University of Johannesburg appoints new Vice-Chancellor and Principal - Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi

The University of Johannesburg is a long-standing Member of PURCO SA, a Purchasing Consortium for Higher Education in Southern Africa. Our CEO, Mr Selvan Govender, warmly welcomes and congratulates Prof Letlhokwa George Mpedi on his appointment as UJ’s new Principal and Vice Chancellor and looks forward to his fresh perspectives at UJ and to the Higher Education Sector as a whole.

The University of Johannesburg Council has recently announced the appointment Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi as its new Principal and Vice Chancellor, succeeding Prof Tshilidzi Marwala, who will be the rector of the UN University of Tokyo in Japan. Prof Mpedi is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and a member of the university’s management executive committee.

“Announcing Mpedi’s appointment on behalf of the university council, Chair Mike Teke said: “The panel were impressed with his commitment to continuing with the university’s strategic objectives and our values of transformation, social justice and environmental sustainability. Prof Mpedi has also demonstrated an unwavering and outstanding commitment to continuing our efforts for the university to be recognised as an innovative and rigorous place of learning in the fourth industrial revolution with impactful research. We are delighted to welcome him to lead our ambitious plans.” (Source: https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2022-09-23-university-of-j...)

Prior to his appointment as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mpedi was the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Law, also at the University of Johannesburg. Prof Mpedi has had a significant contribution in the Higher Education industry. Some of his notable achievements throughout the years include, in 2017, he was awarded the Titans: Building Nations Continental Award for Education and Training: Academic and in the same year, he was awarded the SA and SADC regional awards in this sector. In 2018, Prof Mpedi was also elected to the board of governors of the International Association of Law Schools (IALS).

Prof Mpedi holds a number of qualifications including an Advanced Management and Leadership qualification from the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford (2022), as well as in Leading in Artificial Intelligence: Exploring Technology and Policy Programme, from the John F Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Executive Education (July 2022). Prof Mpedi completed his B Juris degree in 1996, LLB degree in 1998 at Vista University, an LLM in Labour Law from the Rand Afrikaans University (now known as the University of Johannesburg) and an LLD in Mercantile Law from University of Johannesburg and he holds a B3 rating (internationally acclaimed researcher) issued by the National Research Foundation.

When asked how he feels, Prof Mpedi said: “I’m delighted and deeply honoured to be taking up the role of vice-chancellor of this great university. Prof Marwala and his predecessor, Prof Ihron Rensburg, have built a strong university and I see many opportunities to take the institution’s ambitious strategy forward. I am particularly looking forward to working with staff and students to build a truly inspirational and transformative institution where all are included and supported to thrive.”

“Marwala wished him well: “My warmest congratulations to Prof Mpedi on his appointment. I look forward to working with him over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition and I offer him and the university my very best wishes for every success in the future.”” (Source: https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2022-09-23-university-of-j...)

Details regarding Prof Mpedi’s inauguration as principal and vice-chancellor will be announced at a later stage.

Pictured above: Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi

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