The University is congratulating Dr Naledi Pandor upon her appointment as the Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University. This good news was announced by the Chairperson of Nelson Mandela University, Judge Nambitha Dambuza, on 7 January 2026. Dr Pandor will begin her four-year term as Chancellor on 1 April 2026.
Dr Pandor has a long history with MUT as an active participant in the education sector. Dr Pandor had interactions with MUT as Minister of Education from 2004 to 2009. Dr Pandor visited the University several times as one of its esteemed guests. During one of the visits, Dr Pandor was thoroughly impressed by the University’s new residences on its main campus. At the same time, she was heartbroken when she was shown a fountain that honoured Zolile Khumalo, a student who was killed by her former boyfriend. The fountain is located in the new residence. Dr Pandor was accompanying the Founder of the University, the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, and Honourable Lindiwe Sisulu (then MP), who was the Chancellor of MUT at the time.
Dr Pandor is one of the South Africans who believes education will provide a true personal liberation. Dr Pandor was 66 years of age when she earned her PhD in Education from the University of Pretoria in 2019. The same university offered Dr Pandor a Professorship in February 2025.
MUT wishes Dr Pandor all the best during her tenure as Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University.