After years of distinguished service, Justice Lex Mpati is retiring as the Chancellor of Rhodes University, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, transformation, and unwavering commitment to justice. Appointed in February 2013, he became the first former student of the University to hold the position. Throughout his tenure, Justice Mpati championed inclusivity and excellence, embodying the institution's values and inspiring future generations. His tenure has been marked by a dedication to academic excellence, social responsibility, and a deep belief in the power of education to change lives.

Born in Durban in 1949, Justice Mpati's rise through the ranks of South African law was far from conventional. "I grew up here. Although I was born in Durban, I came here as a baby - it is the only home I know. I participated in sports here, and this is where I climbed up in the world," he said.

Justice Mpati's path to success was shaped by resilience, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to justice. His early education began at St Joseph's Catholic School in Fort Beaufort, where he laid the foundation for his academic journey.

He then continued at Mary Waters High School in Grahamstown, demonstrating the determination and discipline that would later define his legal career. He matriculated in 1967, stepping into the world with a strong sense of purpose.

Before entering the legal profession, Justice Mpati spent over a decade working various jobs that connected him to ordinary South Africans. From 1968 to 1980, he was a petrol attendant, work clerk, furniture salesman, and barman. These experiences instilled a strong work ethic and deepened his understanding of the everyday struggles of the people he would later serve as a lawyer and judge.

In 1979, Justice Mpati took a leap of faith, enrolling at Rhodes University to study law. Juggling academic pressures with the realities of adulthood, he persevered, earning his LLB degree in 1984 (being only the second black student to graduate with an LLB from Rhodes University), marking a significant milestone in his journey toward becoming a legal professional. His academic achievements were a testament to his perseverance and passion for the law.

Justice Mpati's legal career formally began in 1985 when he started practising as an attorney in Grahamstown. His reputation as a dedicated and skilled legal mind grew quickly, leading him to join the Eastern Cape Society of Advocates in 1989. Over the next decade, he established himself as a formidable advocate, deeply involved in human rights and legal transformation. His expertise and dedication were recognised when he was appointed Senior Counsel in 1996, cementing his status as a leading legal figure in South Africa.

When the late Chief Justice Ismail Mohamed invited Justice Mpati to serve as an acting judge at the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) in the late 1990s, Justice Mpati was both honoured and taken aback. The opportunity to preside over cases in what was then the country's highest court before the establishment of the Constitutional Court filled him with a mix of emotions.

"I had a mix of emotions because it was the highest court before the founding of the Constitutional Court. I thought to myself, 'Will I be up for the task?' Also, the SCA had many living and deceased judges whom I held in high regard," he reflected. The moment was a turning point in his career, marking his transition from a respected advocate to a key figure in shaping South African jurisprudence. Justice Mpati would be President of the Supreme Court of Appeal from 2008 (the first Rhodes Law alumnus to be appointed).

At a Law Society of South Africa AGM in 2014, Justice Mpati emphasised the critical importance of judicial independence and integrity. He spoke candidly about the judiciary's responsibility to remain impartial, ethical, and transparent, values he carried throughout his legal and academic career.

On April 4th, 2013, at the historic 1820 Settlers National Monument, Justice Mpati was officially installed as the 7th Chancellor of Rhodes University during a prestigious graduation ceremony. In his oath of office, Justice Mpati pledged, "I, Lex Mpati, pledge myself to faithfully perform the duties of Chancellor and to defend by all lawful means Rhodes University's rights and privileges in its pursuit of knowledge and truth, its promotion of democratic ideals, social justice, academic freedom, ethical conduct and social responsibility, and its quest for outstanding teaching and learning, rigorous scholarship and socially committed community engagement". His leadership reflected his lifelong belief that education is a tool for empowerment, and under his chancellorship, Rhodes University remained steadfast in its pursuit of excellence.

As he steps down, Justice Mpati leaves behind an institution enriched by his vision. His impact on South Africa's legal system and Rhodes University is profound, ensuring that his legacy will be remembered for generations.

When asked about his plans for his retirement, Justice Mpati states, "Over the years, people have bought me books as presents - they are all sitting in a pile waiting for my retirement!" From a young man working odd jobs in Grahamstown to a revered judge and chancellor, his story is a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us of the power of perseverance, justice, and lifelong learning.