Letlhokwa Mpedi

About

I am a higher education leader, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Law Professor, and specialist researcher in labour law and social security. I am also Chief Nana Afowomah II of the Abeadze Kingdom in Ghana. My work is driven by a commitment to ethical leadership, societal impact, and the responsible use of emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence and its regulatory frameworks. My academic and leadership interests span labour law, social security, Artificial Intelligence and the law, Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, and societal impact programmes. I also explore research in Artificial Reproductive Technology. Central to my work is a strong commitment to Pan-Africanism, mentorship, and the role of universities in advancing inclusive and sustainable development across the African continent. In November 2023, I was conferred with Chieftaincy by His Royal Majesty Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi VII of the Abeadze Kingdom in Ghana, in recognition of my contributions to research, education, and mentorship in Africa. In November 2025, I was awarded the Doctor of Science (DSc), Honoris Causa, in Artificial Intelligence by William V. S. Tubman University, Liberia, in recognition of my contributions to the advancement of Artificial Intelligence in higher education and society. My leadership journey in higher education includes serving as Head of Department, Vice-Dean, Director, Executive Dean, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, and now Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg. I have extensive experience lecturing labour law and social security at undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional levels, and have presented research at numerous national and international conferences. My publications include: • Labour Law in Ghana (2022), co-authored, LexisNexis • From the Baobab to the Mosquito: Rethinking Leadership Through African Sayings (2023), Tracey McDonald Publishers • Artificial Intelligence and the Law (2024), co-authored with Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Palgrave Macmillan • From Predator to Prey: Leadership Lessons from the African Wild and Beyond (2025), Tracey McDonald Publishers • Mama and Women, anthologies edited and published by UJ Press (2024) I am a regular contributor of opinion pieces and thought leadership articles published in Daily Maverick, Forbes Africa, and other leading platforms.