Pretoria - Congratulations have been pouring in on social media for Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Naledi Pandor, who received her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Education at the University of Pretoria (Tuks) on Tuesday.
Pandor's research topic was "The contested meaning of transformation in higher education in post- apartheid South Africa".
The minister, who holds a Master’s in Education policy and practice in multi-racial societies, and another in Linguistics from the applied linguistics perspective, in a statement issued by UP explained why she chose Tuks to further her studies.
“I was told that the Education Faculty at UP was a really good team with very powerful postgraduate support. I knew that given my schedule I should be registered at an institution with a good PhD programme. Several friends referred me to UP.
Pandor says she chose education “because it is the discipline I have always had an interest in understanding further. I am a teacher by early training and am fascinated by education".
I received a phd in education from the University of Pretoria this afternoon. Now there are two doctors in the house @aishapandor @alenribic @pandorsuraya @UPTuks #Graduation2019 pic.twitter.com/JglegnzQDW
— Naledi Pandor (@NalediPandor) April 16, 2019
"I learnt that there is a vast amount of absolutely fascinating education information that we need to tap into much more than we do today. I also learnt how to use research material and to carry out a very demanding academic schedule".
Professor Chika Sehoole, Dean of the Faculty of Education at UP, said it was an honour supervising the minister, having previously worked with her before the old Department of Education was split.
Meanwhile, academics, politicians and citizens took to Twitter to congratulate the minister on her achievement.
Leading the congratulatory posts was President Cyril Ramaphosa, who hailed Pandor for continuing to "inspire" everyone.
Congratulations are in order for Minister of Higher Education & Training, Dr @NalediPandor, on attainment of her PhD in Education from @UPTuks today. Given her demanding roles and responsibilities, she continues to inspire us and has proven once again, that nothing is impossible. pic.twitter.com/ZGwCGUyvYr
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) April 16, 2019
See some noteworthy reactions to Pandor's graduation:
Congratulations to Higher Education & Training Minister @NalediPandor on receiving her PhD in Education from the University of Pretoria @UPTuks today! pic.twitter.com/RgvsisaAA5
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) April 16, 2019
Congratulations to Doctor @NalediPandor on her attainment of her PhD in Education pic.twitter.com/rjMqiIKqab
— Tumi Sole (@tumisole) April 16, 2019
So proud and excited to watch my mom DR @NalediPandor officially receive her PhD in Education from @UPTuks. Welcome to the club mom!! #UPGraduate2019 pic.twitter.com/EtIL4b9Tml
— Aisha R Pandor (@aishapandor) April 16, 2019
Today we are attending the Graduation Ceremony of my comrade and Friend Minister @NalediPandor who is being conferred a PhD in Education @UPTuks. Congratulations mbokodo, You continue to inspire us ✊🏿 pic.twitter.com/rHfEeeZ7BA
— Dr Dlamini Zuma (@DlaminiZuma) April 16, 2019
Congratulations Minister @NalediPandor for your PhD in Education. That’s inspiring to our young people @UPTuks #Graduation2019 https://t.co/x3gkPpqB07
— Prof Thuli Madonsela (@ThuliMadonsela3) April 16, 2019