By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr.
President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, on Thursday received a high-level delegation from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), South Africa, during a courtesy visit at her Capitol Building office.
The delegation was led by the University’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Letlhokwa George Mpedi, who, along with several senior academics, engaged in a cordial and constructive discussion with the Pro Tempore.
Thursday’s meeting, according to a statement issued Friday, November 28, 2025, both sides, sets the stage for a deeper, mutually beneficial partnership between the University of Johannesburg and the Office of the President Pro Tempore.
The visiting professors expressed delight at being in Liberia and extended gratitude to Pro Tempore Karnga Lawrence for the warm hospitality accorded them.
In response, Pro Temp Karnga Lawrence thanked Prof. Mpedi and his team for the visit and underscored her appreciation for the growing academic ties between Liberia and South Africa.She described the courtesy visit as “a pathway toward strengthening positive relations with the University of Johannesburg,” noting that such collaboration holds great potential for advancing education and other development initiatives in both countries.
The Pro Tempore shared insights from her leadership journey and elaborated on her current role within the Liberian Senate.Pro Tempore Karnga Lawrence further committed to visiting South Africa in the near future, expressing confidence that such an engagement would broaden discussions and yield even more productive outcomes.
Prof. Mpedi recently served as the twelfth commencement speaker of William V. S. Tubman University in Harper, Maryland County.
During the commencement activities, Tubman University and the University of Johannesburg signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) covering student and faculty exchange, joint research opportunities, and curriculum development, an initiative the Pro Tempore praised as a platform for shared learning and growth.
He was accompanied by a team of senior UJ officials, including: Prof. Daniel Mashao, Executive Dean, Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment (FEBE), Prof. Kammila Naidoo, Executive Dean, Faculty of Humanities andProf. Bongani Ngqulunga, Senior Executive Director for University Relations, Student Affairs, and UJ Sport
