GQEBERHA – Transitioning from the high-stakes corridors of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to the heart of South African higher education, Dr Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor has been officially appointed as the new Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University (NMU). The move marks a significant coup for the institution, as it secures a stateswoman whose recent global advocacy has redefined South Africa’s diplomatic footprint.
In a statement confirming the appointment, the University Council expressed “full confidence” in Dr Pandor’s ability to provide the principled leadership necessary to navigate the evolving academic landscape. Describing her as an “inspiring ambassador,” the university leadership emphasized that her arrival signals a bold new chapter in advancing the institution’s vision on both a local and global stage.
Bridging Diplomacy and Academia
In a move that bridges high-stakes international diplomacy with foundational academic leadership, Dr Pandor’s appointment — announced by University Council Chairperson Judge Nambitha Dambuza — marks the beginning of a four-year term, effective April 1, 2026.
Dr Pandor succeeds Dr Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, who served two terms marked by dedication to NMU’s transformation agenda.
“She is a distinguished activist, academic, former cabinet minister and an internationalist, whose lifelong commitment to education, social justice and public service aligns deeply with the values and mission of the university,” said Judge Dambuza.
The appointment arrives at a pivotal moment for Pandor, who recently concluded her tenure as Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. On the global stage, she became the defining voice of South Africa’s case at the ICJ, where the nation accused Israel of genocidal acts in Gaza — a process she later reflected on critically, noting that “without a ceasefire, the ICJ order doesn’t actually work.”
An Academic Legacy of Excellence
Dr Pandor’s academic credentials are a testament to a lifetime devoted to education. She holds a PhD in Education from the University of Pretoria (2019) and a string of honorary doctorates from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, the University of Stellenbosch, the University of Lisbon, and University College Dublin.
Her journey through academia began in the classrooms of Gaborone, London, and the University of Cape Town, where she lectured and later became a senior lecturer at the University of Bophuthatswana.
This rich scholarly background — intertwined with her public service — forms the foundation for what many expect will be a transformative era for NMU. Observers say Pandor’s leadership is poised to elevate the university’s global academic profile, strengthening research output and international partnerships, while building in the momentum of South African institutions already ranked among the country’s leading universities.
“Her appointment reflects Council’s confidence in her ability to provide principled leadership and serve as an inspiring ambassador for the institution,” added Dambuza, expressing optimism for Pandor’s role in advancing NMU’s vision both locally and globally.
Continuing a Legacy of Service
The university extended its gratitude to outgoing Chancellor Dr Fraser-Moleketi for her “dedication, hard work and commitment” over her two terms.
As Chancellor, Dr Pandor will preside over graduation ceremonies, confer degrees, and act as a symbolic yet powerful representative of NMU’s ethos and direction. With her global network and unrelenting advocacy for education and justice, her tenure is expected to enhance NMU’s visibility, attract new research collaborations, and inspire a new generation of students.
From Power Corridors to Purposeful Leadership
Dr Pandor’s transition mirrors a growing pattern among South African leaders pivoting from public office to impact-driven roles in education and sustainability. Her move echoes that of André de Ruyter’s new role leading global climate change efforts, illustrating a broader national narrative of reinvention and service beyond government.
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