Mamokgethi Phakeng facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mamokgethi Phakeng
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Mamokgethi Phakeng
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| Former Vice-Chancellor of University of Cape Town | |
| In office 1 July 2018 – 3 March 2023 |
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| Chancellor | Graça Machel Precious Moloi-Motsepe |
| Preceded by | Max Price |
| Succeeded by | Daya Reddy |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1 November 1966 Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa |
| Children | 1 |
| Alma mater | University of North-West University of the Witwatersrand |
| Awards | Africa Education Medal (2022) |
Rosina Mamokgethi Phakeng GCOB OIG (née Mmutlana, born 1 November 1966) is a South African professor of mathematics education who in 2018 became a vice-chancellor of the University of Cape Town (UCT). She has been the vice principal of research and innovation, at the University of South Africa and acting executive dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology at UNISA. In 2018 she was an invited speaker at the International Congresses of Mathematicians. In February 2023 it was announced that she would leave her position as vice-chancellor of UCT and take early retirement. She was succeeded by Professor Daya Reddy on 13 March 2023
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Early life
Phakeng was born in Eastwood, Pretoria, to Frank and Wendy Mmutlana (née Thipe). Her mother went back to school after having her three children to complete Form 3 as entry to gaining a Primary Teachers Certificate to practice as a teacher. Her father was one of the first black radio announcers at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
Phakeng started school in 1972 at Ikageleng Primary in Marapyane village and then Ikageng Primary in Ga-Rankuwa. She attended Tsela-tshweu higher primary; Tswelelang Higher Primary; Thuto-Thebe Middle School; Odi High School and Hebron. She completed her matric with University Exemption in 1983 (Grade 12) in the village of Hebron's College of Education.
Higher education
Phakeng achieved a Bachelor of Education in mathematics education at the University of North-West, and a M.Ed in mathematics education at the University of the Witwatersrand, and in 2002 became the first black female South African to obtain a PhD in mathematics education. In September 2022, Phakeng won the first Africa Education Medal for her commitment to promoting education in Africa, particularly for her research on language practices in multilingual mathematics classrooms.
Career accomplishments
Phakeng has won awards for excellence in service. These honors include:
- Doctor of Science, honoris causa, University of Bristol
- The Order of the Baobab (Silver) for her excellent contribution in the field of science and representing South Africa on the international stage through her outstanding research work presented to her by former president of South Africa Jacob Zuma. (April 2016)
- Order of Ikhamanga in gold
- CEO Magazine award for being the most influential woman in education and training in South Africa (August 2013):
- NSTF award for being the most outstanding Senior Black Female Researcher over the last 5 to 10 years in recognition of her innovative, quality research on teaching and learning mathematics in multilingual classrooms. (May 2011)
- Golden key International Society Honorary life membership (May 2009)
- Association of Mathematics Education of South Africa (AMESA) Honorary life membership (July 2009)
- Amstel Salute to Success finalist (2005)
- Dr. T. W. Khambule Research Award for being the most outstanding young female black researcher for 2003: Conferred by the NSTF (May 2004)
- Outstanding Service Award (Education category). Conferred by the Sunday Sun and Christ Centred Church (2004).
- Finalist for SA Woman of the Year in the Science and Technology Category (2003).
- Prestige National Award South Africa's Inspirational Women Achievers Award -Conferred by RCP Media, (June 2003).
- NRF Thuthuka Award (2003–2008).
- National Research Foundation/National Science Foundation USA/SA fellowship (2001; 2003)
- Mellon Award (1998 – 2000)
- SAB Women in Rural Areas Award (1997).
Positions held
- Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town (2018 - 2023)
- Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town (2016)
- Vice-Principal of Research and Innovation at the University of South Africa
- Executive Dean of College of Science Engineering and Technology of University of South Africa
- Honorary Professor of University of the Witwatersrand
- Professor extraordinaire of Tshwane University of Technology
- Deputy Chairperson of National Committee for the International Mathematics Union
- Trustee of FirstRand Foundation
- Trustee of Telkom SA Foundation
- Board Member of South Africa, International Council for Science (ICSU) Board
- Managing Director of Pythagoras
- Bristol Illustrious Visiting Professor
Personal life
Phakeng was married to Richard Setati for 19 years (1988–2007) and they had one son, Tsholofelo who was born in 1990. In 2012, she married Madimetja Lucky Phakeng, thereby adding the appendage "Phakeng" to her surname. Lucky Phakeng is an advocate currently heading the Takeover Regulation Panel.
Independent Investigation into UCT Governance
Introduction
An independent panel, chaired by retired judge Lex Mpati, featuring fellow retired judge Azhar Cachalia, public sector governance expert Trish Hanekom and Wits transformation head Bernadette Johnson investigated governance issues at the University of Cape Town (UCT), triggered by undisclosed events leading to Associate Professor Lis Lange's departure and a subsequent Non-Disclosure Agreement. The probe was initiated amid the extension of Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng's term, highlighting concerns over executive committee stability and unexplained senior resignations.
Breaches of Law and Policy
The Panel implicated former VC Phakeng in several breaches of law and policy, including unlawful contract terminations, defamatory behaviour, conflicts of interest, and unprofessional conduct. Additionally, she engaged in prohibited activities such as issuing threats, employing ethnic slurs, and sharing racially offensive content on social media.
Senior Resignations
Investigations revealed that the actions of Mamokgethi Phakeng and the Chair of Council, Ms Babalwa Ngonyama, were central to the resignation of several senior UCT officials:
- Professor Loretta Feris, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) for Transformation
- Dr Russel Ally, former Executive Director of Development and Alumni
- Associate Professor Lis Lange, former DVC for Teaching and Learning
- Ms Gerda Kruger, former Executive Director of Communication and Marketing
- Mr Royston Pillay, Registrar
- Dr Reno Morar, former Chief Operating Officer
- Professor Linda Ronnie, former Dean of Commerce (now returned as acting DVC for Teaching and Learning)
- Ms Miriam Hoosain, Executive Director of HR
- Ms Judith du Toit, Director in the Office of the VC.
