Former cabinet minister appointed professor at Tuks

Former cabinet minister Naledi Pandor was recently appointed as an honorary professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Pretoria (UP).

UP spokesperson Sashlin Girraj described the appointment as “strategic and important”.

Griraj said the university had welcomed the former cabinet minister to its education faculty as an honorary professor.

“A PhD graduate of the faculty, she joins UP’s Centre for the Advancement of Sustainable Higher Education Futures, where she will contribute – without remuneration – to research, and student and staff development,” said Girraj.

UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Francis Petersen said Pandor is a leader whose impact on education, policy and innovation, and whose unwavering commitment to advancing higher education and sustainable development, aligns 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.

“Her passion for education stems from her background as a teacher and a lifelong curiosity about the field.”

Girraj said Pandor’s appointment followed an external peer-review process and was vetted by the Senior Appointments Committee of the UP Senate.

“The University’s Registrar has issued a formal note confirming that Pandor is permitted to use the title of ‘professor’.”

He said Pandor received a PhD in Education from UP in 2019 after completing her doctoral thesis, titled The contested meaning of transformation in higher education in post-apartheid South Africa.

Petersen said through her research that Pandor had explored the vast and rewarding landscape in education, while acquiring academic and research skills.

He added that the honorary professorship was a testament not only to Pandor’s academic abilities and remarkable contributions to transformation but also to her excellence as a leader with strong ethical values.

“Balancing the responsibilities of a cabinet minister and PhD student was no easy task.

“She meticulously planned her schedule and dedicated every available moment outside work and politics to her studies, even reducing her public engagements. Despite the challenges, she remained committed to her academic goals.”

Girraj said UP looked forward to “learning from your vast experience and engaging in meaningful collaborations that will shape the future of higher education”.

Pandor, who served as a cabinet minister from 2004 until July 2024 in portfolios including higher education, science and technology, and international relations and co-operation, described her new appointment as “an incredible honour” and said she was thrilled to return to UP.

She said her experience as a student for four years has matured her in significant ways, prepared her for international relations and was a learning experience in standing her ground.

Girraj said Pandor offered insight into her decision to enter academia after retiring from government.

“When you retire, it is a very peculiar experience when you’ve worked most of your life. I’ve worked for more than 40 years and have always been very busy. So in July last year, when I realised this was it and I should let others take over, I sat at home for a bit and thought about what I would do,” said Pandor.

He said she received several offers, including from other universities in South Africa, but did not seriously consider any of them until her former PhD supervisor, Professor Chika Sehoole, previous Dean of the Faculty of Education at UP, expressed interest in nominating her as a professor with the faculty.

Sehoole noted that his former student did not use academic titles lightly.

“Pandor has four honorary doctorates, but she never used the titles.

“After she formally obtained her doctorate from UP, which she studied for, she agreed to be called ‘doctor’. She chose not to until she’d earned it.”

He said that her four years’ experience as a student in the Faculty of Education will be an asset to and enhance the status of the university.

He added that she had been an exemplary PhD student who adhered to all doctoral requirements, including attending classes and compulsory support sessions.

“She was a role model. She did not send her office staff to register; she came herself.”

Garrij said the new Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Lindelani Mnguni welcomed Pandor, saying that the faculty and the entire university would benefit from the strategic and important decision to recruit a leader of her stature.

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