Hlulani Baloyi is a computer science graduate from the Tshwane University of Technology, a web and mobile developer, the South African Girl Rising Ambassador, a Geekulcha teammate, the co-founder of Raeketsetsa, and part of the Black Girls Code global initiative. In addition to this impressive CV, Hlulani is also the founder of Xitsonga.org, a registered nonprofit organisation aimed at bridging the divide between Xitsonga and other languages by offering a powerful, free online dictionary.

“The technology space is filled with experts who are dedicated to impacting the world and making it a better place through digital,” Baloyi says. “Being in this space and the realisation that I am part of something bigger continuously revives the love of what I do, every single day. I am encouraged to ensure that the generation that comes behind me won’t have to struggle in this space because we have paved a way for them.”

Baloyi is committed to paying it forward through her work and her determination to leave a legacy. Much of the work she does focuses on inspiring young women and girls to enter the realm of technology and embrace their abilities as the next generation of experts, coders and innovators. She finds this incredibly exciting and it is this that keeps her going; keeps her creating new and exciting ways to engage people.

In spite of many advances in women’s empowerment in the tech industry I feel there are still many unresolved issues. I am happy with the fact that many organisations, such as Black Girls Code and Raeketsetsa, are joining hands to fight and striving to bring about change.

Baloyi also has some advice for young girls looking to enter this space. “Believe in yourself and know that you deserve to be part of the table you find yourself sitting at,” she says. “Ask for help when you need it, and know that you are enough and that you can make a change and be part of the bigger picture.”

—Tamsin Oxford