H.E. Dr. Grace Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations & Cooperation, Republic of South Africa
Born on 7 December 1953, Dr Pandor is South Africa’s current Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.
Dr Pandor became an MP in 1994 and has amassed impressive experience in positions of public office, including Deputy chief whip of the ANC in the National Assembly from 1995 to 1998, served as the Deputy chairperson of the National Council of Provinces in 1998, and its Chairperson from 1999-2004.
Dr Pandor’s experience in education policy planning made her a welcome appointment as South Africa’s Minister of Education in 2004. She has been a member of cabinet ever since, and has served her country in the following portfolios:
Minister of Education (2004-2009):
Minister of Science and Technology (2009-2012);
Minister of Home Affairs (2012-2014);
Minister of Science and Technology (2014-2018); and
Minister of Higher Education and Training (2018-19).
Dr Pandor has a Phd from the University of Pretoria (2019) and honorary doctorates from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, University of Stellenbosch, and the University of Lisbon (Portugal) and the University College Dublin in Ireland.
Upon being awarded Germany's highest federal award, the Grand Cross of Merit, the German Ambassador to South Africa, Walter Lindner, said: "Pandor is for us a symbol of the new South Africa: modern, innovative, dedicated to scientific progress and also outstanding female leadership".
Dr Pandor is married to Mr Sharif Pandor and have four children and seven grandchildren.