Dr Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor, veteran politician, educator, and academic, was officially installed as the fourth Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, at the indoor sports centre on South Campus.
Pandor assumed the largely ceremonial role on 1 April, succeeding Dr Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, who completed two terms. The installation marked a homecoming for the former cabinet minister, who began her career as an English teacher and university lecturer before entering public service after 1994.
In her address, Pandor urged the university community to “make good trouble,” echoing Nelson Mandela’s ethos of principled activism. She called for defending academic freedom, advancing ethical leadership, and translating the university’s commitment to Africa into concrete action supporting the continent’s Agenda 2063.
Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela praised Pandor as a “custodian of vision,” highlighting her role in shaping education and science policy. The Nelson Mandela Foundation, where Pandor serves as board chair, also warmly congratulated her.
Pandor brings a formidable track record: as Education Minister she drove the Kha Ri Gude literacy campaign; as Science and Technology Minister she helped secure South Africa’s role in the Square Kilometre Array project. She also served as Minister of Home Affairs and International Relations, and earned a PhD in Education in 2019.
The chancellorship is a five-year term (Pandor’s runs for four years in this instance), during which she will preside over graduation ceremonies and act as an ambassador for the university’s values.
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The event was attended by Vice-Chancellor Prof Sibongile Muthwa, council members, and government representatives.
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