Dr. Naledi Pandor has been appointed as the new Chair of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, effective October 1, 2024. Dr. Pandor, who worked closely with Nelson Mandela during South Africa’s first democratic administration, becomes only the third person to hold this esteemed position since the organization was established in 1999.
The announcement follows the retirement of Professor Njabulo Ndebele, who has served on the Board for 25 years and as Chair for over a decade. In his farewell, Prof. Ndebele praised Dr. Pandor, stating, “She offers the Foundation just what it needs for the next phase of its development.” He expressed gratitude for his time in the role, saying, “It is time for me to step away and make way for fresh leadership.”
The Board and staff of the Nelson Mandela Foundation have extended their heartfelt thanks to Prof. Ndebele for his invaluable service. Acting Chief Executive Professor Verne Harris remarked, “Prof. Ndebele has been a compass to us through good times and bad.”
Dr. Pandor has a distinguished track record, having served in various leadership roles, most recently as Minister of International Relations. “I am both honoured and delighted to be entrusted with this role,” she said. “Mobilising Madiba’s legacy is more important than ever in a world facing complex challenges.”
Laudium Today extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Pandor on this remarkable achievement. Her commitment to social justice aligns with the Foundation’s mission, and we look forward to seeing her impactful contributions.
The ceremonial transition will take place during the 22nd Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture on September 28, 2024, featuring Nobel Prize winner Abdulrazak Gurnah. The theme for this year’s lecture is “Realising our Shared Humanity.”
