IWF member profile

Naledi Pandor

Naledi Pandor

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa

Naledi Pandor is the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa.

Naledi was elected to Parliament in 1994 and was appointed Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces by President Thabo Mbeki in 1999. She served as Minister of Education from 2004 to 2009 during which time she oversaw a complete overhaul of the South Africa education system. She was appointed Minister of Science and Technology by President Jacob Zuma in May 2009.

During her illustrious career Naledi has held numerous positions including:

  • National Director – Black Management Forum
  • Chancellor – Cape Peninsula University of Technology
  • Chairperson – National Council of Provinces
  • Executive Director – Desmond Tutu Educational Trust
  • Senior Lecturer and Assistant Director: Academic Support Programme – University of Cape Town
  • Coordinator and Senior Lecturer: English for Academic Purposes – University of Cape Town
  • Vice Chairperson – Alpha Early Learning Centre
  • Teacher – Seepapitso Secondary School and Ernest Bevin School (UK)
  • Member – Cape Technikon Council, South African Applied Linguistics Association and Association for Academic Development
  • Deputy Chief Whip: National Executive Committee – ANC
  • Lecturer and Head: English Department – Taung College of Education
  • Member: University Council – University of Fort Hare
  • Chairperson – Tertiary Education Fund of South Africa
  • Trustee – JW Jagger Bequest Committee and Young People’s Theatre Education Trust

Naledi’s educational qualifications include a Certificate in Civil Engineering from the University of Botswana, a Certificate in Education from the University of Botswana and Swaziland, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Botswana, a Master of Arts and a Diploma in Education from the University of London and a Master of Arts (General Linguistics) from Stellenbosch University.