubt that she has a sharp mind and is technologically inclined. After graduating, she joined the MultiChoice graduate programme. More than ten years in the technology field and Bophelo still appreciates and respects her work. She has seen the field change, being more welcoming to women over the years. From being the only woman software developer in the team, to seeing more women taking up leadership roles in technology. With the knowledge that the Technology is male
BOPHELO
dominated, when asked about challenges she has faced in the space as a woman, she said “I don’t think I have any challenges related to me being a woman, and not to minimize the challenges that other women might be having because I know those are real. I have been around for some time, over the years, I have learned how to navigate it.”
We are currently in production for our experimental film. We have eight weeks of pre-production while juggling classes from 9:00 to 17:00, along with assignments and presentations. As a producer, I need to manage my time very well and schedule meetings with my crew. This can be challenging, as our schedules often clash. Sometimes, we resort to meeting on Saturdays and Sundays to ensure we meet our deadlines and are well prepared for the shoot.
Bophelo’s typical ‘day in a life of a developer and deliveries manager’ includes a lot of firefighting, planning, negotiating with stakeholders and working with a number of teams to ensure that they are building the right software at the right time, the right way. Her favourite thing about it all is being thoroughly involved in the technical detail. This women’s month, Bophelo is grateful to be recognised for her work. “it feels really good to be seen because it takes a lot of grit and sacrificing”, she says. 15
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