Aisha Pandor, the daughter of Naledi Pandor, the former minister of international relations and cooperation, is pleased with her mother’s political involvement and activism.
Pandor has been an ANC member of parliament since 1994, but she was not included in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s newly announced cabinet on Sunday night.
Married to Sharif Joseph Pandor, the former minister has held various government positions since the dawn of democracy in 1994.
The couple, who met in Botswana while studying there, is parents to four children. Following her meeting with her spouse, Pandor converted to Islam.
Dedication and integrity
Aisha gushed about her mother and how she has been an ANC member and activist all of her life on social media on Monday.
She disclosed that she has always celebrated her birthday with friends and family instead of her parents, who were constantly occupied with ANC work.
“Since I was almost nine years old, she has served as a member of South Africa’s democratic government,” wrote Aisha.
“During those three decades, she has led with dedication, integrity, intelligence, wisdom, a love for her country, and a focus on principles held high by her religion, upbringing, country, and party.”
Aisha went on to say that she spent hours on Sunday telling her mother how much she loved her and how much her work had inspired her throughout the years.
Time for rest
She wrote: “I am excited for this next stage in her life, which I know will be anything but idle.
“It will undoubtedly be focused on creating positive impact and on continuing to champion the causes of the underserved, voiceless, and powerless.”
“I am also hoping that, as by far the most hardworking person I have ever met, she finally takes a bit of well-deserved time for rest.
“Very proud and grateful daughter, and hopeful for South Africa. May our country and people be blessed with peace, unity, growth, and prosperity.”
Dear Aisha
Please forgive me for using this avenue as a means to contact your dear mum. I have tried through Nelson Mandela Foundation but have not had a firm response. As a result I don’t know if your mum received my invitation to attend our annual school function in Harare in late November. Please let me know if I should resend the formal invitation in the event my original invitation was not passed onto her.
Gulam Ebrahim
Chairman
Islamic Education Trust
Landline 00 263 242 740000
WhatsApp 00263 0774742022