After nearly a decade of inspiring change and breaking barriers, Women with Drive – ARRIVE returns next week with renewed purpose and an invigorated vision. Hosted by MasterDrive, the 2025 edition of this prestigious event celebrates the extraordinary journeys of women who have not only challenged convention but have arrived—at the summit of personal and professional milestones.
Now in its ninth year, the initiative has evolved beyond its original form. As Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive, explains:
“ARRIVAL is not just about achievement. It represents pivotal moments when years of dedication meet opportunity—when aspirations become reality and when women step into roles of power and influence. In 2025, it’s about the culmination of effort, persistence, and timing.”
This year’s theme, ARRIVE, honours those powerful turning points in a woman’s career—when confidence, resilience, and strategy align to produce breakthrough moments. The event will spotlight trailblazers who have not only reached the pinnacle of their fields but have also paved the way for others to follow.
Powerful Voices, Defining Journeys
Headlining the event are two standout speakers whose stories echo the essence of arrival.
- Melanie van Straaten, Head of Southern Africa at Castrol, will deliver the keynote address. With a career defined by persistence and bold leadership, she exemplifies what it means to rise through aspiration and turn dreams into reality. Her address will delve into the journey from ambition to accomplishment and the importance of creating opportunities for future female leaders.
- Linda Cele, Product Head: Key Accounts and Partnerships at a leading bank, will deliver the signature address. Her presentation will explore how women are not just thriving in finance—but transforming it. Through personal insight and industry analysis, she will demonstrate how economic empowerment for women turns financial barriers into platforms for leadership.
Panel of Pioneers: Breaking Through the Glass
One of the most anticipated segments of the event is the panel discussion, which gathers five influential women from across traditionally male-dominated industries. This year’s topic, “Breaking through glass ceilings in traditional industries,” brings together leaders from naamsa, AWARE.org, Santam, Sincpoint, and Dunlop—the latter represented by a woman marking an incredible 20-year tenure in the field.
Each panellist will share their deeply personal stories of challenge, grit, and eventual arrival, offering valuable lessons on how to transform industry-specific obstacles into opportunities for growth.
Authentic Conversations, Lasting Impact
New to this year’s programme is the Fireside Chat, an intimate conversation with two remarkable women who have triumphed over adversity. Their stories are raw, uplifting, and grounded in the kind of wisdom that only comes from lived experience. Attendees will gain a deeply human perspective on resilience, determination, and the mindset it takes to ARRIVE—no matter the roadblocks.
In addition, the lifestyle segment—hosted by transformation specialist Niki Seberini—will demonstrate how small, consistent practices like breathwork can shift mental roadblocks and unlock new potential. It’s a compelling reminder that arrival is not only professional but deeply personal.
A Movement, Not Just a Moment
This year, MasterDrive is proud to welcome WesBank and Castrol as headline partners, further affirming the event’s significance in the mobility and finance sectors.
Viaan Jardim of WesBank shares:
“Women with Drive has become more than an event—it’s a cornerstone in the celebration of women who reject limitations and choose to ARRIVE.”
Melanie van Straaten of Castrol adds:
“When women lead innovation in mobility, industries move faster. We celebrate those who’ve navigated unknown roads to create new maps for us all.”
ARRIVE in Purpose, ARRIVE in Power
Whether it’s on the stage, in breakout sessions, or through meaningful networking, Women with Drive – ARRIVE promises to be a celebration like no other. It is a moment of reflection, a platform for connection, and above all, a declaration that the era of waiting is over—women are arriving, and they’re not looking back.
