Naledi Pandor Emphasizes Ethical Leadership in Higher Education

Pretoria:Nelson Mandela University: Chancellor Dr. Naledi Pandor has emphasized the critical role of universities in nurturing ethical leaders, maintaining academic integrity, and shaping graduates who can contribute positively to society. According to South African Government News Agency, Pandor spoke during a roundtable discussion at the Chancellors Thought Leadership Seminar hosted by Universities South Africa (USAf). She highlighted that ethical leadership is foundational for public trust, institutional credibility, and academic excellence. Drawing from her experience, she stressed that universities must be governed with integrity and led with moral clarity. Pandor reflected on her transformative experience as a student at the University of Botswana, underscoring the profound impact of higher education on personal development. She urged universities to actively teach principles such as academic freedom, transparency, and ethical reasoning, stating that these values must be cultivated intentionally. She also warned against breaches of academic ethics, such as plagiarism and falsified research, which damage institutional credibility. Pandor advocated for the proper teaching and enforcement of research ethics and responsible use of technology without compromising creativity and critical thinking. Pandor called for ethical leadership to be demonstrated through behavior, urging leaders to model integrity and uphold constitutional values. She also highlighted the need for respect and ethical conduct in campus cultures, noting incidents of mistreatment of university workers. On governance, Pandor warned against dysfunction due to overreach by university council chairs and called for improved orientation and training to prevent conflict. She also challenged the notion that university degrees are the sole path to success, advocating for partnerships with colleges to enhance technical education. Pandor concluded by emphasizing that ethical leadership is essential for restoring public confidence in higher education , urging universities to protect academic freedom and uphold constitutional values.