UCT Vice-Chancellor | Professor of Mathematics | Fab Academic
Prof. Mamokgethi Setati Phakeng is a South African professor of mathematics education and among her long list of impressive accolades, her illustrious career as an internationally recognised researcher and educationist is marked by many firsts. She is the first black woman to earn her PhD in mathematics education in 2002, and led the Association for Mathematics Education of South Africa as its first woman national president from 2002 to 2006.
She may have been the first, but she was surely going to make sure she was not the last black woman to earn her PhD in Mathematics and so in 2004, Mamokgethi founded the non-profit organization Adopt-A-Learner; created for the purpose of providing financial support to deserving lower-income learners. This initiative recognises excellence in mathematics and science by awarding annual scholarships to exceptional students from underprivileged backgrounds.
In 2008 she became the first black South African researcher to be appointed to co-chair a study commissioned by the International Commission on Mathematical Instruction called “mathematics and language diversity” and was elected as the first woman president of the Convocation of Wits University from 2011 to 2016. She has also been the vice principal of Research and Innovation at UNISA and acting executive dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology at UNISA.
In 2018 Mamokgethi became the second of only two black women to take on the position of Vice-Chancellor at Africa’s number one ranked tertiary institution, the University of Cape Town.
She is a highly regarded B1 NRF-rated scientist with over 80 research papers and five edited volumes published; and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Bristol for her contributions to science. She has been a visiting professor in universities all over the world, a keynote speaker at more than 40 plenary sessions at international conferences and guest speaker at the International Congresses of Mathematicians.
Mamokgethi’s accolades are extensive. She has won numerous notable awards for her research and community work including, amongst others, the NSTF award for being the most outstanding Senior Black Female Researcher in recognition of her innovative, quality research on teaching and learning mathematics in multilingual classrooms in May 2011. In August 2014, CEO Magazine named her the most influential woman academic in Africa and In April 2016, the Order of the Baobab (Silver) was conferred on her by the President of South Africa for her excellent contribution in the field of science and representing South Africa on the international stage through her outstanding research work. In August2016 she was awarded the prestigious Businesswoman of the Year Award in the education category.
Her commitment to spearhead transformation in academic spaces, and innovate mathematics teaching models, is seen in her impactful community work; most recently with the launch of the Mamokgethi Phakeng Scholarship awarded to UCT postgraduate students. This is a fully funded opportunity specifically made to empower black women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“If you ever have the opportunity to start at the bottom, don’t look down on it. Starting at the bottom makes you hungry and determined, it builds character. It is the best way to learn.” - Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng
“Life is going to be challenging, unfair and difficult. Whatever happens, make sure you never ever give up.” - Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng
“Be who you are, don’t take nonsense, work hard, don’t apologize for being fabulous and stay the course!” - Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng
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Prof Kgethi Phakeng speaks to Strongest Story on ‘leaning in’, using life’s challenges as launching pads & knowing that God is bigger…
“The best way to do life is to take everything that comes at you, as being meant for you. Don’t just tolerate it; lean in and take it as an opportunity, take it as a launching pad for your next step . Use every challenge that comes at you. Some will be unfair, some will be fair. Embrace it, learn from it, grow from it, see it as meant for your good.
You have your own story - If you stop every time you get pushed back, you will lose focus. Keep the focus on what needs to be done – keep doing your job and get your work done!
Don’t try to fight the challenges because you will end up depleting your energy for the good thigs that God wants you to do. Trust God – there is a reason why you are going through what you are going through. Believe in what God has in store for you, because it is much bigger than the challenge.
It is the same with Covid-19 and how it is affecting the 2020 Matric class. I know it’s hard to study during this time of crisis, however, I want you to focus on the opportunity that comes with this crisis. You, the class of 2020, are learning online and developing skills that many university students still struggle with: time management, self discipline and learning to be focused on your studies despite the temptation to just blame the situation or other people for things that you are not able to do. It’s your year of growth!”
A personal message from Strongest Story:
Popularly known as “Kgethi” to her peers, "Deputy Mother" to her students, and “Fab Academic” to her followers; I still can’t bring myself to be that familiar. So, out of respect, I endearingly refer to Prof. Phakeng as “Madame VC”.
In January last year, I sat in UCT’s Sarah Baartman hall along with hundreds of new parents, all of whom were captivated by the eloquent flair of our bright and brilliant Vice Chancellor. Dressed in vibrant colours, she looked nothing like a stereotypical professor! Her no-holds-barred approach to diligent hard work and perseverance, her decisiveness and candid authenticity impressed me beyond measure; and I knew our first born son was going to be in very good hands for the duration of his University career.
After the formalities ,we all spilled out of the hall onto the Jammies steps and to our surprise we found Prof.Phakeng happily engaging with the new parents. We couldn’t stop ourselves from going over to meet and thank her personally, and of course ask for a “selfie”! She was disarmingly winsome with the loveliest sense of intelligent humour. She was even willing, when asked by my husband, to share with us the story behind the words “forgive” and “believe” tattooed on her arms: "I got the tattoos at a time when everything was going well in my life. I was nailing things and I thought: 'It's easy to forget that I'm just a sinner who has been forgiven.' I got the tattoos to remind myself that there's nothing special about me. I'm just another person who works hard. I have been granted grace and favour - and all I have to do is believe."
I was speechless. Both Michael and I walked away from this encounter feeling on top of the world. Prof Phakeng had a magical effect; making things better just by being around her!
Strongest Story thanks you Madame VC for being for emboldening women to be the hero of their destined story and for doing the impossible: making maths cool!