Nelson Mandela University has appointed former Cabinet Minister, Dr Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor, as its new Chancellor, marking a significant milestone for the institution.
The appointment, announced by the Chairperson of Council, Judge Nambitha Dambuza, will see Pandor take office on 1 April 2026 for a four-year term.
“She is a distinguished activist, academic, former Cabinet Minister and an internationalist, whose lifelong commitment to education, social justice and public service aligns deeply with the values and mission of the University,” Dambuza said.
Pandor’s appointment for a period of four years is in terms of the University statute, which gives effect to the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act 101 of 1997), as amended.
“Her appointment reflects Council’s confidence in her ability to provide principled leadership and serve as an inspiring ambassador for the institution.”
Pandor succeeds the current Chancellor, Dr Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, whose term comes to an end on 31 March 2026.
Dambuza further expressed the Council’s appreciation to Dr Fraser-Moleketi, who served two terms as Chancellor, for the “dedication, hard work and commitment to advancing Nelson Mandela University, its values and ethos that characterised her term of office.”
