Former education minister Naledi Pandor is the new chancellor of Nelson Mandela University, promising youth empowerment and the exploration of 'good trouble' amid global challenges to higher education.
The appointment of former Education Minister Naledi Pandor as Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University has been hailed as a vote of confidence in her leadership, but it also comes with the important task of advancing youth development in the Eastern Cape.
Speaking on behalf of Premier Oscar Mabuyane, Chairman of Committees of the Eastern Cape Legislature Tony Duba urged Pandor to use the expertise he has acquired in his previous roles in South Africa to drive this work.
“Nelson Mandela University continues to play a vital role within the economic hub of our province, and continues to be a vital partner in driving inclusive economic growth and development,” Duba said.
Duba said Pandor's appointment comes at a time of “new energy” in the province. He said that, in his view, the Eastern Cape Government has taken deliberate steps on infrastructure development and industrial expansion, with a drive to attract direct investment to the region.
“The appointment of a person of the stature of Chancellor Dr Pandor, a former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and SA’s diplomat-in-chief, could not be more appropriate.
“It is therefore our considered view that higher education institutions like NMU, working with TVET colleges, bear a deep responsibility for the development…