South African academic and former government minister Naledi Pandor has officially taken up the role of Chancellor at Nelson Mandela University.
Naledi Pandor started the position on 1 April 2026, and the university officially installed her during a ceremony on Wednesday, 8 April 2026.
The appointment marks an important moment for the university. The Chancellor is the ceremonial head of the institution and represents the values, reputation, and goals of the university both in South Africa and internationally.
Many people respect Naledi Pandor as an intellectual leader and public servant. Throughout her career, she has shown a strong commitment to education, academic work, democracy, and social development.
NALEDI PANDOR THANKS THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY
During the ceremony, Naledi Pandor spoke on stage and shared how grateful she felt for the opportunity.
She said, “I wish to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to the entire university community for the esteem honour you have given my family and I by selecting me to serve as Chancellor at Nelson Mandela University following in the footsteps of the excellent leadership given by our former Chancellor Dr. Fraser-Moleketi.”
She also expressed excitement about returning to the academic environment.
Pandor said, “It is a welcome pleasure to return to the academy sector and to have the opportunity to once more immerse myself in the sane cooling embrace of intellectual rigour.”
NALEDI PANDOR SAYS SHE IS “SHOCKED BUT THRILLED”
Before her installation, Naledi Pandor said she felt both surprised and excited about the appointment.
She said, “I am shocked but thrilled (to be appointed Chancellor). It is a great honour and privilege to be chancellor at such an important institution in the higher education sector.”
Pandor also praised the university’s former Chancellor, Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, saying she is an icon among women leaders.
She added that stepping into the role after Fraser-Moleketi’s leadership would not be easy.
“I was nervous about putting my name forward,” Pandor said about applying for the Chancellor position at Nelson Mandela University.
