MS VINAY RAJAH
Ms Rajah’s association with the empowerment of women and youth dates back decades, ever since she was a student herself at what was then called the University of Natal (now University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, UKZN). She is passionate about the education of youth and young women in particular. She has served as Chair of the Gauteng Selection Committee of the Rhodes Trust and was instrumental in selecting South African Scholars that would undertake their postgraduate studies at Oxford University in the United Kingdom. Her deep passion for the advancement of scholars globally allowed her the platform to nurture and develop young leaders. She has spent
The “I am an African Foundation” was established with a vision to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities across Africa. It was founded by a group of passionate individuals who shared a deep commitment to addressing the pressing challenges faced by people on the continent.
She has spent the bulk of her formal career empowering young people to develop into responsible global citizens.
Having started her career at UKZN, she moved to the University of Pretoria (UP) where she served as the youngest Head of the Corporate International Relations Office, before her promotion to the position of Head: Residence Management and Student Life, where she was responsible for overseeing all 28 residences at UP. Whilst in that position she initiated and founded the TUKSRES Leadership Academy, that sought to shift the focus away from initiation rites and practices to a fully-fledged leadership programme that would serve the diverse student body residing in, and across the 28 residences. Despite any resistance faced by Ms Rajah – her perseverance and belief in the Academy has spawned a whole new way of dealing with student life in residences across the entire sector. Further to this she was instrumental in initiating a global network, with constructive synergies established with the Association of College and University Housing International (ICUHOi).
Ms Rajah has also worked tirelessly in the NGO space, where she assisted in the establishment of an educational NGO more than two decades ago: the International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA). Here she dealt with the co-ordination of internationalisation programmes across the 26 public higher education institutions in South Africa and served to connect these institutions to a plethora of global HE institutions.
She currently serves as an Independent Consultant in the areas of Diversity, Inclusivity, Redress and Equity, constantly striving to co-create a more cohesive society, while equipping youth and women with the necessary skills set to become global change makers. She is widely travelled, having traversed around 33 countries and territories globally. Her vast experience, gained during much of her solo travels has gifted her with the tools required to successfully navigate various cultures and has enhanced her passion for Diversity and Inclusivity (D&I).