In South Africa, the staggering youth unemployment rate of 46% is not just an economic crisis but also a social one. Kasthuri Soni, the CEO of Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, is committed to finding solutions for this pressing issue by collaborating with various change leaders in the ecosystem.

Kasthuri’s journey to her current role began as a qualified CA(SA) with a passion for social development, stemming from her working-class upbringing in Durban. Her career path led her to work in the social development sector, and eventually, she took on the role of CEO at Harambee, where she has found a sense of fulfilment in helping young South Africans find meaningful employment. She is one of the women who are leaving their mark not only on the profession as it is now, but on the next generation, who will carry forward their excellent work.

In this month’s Woman’s Month issue of ASA (Accounting South Africa) Kasthuri shares how her training as a CA has equipped her to be a problem solver and helped her develop a tireless work ethic. “My years at Soul City and Harambee honed my approach: I view finance as an enabler of a business rather than a set of rules, and I like to integrate it with strategy.” Her years with Harambee have been exceptionally fulfilling. ‘It’s work that feeds my soul,’ she says. That sense of reward isn’t surprising, given the hard work that goes into helping young South Africans remain productively engaged in the labour market

Read more about the female pioneers and trailblazers that are challenging the way we see things, do things and achieve things here in Accounting SA.