Dr. Naledi Pandor is receiving worldwide accolades as she steps down from her government role after serving as a Member of Parliament (MP) since 1994.
Pandor is among the ministers who will not be returning to Parliament for the seventh administration.
In February, during an African National Congress (ANC) event in Cape Town, the outgoing International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Minister hinted at her retirement.
She mentioned she would “not hold public office” after her term, which began in 2019.
On Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his Government of National Unity (GNU) Cabinet, appointing Ronald Lamola, the former Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, as Pandor’s successor.
Since then, Pandor has been receiving warm wishes and tributes for her service.
DIRCO Director-General Zane Dangor praised Pandor as one of the most principled and dynamic ministers he has worked with, highlighting her exceptional intellect.
Pandor, formerly a teacher and lecturer, has numerous qualifications. She attributes her passion for books and education to her anti-apartheid activist parents, Joe and Fikile Matthews, who raised her in exile.
Born in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, she grew up in exile, completing her education in Botswana and London, UK. She earned a professional teaching qualification and a Master’s Degree in Education. Pandor also holds a PhD from the University of Pretoria, a Master’s Degree in General Linguistics from the University of Stellenbosch, and a Diploma in Leadership and Development from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. She received honorary doctorates from Cape Peninsula University of Technology, University of Stellenbosch, University of Lisbon, and University College Dublin.
Dangor stated that Pandor made significant contributions in every role she held, emerging as a leading global diplomat in the past five years.
A Daughter’s Admiration
Pandor’s daughter, Dr. Aisha Pandor, took to X (formerly Twitter) to honor her mother, recalling her lifelong activism and dedication to the ANC.
She reminisced about sharing a birthday with the ANC and spending January 8th with family while her parents served the party.
Naledi Pandor, elected as an MP in 1994, quickly ascended to Deputy Chief Whip of the ANC caucus in 1995, Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces in 1998, and Chairperson in 1999.
Aisha admired her mother’s dedication, integrity, intelligence, and wisdom over the past three decades in government. She expressed her pride and excitement for her mother’s next chapter, hoping she takes some well-deserved rest.
Advocacy for Gaza
Pandor is celebrated for her staunch advocacy for Palestine, consistently calling for increased action against Israel’s invasion of Gaza. Under her leadership, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza and provide more assistance to Palestinian civilians amidst the ongoing conflict with Hamas militants.
Contributions to Science and Other Roles
As Minister of Science and Technology, Pandor and her team secured a competitive bid in 2012 to host part of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope in South Africa. She also served as Minister in the Departments of Home Affairs and Education.
Recognized for Integrity
In 2022, Pandor received a Lifetime Achievement award at the Standard Bank Top Women Awards for her governmental contributions. Ayanda Dlodlo, former Minister and World Bank Group Executive Director, lauded Pandor’s unparalleled integrity and work ethic, exemplifying servant leadership.
German Ambassador to South Africa, Andreas Peschke, thanked Pandor for her tireless diplomatic efforts, expressing Germany’s privilege in working with her.
Reuben Wambui, founder of the Kenya Climate Directory, expressed disappointment at Pandor’s departure from the Cabinet.
Source: SaNews
