Image credit: Naledi Pandor Facebook
Former cabinet minister Naledi Pandor has embarked on a new chapter in her illustrious career, being appointed as an honorary professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Pretoria (UP).
This recent announcement, made during an intimate gathering on the university’s campus, signifies a milestone both for Pandor and the broader educational landscape in South Africa.
Pandor, who earned her PhD in Education from the very same faculty in 2019, is set to contribute her wealth of knowledge to the Centre for the Advancement of Sustainable Higher Education Futures. This role will revolve around engaging in research and staff development, a position she undertakes with no financial recompense. This selfless commitment reflects her deep-seated passion for educational advancement and innovation.
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UP, Prof Francis Petersen, hailed Pandor’s unparalleled dedication to higher education.
“Professor Pandor is a leader whose impact on education, policy and innovation, and whose unwavering commitment to advancing higher education and sustainable development aligns perfectly with the mission of the centre,” he stated, further emphasising her integrity as a transformative leader.
The rigorous process leading to Pandor’s appointment included a comprehensive external peer review and vetting by the Senior Appointments Committee of the UP Senate, culminating in the official recognition of her title as Professor by the University Registrar. This thorough evaluation underscores her stature in the academic realm.
Prof Petersen also highlighted the remarkable balance that Pandor maintained between her high-profile ministerial duties and her academic pursuits.
“Balancing the responsibilities of a cabinet minister and PhD student was no easy task,” he noted.
Reflecting on her journey as a student at UP, Pandor expressed her gratitude for the enriching experience that significantly shaped her understanding of international relations and advocacy.
“My experience as a student for four years matured me in significant ways and prepared me for international relations,” she shared.
After years of public service across various ministerial roles since 2004, spanning higher education to international relations, Pandor’s transition to academia was a thoughtful and introspective process.
“When you retire, it is a very peculiar experience when you’ve worked most of your life. I’ve worked for more than 40 years and have always been very busy. So, in July last year, when I realised this was it and I should let others take over, I sat at home for a bit and thought about what I would do,” she explained.
Adding to the celebration, Prof Lindelani Mnguni, the newly appointed Dean of the Faculty of Education, also warmly welcomed Pandor, stating that her strategic appointment would enhance both the faculty and the university’s standing in the academic community.
