On 29 April 2026, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) will launch Beyond the Code: AI and Law, a new podcast series engaging one of the most pressing issues of our time, how to govern artificial intelligence in a rapidly changing world.
The inaugural episode features UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi, in conversation with Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations. Together, they unpack the growing gap between technological advancement and the legal and regulatory frameworks meant to guide it.
Artificial intelligence is already shaping decisions across finance, healthcare, policing and warfare, often without clear accountability. As innovation accelerates, regulation remains fragmented and uneven, raising urgent questions about responsibility, ethics and global coordination.
At the heart of the discussion is a defining challenge: what happens when innovation outpaces accountability? The conversation moves beyond abstract principles, calling for enforceable legal frameworks that clearly assign responsibility across developers, deployers and institutions.
The dialogue also highlights the risk of deepening inequality, particularly in regions with limited regulatory capacity. In this context, Africa is positioned as a critical voice in shaping inclusive, contextually relevant approaches to AI governance.
The geopolitical dimension of regulation is also brought into focus. With major powers advancing competing models, the prospect of a fragmented global AI regime is increasing. The discussion underscores the need for stronger multilateral cooperation and shared principles to guide responsible AI deployment
The episode further reflects on the future of the legal profession, as AI transforms traditional legal work and demands new forms of interdisciplinary expertise.
While the risks are clear, the conversation remains forward-looking. If governed effectively, AI holds significant potential to expand access to justice and strengthen public institutions.
The launch of Beyond the Code: AI and Law positions the series as a platform for critical global dialogue at the intersection of law, technology and society, contributing to the future of AI governance.
