Arab Council meets NMF Chair, Dr. Naledi Pandor

by Kirtan Bhana - TDS

6 December 2024

December 5th, a day of profound reflection for South Africans, marks the passing of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the revered global icon, freedom fighter, and former president. His enduring legacy continues to inspire humanity and shape the global discourse on justice, equality, and human rights. Commemorating Madiba, his affectionate clan name, the Arab Ambassadors Council in Pretoria hosted Dr. Naledi Pandor, recently appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF).

Faisal Al-Harbi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and current President of the Arab Ambassadors Council, welcomed Dr. Pandor with high praise for her extensive knowledge, experience, and trailblazing achievements as a leader. Dr. Pandor’s career spans an impressive array of leadership roles, including Presidency of South Africa’s National Council of Provinces and ministerial portfolios in Education, Science and Technology, Home Affairs, Higher Education, and International Relations and Cooperation. Her pivotal role in South Africa’s transition from apartheid, a system declared a crime against humanity, has imbued her with a keen acumen for robust politics and international diplomacy.

During her interactions, Dr. Pandor recounted a humorous anecdote that underscored the resonance of Mandela’s name with freedom. She shared how, when asked by a reporter about Mandela's first name, a young person responded, “Free.” This anecdote symbolized the universal cry of the “Free Mandela,” campaign which elevated South Africa’s struggle for liberation and solidified Mandela as an icon of revolution.

Dr. Pandor reflected on the journey of her organization, the African National Congress (ANC), established in 1912, which only achieved its goals 82 years later. Transitioning from a liberation movement to a governing political entity posed significant challenges, including navigating political divisions and breakaways within the ANC's tripartite alliance with the South African Communist Party (SACP) and COSATU.

Drawing parallels with the Middle East, she emphasized the solidarity that South Africa’s liberation movement received from African nations and beyond, which was instrumental in overcoming apartheid’s brutal machinery. In particular she spoke of the countries in South Africa’s neighbourhood who bore the brunt of the apartheid government’s wrath but never wavered in their steadfast support. Dr. Pandor called for similar unity in addressing the Middle East conflict, particularly in light of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) issuance of an arrest warrant for members of the Netanyahu regime. She expressed hope that such unified action would hasten the resolution of the crisis, and end the genocide in the region. 

“Nelson Mandela was a lodestar,” Dr. Pandor remarked, highlighting his role as a source of guidance and inspiration. As one example she highlighted his transformative stance on the HIV/AIDS crisis, which helped South Africa establish world-class prevention, detection, and treatment programs. As Chair of the NMF, Dr. Pandor is determined to revitalize the Foundation’s operations to preserve Mandela’s legacy of challenging injustice and advocating for equitable global cooperation.

Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi, newly appointed CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, elaborated on the institution’s core mission: to preserve, verify, and archive Mandela’s legacy. The Foundation’s vision should align with a burgeoning, tech-savvy youth demographic in a rapidly changing geopolitic. Developing a sustainable funding model is a vital part of their strategy to ensure the Foundation’s continued impact.

Reyad Al-Akbari, Head of the League of Arab States Mission in Pretoria, thanked Dr. Pandor for her participation and insights. He acknowledged her influence and respect within the international community, particularly across the Arab world, and pledged ongoing collaboration with the NMF. Al-Akbari praised South Africa’s principled stance against the terrorist apartheid Israeli government and its steadfast support for the Palestinian cause. He also extended his best wishes for the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa, viewing it as a platform to promote multilateralism, economic inclusivity, and sustainability.

In a moment of recognition, Ambassadors Al-Harbi, Al-Akbari and Mahash Saeed Alhameli, Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps and UAE Ambassador, on behalf of the Arab States represented in South Africa, presented Dr. Pandor with a commemorative plaque. The presentation honored her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause, reflecting on her profound impact on global advocacy and diplomacy.