Griselda Togobo In Conversation With...

Success, Survival and Sacrifices - Prof. Mamokgethi Phakeng, First Black Female Vice-Chancellor

Listen on

Episode notes

"I have realised that it's a very short time we have on this earth. We have to live it well. I do good because it makes me feel good. When people around me are comfortable, I can be comfortable. I'm not interested in people-pleasing. I want to do good. When I do good, it's for me. When I challenge a situation, it's because I really believe it needs to be challenged. I don't play to the gallery."

Mamokgethi Phakeng is a Professor of Mathematics Education and Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Town. She holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from the University of the Witwatersrand. She has published over 80 reviewed articles and five edited volumes. She is a B1 NRF-rated scientist, which indicates she has considerable international recognition. She has been invited as a speaker and visiting professor at international conferences and universities worldwide.

She has won several awards for her research and community work, including the Order of Baobab (Silver) bestowed upon her by the President of South Africa in April 2016 and the CEO magazine's most influential woman in academia in Africa in 2015. Mamokgethi has served and continues to serve on several notable boards in South Africa and Africa.

In our first podcast for 2023, Griselda sat down with the inspirational vice-chancellor of the University of Cape Town, Prof. Mamokgethi Phakeng, on her Success, Survival, and Sacrifices to becoming the First Black Female Vice-Chancellor.