Profile
Dr Grace Naledi Pandor
Dr Pandor, who took up the position of Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University on 1 April 2026, is the titular head and ambassador-in-chief of the institution. She brings to the chancellorship a record of public service, academic leadership and a lifelong commitment to education and human development.
Born in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, she grew up in a family deeply involved in South Africa’s struggle for justice and equality. The daughter of anti-apartheid activists Joe and Fikile Matthews, and granddaughter of renowned educator and political leader Z.K. Matthews, she spent much of her youth in exile. This experience shaped her worldview and reinforced her belief that education brings with it freedom and independence.
As a child, Dr Pandor was a voracious reader and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Botswana, followed by a Master’s degree in Education from the University of London. She saw herself as an education activist and had “an affinity” with young people as, in her days as a teacher and lecturer, she would encourage them to attend afternoon classes if they had dropped out of school. Dr Pandor built a respected career as a teacher, lecturer and academic development practitioner. She taught in schools in Botswana and the United Kingdom and was a senior lecturer at the Taung College of Education and the University of Bophuthatswana.
Dr Pandor also held academic positions at the University of Cape Town, where she worked extensively in academic support and higher education development.
In the United Kingdom, she was involved in several youth programmes. In South Africa, she started a literacy programme as an extra-curricular activity, while being a lecturer. This led to her involvement in the first non-racial union: the Union of Democratic University Staff Associations, which was affiliated with the Mass Democratic Movement. This was a springboard into her political career.
While serving as a Member of Parliament, Dr Pandor completed a second Master’s degree in Linguistics at Stellenbosch University and later earned additional qualifications in higher education leadership and development. She subsequently obtained a PhD in Education from the University of Pretoria.
Since South Africa’s first democratic election in 1994, she played a significant role in shaping public policy. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Deputy Chief Whip of the African National Congress caucus, Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces and later Chairperson of the Council from 1999 to 2004.
Her appointment as Minister of Education in 2004 marked the beginning of a long and influential Cabinet career. During her tenure, she led important reforms aimed at strengthening South Africa’s education system and improving learning outcomes. Dr Pandor later served as Minister of Science and Technology, where she championed innovation, research and scientific advancement. She led South Africa’s successful bid to host the largest share of the Square Kilometre Array, one of the world’s most ambitious scientific projects. She subsequently served as Minister of Home Affairs and later returned to the science and technology portfolio. In 2018, she was appointed Minister of Higher Education and Training, where she focused on expanding access, strengthening institutions and advancing transformation within the sector.
Throughout her career, Dr Pandor has earned respect as a thoughtful leader who combines intellectual rigour with practical governance. Her achievements have been recognised through numerous honorary doctorates from South African and international universities. In 2025, she was appointed an honorary professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Pretoria, reflecting her enduring contribution to scholarship and educational development.
As Chancellor, Dr Pandor embodies the values of academic excellence, social responsibility and public service. Her extensive experience in education, research, governance and leadership, positions her as an inspiring figure for students, staff, alumni and other stakeholders. She assumed this ceremonial office at a time when universities are called upon to contribute innovative solutions to complex societal challenges, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a lifelong dedication to learning and nation-building.