Chairperson, Youth Employment Index & Business Development Director, Mazars

Nazreen Pandor is only 32 years old and already the chairperson of the Youth Employment Index (YEI) and the business development director at audit, tax and advisory firm Mazars. She became a candidate attorney in 2006 and has since then used her skills to actively change South Africa.

“Mazars has allowed me to make a difference through the creation of the Youth Employment Index, which I believe will hold us accountable to the youth initiatives that we are implementing,” says Pandor.

At an early age Pandor decided that she was going to work hard and smart and be the best at what she could do. She found that studying law gave her the tools she needed to understand South Africa’s regulatory landscape and the confidence to understand the business environment.

“I know how difficult it can be for young people to make an impact in an organisation where their ideas or voices are not heard,” says Pandor. “The YEI tool is ready to be tested in the market and I am excited to see how this will change the landscape of youth employment opportunities in the country. It’s not just about creating employment; it’s about creating sustainable youth employment which I believe is a human right.”

Pandor is committed to using her skills to change the work place and help others, and is also passionate about the role that women have to play in the future of South African business.

“I don’t just want women to be in support positions – they need to be advanced so they can grow in the organisation to ensure that the voice and concerns of women are tabled at the highest governance structures by them and addressed by them.”
— Tamsin Oxford

Twitter: @YEIndex