Aqua Air Africa (Pty) Ltd is an atmospheric water technology solutions company, based in Pretoria, which utilises atmospheric water generating technology to produce water from air; aiming to tackle the critical scarcity of potable water in South Africa. The organisation offers commercial and industrial solutions, geared towards construction, installation and commissioning of atmospheric water generating plants to alleviate potable water scarcity. They also specialise in domestic and office dispenser solutions, providing portable dispensers for mid-level potable water capacity needs.
My vision for Aqua Air is for its bottled water range to be available at every retail outlet in South Africa and its neighboring countries. I cannot wait to see it become a household brand, even beyond my tenure as its CEO. Through its growth, Aqua Air will create more jobs, prioritising the recruitment and procurement from the previously marginalised. The growth of Aqua Air represents the growth of many in the communities that Aqua Air sets up atmospheric water generation plants.
My career path has been non-linear. I have worked in various industries including heavy duty vehicle manufacturing. My background is in strategy, brand and marketing. I was headhunted from my previous employment and was awarded the opportunity to build this amazing company and brand from the ground up. As a person who appreciates challenges, I knew that this was the perfect opportunity for me, and I will forever be grateful to Moipone Group Investments (Pty) Ltd.
My why: representation matters. Through my continuously and ever-evolving journey, I want young Black women to know that they belong in every boardroom and industry.
Charndré Emma Kippie, Topco Media 9 Mar 2021
My top three books would have to be Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight, Women, Work & the Art of Savoir Faire: Business Sense & Sensibility by Mireille Guiliano and Lift As You Rise by Bonang Mohale.
In terms of podcasts, I enjoy The Tim Ferris Show, the Tony Robbins Podcast and listening to Freakonomics Radio.
My career trajectory is a result of women and men in corporate who believed that given the opportunity, I would excel. Success is a result of preparation, competence and being confident in what you bring to the table.
The biggest highlight for me to date is building Africa’s first atmospheric water generation technology plant in Pretoria. The plant has the capacity to produce 10,000 litres of water per day from air. I am currently working on a few exciting new projects beyond Aqua Air, which will be revealed later in the year.
I mentor young women and belong to a dynamic squash team (we play every Saturday morning!).
My mother and my grandmother are my biggest inspiration. Their resilience and ability to rise above their circumstances fuels me daily. I have a huge sense of responsibility to do and be better for women before me and the generation that will come after me.
Charndré Emma Kippie, Topco Media 24 Feb 2021
My advice for women would be to be invested in continuously developing themselves and upskilling themselves and sharpening their soft skills, which are essential in rising to the top. I would say to them to be agile and open minded. Opportunities do not always present themselves on a silver platter and can be dressed up in projects that one can deem as ‘it’s not part of my job description’. Mentors are also important, so shoot your shot and contact them.
