Johannesburg, South Africa. The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, has extended her congratulations to Dr. Naledi Pandor, the former Cabinet Minister, on her recent appointment as an Honorary Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Pretoria (UP).
Nkabane praised Pandor’s appointment as a well-deserved recognition of her significant contributions to the South African higher education sector. Pandor’s distinguished career includes serving as Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Higher Education and Training, and more recently, as the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
Nkabane highlighted Pandor’s instrumental role in reshaping the South African higher education landscape after apartheid, ensuring that the restructuring of the sector benefits all South Africans, regardless of race, gender, or any other form of exclusion.
The Minister also commended Pandor for her visionary leadership, noting the transformative impact she has had on the South African higher education system. Pandor’s progressive policies promoted social justice and equality, positioning South Africa at the forefront of science, technology, and innovation. “Dr. Pandor’s unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and coordinated higher education sector is truly admirable,” Nkabane said in her statement on Monday.
Nkabane also emphasized that the University of Pretoria made an excellent decision in appointing Pandor, whose passion for transformation will undoubtedly enrich both the university and the broader higher education community. “Her academic accomplishments, particularly her doctoral research on transformation in the South African higher education system, reflect her deep commitment to shaping a progressive and inclusive sector.”
Expressing personal admiration, Nkabane shared, “It is an honour to stand on the shoulders of giants like Dr. Pandor, whose mentorship continues to inspire me. I consider her a mentor, a mother, and a constant source of wisdom as we navigate the challenges facing our higher education system. Her contributions are invaluable, and I wish her every success in this exciting new chapter.”
The Department of Higher Education and Training also extended its best wishes to Pandor, looking forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly continue to make within the higher education sector.
Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria, Professor Francis Petersen, welcomed Pandor to the university’s Centre for the Advancement of Sustainable Higher Education Futures. Pandor will contribute her expertise, without remuneration, to research and development for both students and staff.
Petersen emphasized that Pandor’s appointment reflects her significant contributions to education, policy, and innovation, as well as her commitment to advancing higher education and sustainable development, aligning perfectly with the mission of the Centre. “It is truly a privilege to have someone of her calibre joining our academic network in this esteemed role.”
The Vice-Chancellor also noted that Pandor’s appointment followed a rigorous external peer-review process and approval by the Senior Appointments Committee of the UP Senate. The university has formally confirmed Pandor’s use of the title “Professor.”
Pandor earned her PhD in Education from UP in 2019, with her thesis focused on “The Contested Meaning of Transformation in Higher Education in Post-Apartheid South Africa.” Professor Petersen highlighted her deep passion for education, stemming from her background as a teacher and her lifelong curiosity in the field.
“The honorary professorship is not only a recognition of Prof. Pandor’s academic excellence but also of her remarkable leadership and strong ethical values,” Petersen concluded. “Balancing the responsibilities of a Cabinet Minister and a PhD student was no easy feat. Despite the challenges, Dr. Pandor remained dedicated to her academic goals, and her perseverance has led to this significant achievement.”
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