In the dynamic world of business and education, few individuals embody the spirit of innovation and stepping up in times of crisis and Kelisha Pandaram — a fast-emerging young leader hailing from the province of KwaZulu Natal (KZN), South Africa is one such spirited individual.
With a passion for marketing technology and education, Kelisha’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world.
Kelisha has a multifaceted career, including roles such as an external academic and programme reviewer at MANCOSA, a YALI alumni, Jakes Gerwel Fellow, and former Vice President of the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Finance Society–traits which affirms her extraordinary ability to seamlessly navigate both academia and industry.
Her active participation in Women in Tech, the Golden Key International Honour Society, and as a postgraduate delegate in the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Student Parliament shows her commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue and driving impactful outcomes. This has not only inspired her colleagues and collaborators but has positioned her as a shining resemblance of positive change within her community of KZN.
Motivated by educational inequalities in her community, Kelisha stands as a guiding light of hope in the heart of South Africa where educational disparities are stark. As an ardent advocate for educational equity and youth empowerment, her community work has been pivotal in addressing the pervasive inequalities within the education system, particularly in under-resourced communities.
She explained that her greatest worry include the severe lack of access to digital tools and high-quality educational resources in many under-resourced schools.
“The inequity exacerbates the gap between privileged and disadvantaged students, making the quest for fair educational opportunities an ongoing struggle.”
Another profound challenge is working with young learners with disabilities, who often face additional obstacles in obtaining quality education.
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“The lack of adequate resources, specialised training, and inclusive learning environments in numerous schools further compounds these difficulties. Overcoming these barriers necessitates a collaborative approach involving educators, policymakers, and non-governmental organisations. Ensuring that these students’ voices and unique needs are prioritised and addressed within the broader educational discourse.” she said.
Sharing her YALI experience, Kelisha says the fellowship is a tested platform to equip young leaders on how to make a greater impact in their respective communities and further testifies that she learnt a lot from the program.
“Participation in the prestigious Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) has been a profoundly transformative experience, solidifying my commitment to driving meaningful, long-lasting change.”
She explained that the YALI programme provided an invaluable platform to connect with an extraordinary group of young leaders from across Africa, all sharing a spirited commitment to leadership and community development.
She added that the program enabled her to sharpen her leadership capabilities and equipped her with the strategic tools necessary to craft innovative solutions to the education sector’s most pressing challenges. A particularly enriching aspect of the YALI experience was the opportunity to engage in community service and cultural exchanges. These engagements afforded me a deeper understanding of how different African communities confront shared challenges, including educational disparities and rising unemployment.
The collaborative learning environment fostered by YALI allowed attendees to explore innovative, collective approaches to overcoming these issues
“My time at YALI heightened my understanding of entrepreneurial leadership. I have come to realise that leadership is not simply about providing guidance; it is about creating opportunities for those who are marginalised. These insight have become central to my ethos, and it is a principle I aim to incorporate into my future endeavours, particularly in the realms of education and business.”
Looking towards the future, Kelisha says her primary objective is to continue advocating for and contributing to the advancement of inclusive education.
“I am committed to driving systemic change by creating educational environments that are accessible to all students, particularly those in under-resourced communities and those with disabilities.”
Drawing on the skills and knowledge acquired during the YALI experience she plans to extend her current initiatives within KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and subsequently broaden their scope to encompass the broader African continent. The main focus will be on equipping schools with the requisite digital tools to deliver a contemporary and high-quality education. This initiative will be supported by extensive teacher training programmes aimed at empowering educators and augmenting their capacity to address the diverse needs of their students.
In the long term, she says she aspires to establish a non-profit organisation dedicated to addressing the educational challenges faced by disadvantaged communities starting with her home country in South Africa. The initiative would foster a culture of sustainability and innovation, with a particular emphasis on integrating technology and progressive marketing strategies to enhance access to quality education.
“I intend to continue my academic journey by pursuing a PhD in Marketing, with a specialised focus on sustainable education and digital transformation. My ultimate goal is to merge my expertise in marketing with my passion for education to influence educational policy, inspire the next generation of leaders, and contribute to the creation of a more just and equitable society.”
Through her relentless efforts, Kelisha Pandaram is poised to make a lasting impact on the educational landscape, driving positive change and empowering future generations.
*Fungayi Antony Sox is the founder and managing partner at TisuMazwi –a consulting, communications, media, and publishing entity based in Harare. He is also an Alumnus of the YALI Regional Leadership Centre for Southern Africa and writes in his personal capacity. For feedback, he can be reached on +263 776 030 949 or at [email protected].
