1. InternationalRelations
May 18, 2012
Re: Reference Letter for Ms Akashni Pillay
To Whom It May Concern,
It is with real pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for Ms Akashni Pillay, a student
in the Department of International Relations, University of the Witwatersrand. It is in my
considered opinion that Akashni demonstrates real potential and has undertaken a number of
opportunities to build her understanding of global affairs and contribute to making a difference
and building understanding across cultures.
Akashni and I recently worked closely together on the organization of the Canada-South Africa
Relations Colloquium held May 14-15, 2012. Indeed, I hired Akashni as the Programme Manager
for the Colloquium to assist with its organization and to facilitate the travel and accommodation of
participants coming from around South Africa and Canada. Akashni’s assistance was integral to
the success of the event, and it could not have happened without her.
Akashni’s professionalism, timely attention to matters, her keen awareness of materials needed for
such events, and her innovative problem solving skills were an incredible asset and I am extremely
grateful for her assistance. I think it is fair to say that it is not often that one comes across
someone whose skills and potential are so clear.
Indeed, Akashni’s background reinforces her enormous potential which include taking up a
number of internship and work experience opportunities in South Africa and in the United States.
She has served as a Researcher at the International Association for Women Judges, assisted
lobbying efforts opposing practices that constitute female genital mutilation at the Ford Motor
Company Global Scholar Programme and Internship, and is currently the Policy and Advocacy
Intern at CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation.
All of these experiences speak to Akashni’s keen desire to participate in debates, build
understanding and take on issues that are relevant to improving the lives of people around her and
globally. It is impressive the way that she has taken advantage of opportunities to explore her
passions and to build experience and understanding of important issues in global affairs.
In this vein, I cannot recommend Akashni more highly. She is organized, socially aware, and
maintains effective and eager communications ability.
Yours sincerely,
David J Hornsby BA (Hons.), MA (Guelph), PhD (Cantab)
Lecturer
Department of International Relations
University of the Witwatersrand
School of Social Sciences • Private Bag 3, Wits, 2050, South Africa • Tel: +27 11 717-4490 • Fax: +27 11 717-4399
E-mail: david.hornsby@wits.ac.za • Website: http://social.wits.ac.za/intrelations.htm