Education and Faith: The Story of Naledi Pandor
Naledi Pandor
28 years old, from South Africa
Previous Religion: Christianity
My Life Before Islam
Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor was born on December 7, 1953, in Durban, South Africa, into a distinguished family of anti-apartheid activists. Her father Joe Matthews was a political activist, and her grandfather Zachariah Matthews was one of the most respected African academics of his generation. Because her family was deeply involved in the struggle against apartheid, Naledi spent much of her schooling in exile, first in Botswana and later in Britain, where she trained as a teacher. She returned from London with a love of education and a commitment to justice shaped by the church-going Christian home in which she was raised, and it was during these years that she met the man who would change her life.
The Moment of Guidance
While studying in Botswana, Naledi met Sharif Pandor, a young Muslim student, and their friendship grew into a deep love. As she came to know his family and their faith, she was drawn to Islam's emphasis on the unity of God and its insistence that faith must be lived out in daily conduct. She discussed her decision with her parents, who, though devout Christians, gave her their full support; she later recalled that they simply said that God is God, and that whoever worships Him sincerely will be supported. She accepted the faith before her marriage, and her in-laws gave her the name Nadia, which she has carried with quiet pride ever since.
Reflections
Naledi Pandor converted to Islam before marrying Sharif Pandor in 1982. Her husband's family, rooted in the Muslim community of Benoni east of Johannesburg, welcomed her warmly, and she embraced her new faith completely, later remarking that Islam demands much more of you in terms of observance. Together with her husband she was involved in establishing the Muslim Community School in Benoni, a school founded to give Muslim children an education uniting Islamic values with academic excellence. She raised four children as Muslims, including her son Haroon, who became a hafiz, one who has memorized the entire Qur'an, and throughout her public career her faith has remained a constant point of reference.
Naledi Pandor went on to one of the most distinguished careers in modern South African politics. She served as chairperson of the National Council of Provinces and held the cabinet portfolios of Education, Science and Technology, Home Affairs, and Higher Education before becoming Minister of International Relations and Cooperation in 2019, a post she held until 2024. She was a leading voice in South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and a champion of Palestinian rights. In 2024 she was appointed chairperson of the board of trustees of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and in 2026 she became chancellor of Nelson Mandela University. She is a rare example of a political leader whose Muslim faith and commitment to justice strengthened her public service rather than limited it.