Dr Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor. Image: SuppliedHonorary Doctorate Recipient 2025: Dr Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor
Doctor Philosophiae
Dr Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor is one of South Africa's most accomplished educators, parliamentarians and diplomats.
Pandor obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Botswana, followed by a Diploma in Education from the Institute of Education at the University of London. She later completed a Master of Arts in Linguistics at Stellenbosch University and a PhD from the University of Pretoria.
Before entering politics, she worked as a teacher and university lecturer, reflecting her lifelong commitment to education and human development.
Following South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994, Pandor was elected to Parliament. She has served as Minister of Education, Minister of Science and Technology, Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Higher Education and Training.
Additionally, from 2019 to 2024, she served as South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, during which she became a respected voice on global governance, multilateral diplomacy and international law.
Pandor received widespread international recognition for her leadership in advancing peace, human rights and accountability, including South Africa's application before the International Court of Justice concerning the interpretation and application of the Genocide Convention.
