Letlhokwa Mpedi aims to build on the University of Johannesburg’s stellar reputation as a centre of technology expertise – and even has lofty ambitions to start a new medical school.
Prof Letlhokwa George Mpedi , who boasts qualifications from internationally acclaimed institutions including Oxford and Harvard, was being headhunted for another post when he opted to take up the job as the vice-chancellor and principal of the University of Johannesburg.
“To be honest, I am an accidental university manager or administrator. I have always been comfortable behind my desk doing my research.” He recalled his family’s difficulties and how it became clear that education was the only way out of poverty. “What we are saying is, it’s one thing to understand there are these technologies, but we are going to be more deliberate in ensuring that whatever we do in the 4IR space impacts society in a positive way. We highlight challenges and propose ways and means to mitigate adverse effects of 4IR.”
Mpedi is taking up his new position at a time of great turmoil in the higher education sector, particularly as some institutions are grappling with corruption, maintaining independence and resisting government attempts to influence research and, sometimes, the actual running of institutions.
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