Naledi Pandor appointed Nelson Mandela Foundation chair
Former International Relations minister Naledi Pandor has been appointed as the chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
Pandor’s appointment comes a few months after she announced her retirement from politics, having served in various government roles since the dawn of democracy in 1994.
NALEDI PANDOR IS THE NEW NELSON MANDELA FOUNDATION CHAIRPERSON
Pandor takes over from Professor Njabulo Ndebele, who has served as chair for over a decade.
The former education minister‘s tenure begins on October 1, 2024, and she will become only the third person to hold the position since Nelson Mandela established the organisation in 1999 when Professor Jakes Gerwel became the inaugural chairperson.
Following the appointment of his successor, Ndebele said Pandor offered the Nelson Mandela Foundation just what it needed for its next development phase. He further wished her every success in the role.
Regarding his retirement, Ndebele, it was time for him to step away and make way for fresh leadership, to embark on a new phase of his life journey.
Acting chief executive, Professor Verne Harris, said Ndebele had been a compass to the organisation through good times and bad.
FORMER MINISTER’S CLOSE TIES WITH MADIBA
Pandor worked closely with Madiba during South Africa’s first democratic administration in the 1990s and is one of South Africa’s longest serving members of Parliament.
Pandor said she is honoured and delighted to be entrusted with this role.
“In a world facing so many complex challenges, mobilising Madiba’s legacy becomes more important than ever. I believe that the Nelson Mandela Foundation is doing critically important work in the social justice space, and I am looking forward to making a meaningful contribution,” she said.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT NALEDI PANDOR’S APPOINTMENT AT THE NELSON MANDELA FOUNDATION?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.