Ms Kelisha Pandaram, a Master of Commerce in Marketing candidate in the School of Management, IT and Governance, continues to embody the UKZN motto of Inspiring Greatness through her achievements and leadership.
Pandaram recently completed the highly esteemed Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Center Southern Africa programme. This prestigious initiative, founded by former United States (US) President Barack Obama in collaboration with US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Mastercard Foundation, and the University of South Africa (Unisa), seeks to cultivate the next generation of young African leaders.
In addition to her YALI graduation, Pandaram has been distinguished as one of the Top 500 GradStar recipients in 2024 and has also successfully completed the McKinsey & Company Forward Programme, further affirming her growing influence in the fields of business and education.
‘This has been an incredible journey, and it has significantly contributed to my personal and professional growth,’ she said.
The YALI programme took place over the course of seven weeks, with three weeks of in-person training at the UNISA Graduate School of Business Leadership in Midrand, where participants connected with local communities through community service and other cultural experiences. The participants also had an opportunity to visit iconic historical sites.
‘These visits were beyond educational; they were a reminder of the resilience and strength of our people,’ she said.
Pandaram enjoys collaborating with diverse individuals from around the world and leveraging her communication skills to drive impactful outcomes in Africa. As a member of Women in Tech and the Golden Key International Honour Society, she embodies a commitment to advancing both technological innovation and academic distinction. Moreover, her former role as a postgraduate delegate in the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Student Parliament further exemplifies her dedication to thought leadership and fostering intellectual discourse within academic and professional spheres.
Words: Samukelisiwe Cele
Photograph: Supplied