Dr. Naledi Pandor Takes The Helm At The Nelson Mandela Foundation

Holifil

01 Apr, 2025

Dr. Naledi Pandor has been chosen as the new board chair for the Nelson Mandela Foundation
She wrapped up her five-year stint at the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation on June 30, 2024
Pandor becomes the third chairperson since the foundation's establishment in 1999, following in the footsteps of Professor Jakes Gerwel and Professor Njabulo Ndebele

Let me tell you about Dr. Naledi Pandor, a woman who has walked in the same halls of history as Nelson Mandela himself. She was a close colleague of Madiba during South Africa’s first democratic government, and now she's stepping into a role that carries immense responsibility. Dr. Pandor has been named the new chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, a position that not only honors her but also thrusts her into the center of preserving and promoting Madiba's legacy.

Dr. Naledi Pandor assumes her new role as chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Image: @NelsonMandelaSource: Twitter

Dr. Pandor's Take on Her New Role

Dr. Pandor didn’t hesitate to express her feelings about being entrusted with this monumental responsibility. In her own words, she shared her thoughts:

“I’m deeply honored and thrilled to take on this role. We’re living in a world full of challenges, and Madiba’s legacy is more important now than ever. The Nelson Mandela Foundation is doing groundbreaking work in the realm of social justice, and I’m eager to contribute in a meaningful way. This is not just a job—it’s a calling, and I’m ready to answer it.”

Passing the Torch: Professor Njabulo Ndebele Steps Down

For the past 25 years, Professor Njabulo Ndebele has served as the foundation’s board chair, leaving an indelible mark on its mission and values. Before his tenure at the foundation, he was the chancellor of the University of Johannesburg. As he announced Dr. Pandor’s appointment, he reflected on his own journey:

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“Dr. Pandor brings exactly what the foundation needs to thrive in its next chapter. I have no doubt she’ll lead with the same passion and dedication that Madiba himself embodied. It’s time for me to step aside and make room for fresh leadership. This new phase of my life is both exciting and humbling, but I’ll always carry the lessons and experiences from my time at the foundation.”

Upcoming Events: The Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture

One of the foundation’s most anticipated events is the Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture. This year, the esteemed guest speaker will be none other than Abdulrazak Gurnah, a Nobel Prize laureate in literature. The lecture is set to take place on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Dr. Pandor will be in attendance, marking her official start as chairperson on October 1. It’s a momentous occasion, bringing together thought leaders and changemakers to honor Madiba’s vision for a better world.

Foundation Joins Forces for a Cleaner Joburg

In a related story, Briefly News reported that the Nelson Mandela Foundation joined hands with the City of Johannesburg and the #JoziMyJozi campaign to organize a massive cleanup effort for Mandela Day 2024. This initiative wasn’t just about tidying up the city—it was about fostering a sense of community and responsibility. Volunteers from all walks of life, including residents, businesses, community groups, and government representatives, came together to transform the inner city into a cleaner, greener space.

City officials emphasized the importance of sustaining this effort beyond the confines of Mandela Day. They encouraged everyone to remain actively involved in maintaining the cleanliness of Johannesburg, ensuring that this spirit of collaboration continues long after the event concludes. After all, a clean city reflects a community that cares about its future.