Leadership Team
![Ms Pearl Pillay (MA (Political Studies))](https://www.wessa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pearl-pillay.jpg)
Ms Pearl Pillay (MA (Political Studies))
Non-executive Director
Pearl is a dedicated youth development practitioner based in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is currently serving as the Managing Director of Youth Lab, a prominent national youth development organisation focused on enhancing youth capacity and promoting youth participation.
With a master’s degree in political studies from the University of the Witwatersrand and ongoing doctoral studies at the University of Cape Town, Pearl’s academic background aligns with her commitment to organisation building, social movements, and their interconnected role in achieving social justice.
Her distinguished service extends to her recent appointments by President Cyril Ramaphosa, wherein she serves as a Board Member of the National Youth Development Agency and as the National Planning Commissioner responsible for Youth Development, further exemplifying her dedication to empowering the youth and driving positive change.