This Women’s Month, local PC modder, gamer, and content creator Lelani “Locked Elf” Orffer is launching CTRL+HER, an initiative designed to empower South African women by teaching them how to build their own working computers.
A lifelong lover of tech, Lelani began building and modding PCs at just 11 years old. But she soon realised that many of her female friends, though enthusiastic tech users, didn’t know what was happening “under the hood” of their devices. CTRL+HER was born from her passion to change that.
“So many women are gamers, streamers, and creatives but they’ve never had the opportunity or encouragement to open up a PC and understand how it works,” says Orffer. “CTRL+HER is about handing them the tools to take control of their own tech.”
The initiative has already gained major support from global gaming brand ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG), who have partnered with Locked Elf to bring CTRL+HER to Comic Con Africa 2025.
Finalists Will Build Their Dream Rigs at Comic Con Africa
CTRL+HER is calling for video submissions from South African women who want to learn how to build their own PC. Two finalists will be selected to receive:
- Full access to Comic Con Africa 2025
- A PC-building session live at the ASUS ROG stand with Locked Elf
- One finalist will take the custom-built rig home
This is more than just a giveaway, it’s a movement aimed at increasing representation and confidence for women in STEM and gaming spaces.
Why It Matters: Women, Tech & Representation
Despite being a fast-growing segment of the gaming and content creation community, women remain underrepresented in technical roles in the industry. Initiatives like CTRL+HER are essential in making STEM spaces more inclusive and equipping women with real, hands-on experience.
Whether the finalists go on to become professional modders, game devs, streamers, or engineers, CTRL+HER is a first step toward a future where more women feel empowered to explore the world of tech, gaming, and beyond.
