In Conversation with Naledi Pandor
On 9th November 2024, the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) hosted South Africa’s former Minister of Foreign Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor. The event was introduced by ICJP’s Senior Public Affairs Officer Jonathan Purcell, and featured Dr Pandor in conversation with ICJP Director Tayab Ali. The two discussed her childhood, her lengthy career in numerous posts in the post-Apartheid South African government, and her pursuit of global justice, including for the Palestinian people. The event took place from 2.30-4.30pm on Saturday, 9th November 2024 at a packed auditorium in the heart of Westminster.
Naledi Pandor is a South African politician, educator and academic who served as Foreign Minister from 2019 to 2024. She served in various ministerial roles in the National Cabinet since 2004 and was first elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the African National Congress (ANC) in 1994, in the first historic post-apartheid election. As Foreign Minister, she also called on the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Pandor spoke about her role in South Arica’s genocide case which was brought before the International Court of Justice regarding Israel’s conduct in Gaza. She also spoke about her personal upbringing, coming from a political background and being raised in exile, as well as her background in education.
She discussed her experiences with Tayab Ali, Director of ICJP and a partner and Head of International Law at Bindmans LLP.
To conclude the event, Dr Pandor was asked what message she had for Palestinians who are enduring the brutality of Israel’s genocide. In response she said:
“I want to give them my Mum’s last words to me. She said, when we were in struggle, we used to sing a song “Freedom in our Lifetime”. And she said, Naledi I’m really glad I lived to see freedom in my lifetime. Because sometimes, I didn’t believe it. But it happened.”