Naledi Pandor Appointed Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University

Nelson Mandela University will welcome Dr Naledi Pandor as its new chancellor starting 1 April 2026, ushering in a period of academic leadership shaped by decades of experience in education, government, and social advocacy.

The announcement, made on 1 January 2026 by NMU chairperson Judge Nambitha Dambuza, was met with widespread praise from the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the university community, highlighting Pandor’s lifelong commitment to education as a tool for empowerment and social justice.

A Life Dedicated to Education and Public Service

Described by the Nelson Mandela Foundation as “a distinguished activist, academic and public servant,” Pandor’s career spans both national governance and international diplomacy. She has consistently championed education as more than access to knowledgeit is, in her view, a pathway to dignity, agency, and societal transformation.

Judge Dambuza emphasised the alignment between Pandor’s values and the mission of Nelson Mandela University. “Her appointment reflects the council’s confidence in her ability to provide principled leadership and to serve as an inspiring ambassador for the institution,” Dambuza said.

Pandor succeeds Dr Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, who concludes her two-term tenure on 31 March 2026. Dambuza paid tribute to Fraser-Moleketi for her dedication to the university, noting her work in advancing NMU’s ethos and global standing.

Academic Achievements and Global Perspective

Dr Pandor’s academic credentials are formidable. She earned a PhD in education from the University of Pretoria in 2019 and holds honorary doctorates from universities in South Africa, Portugal, and Ireland. Her education journey includes:

• Master’s in Education – University of London (1978–79)

• Master’s in General Linguistics – Stellenbosch University (1997)

• Bachelor’s and Certificate in Continuing Education – University of Botswana and Swaziland (1973–77)

• Diplomas in Education, Higher Education Leadership (Bryn Mawr), and Development Leadership (Harvard Kennedy School)

This blend of local grounding and international exposure positions her uniquely to champion inclusive, forward-looking higher education in South Africa.

A Career in Government Shaped by Education and Innovation

Pandor has held multiple Cabinet posts:

• Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (2019–2024)

• Minister of Higher Education and Training (2018–2019)

• Minister of Science and Technology (2009–2012, 2014–2018)

• Minister of Home Affairs (2012–2014)

• Minister of Education (2004–2009)

Her time in government was marked by a focus on education reform, scientific advancement, and international collaborationexperiences that will directly inform her role as chancellor.

Looking Ahead: A Chancellor for Transformation

As the four-year chancellorship begins in April, expectations are high. Students, faculty, and alumni are already expressing excitement across social media, celebrating a leader whose career embodies both academic excellence and social justice advocacy. Many have noted that Pandor’s appointment comes at a critical time for South African universities, as institutions face challenges related to access, funding, and global competitiveness.

Pandor’s leadership is expected to bring visibility, credibility, and strategic direction to Nelson Mandela University, reinforcing its commitment to producing graduates capable of contributing to a more just, equitable society.

With Dr Naledi Pandor at the helm, Nelson Mandela University enters a new chapter one that blends heritage, innovation, and a vision for the future of education in South Africa and beyond.

{Source: IOL}

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