Page 7 - Installation of Chancellor 8 April 2026

MESSAGE FROM THE

CHAIRPERSON OF

COUNCIL,

VICE-CHANCELLOR

Professor Sibongile Muthwa
AND THE OUTGOING Vice-Chancellor:

CHANCELLOR Dr Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor assumes the Chancellorship at our University at a pivotal moment for higher
education in South Africa and across the continent. In a world marked by rupture and moral uncertainty, this is
a moment that calls us, true to Mandela’s legacy, to choose justice over expedience, dignity over despair and
hope as a disciplined public ethic, to stand firmly as custodians of evidence, moral courage and the voices of
the most vulnerable.

Dr Pandor’s intellectual depth and lifelong commitment to public service resonate deeply with our own ethos of
knowledge in service of society. As a transformative African university, we reaffirm our dedication to equitable
access and success, to research that matters in the world, and to educating graduates who lead with conscience,
as well as competence.

We look forward to a continued partnership grounded in integrity, excellence and a shared vision for a just and
sustainable future.

Judge Nambitha Dambuza

Chairperson of Council:

It is with great pride that the University today installs Dr Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor as Chancellor of Nelson
Mandela University.

The installation of Dr Pandor as the Chancellor affirms and deepens the continuity of our institutional stewardship
and governance. She is a seasoned South African public servant with a long record of leadership in higher
Dr Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi
education, science and international relations. Her global ‘social justice’ standing befits the role of Chancellor at
Nelson Mandela University.
Outgoing Chancellor:
On behalf of Council, I pledge our full support for Dr Pandor in her new role as we advance our shared commitment
to transformation, integrity and service to society. It has been a privilege to serve Nelson Mandela University as Chancellor.

During my tenure as Chancellor, I have witnessed the resilience of our students, the dedication of our staff and
the unwavering commitment of Council and management to institutional progress. During the transition of the
office to Dr Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor, I do so with great joy and pride, full of confidence that she will guide
this University along its chosen path.

I extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to Dr Pandor for a successful tenure.

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