Who is Mamokgethi Phakeng?
An eminent mathematician and leader in the field, Mamokgethi Phakeng has significantly advanced science and education on a global scale, including in Africa.
As the inaugural black female South African to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics education and the former vice-chancellor of the University of Cape Town (UCT), the preeminent institution in Africa, she has garnered widespread acclaim for her accomplishments.
Furthermore, in addition to the aforementioned awards and distinctions, she has been bestowed with the Africa Education Medal, the Order of the Baobab, and the Order of Ikhamanga.
She ardently supports social justice, diversity, and inclusion in the academic community and in the larger society.
Mamokgethi Profile
- Full name: Mamokgethi Phakeng
- Nickname: Kgethi
- Date of birth: November 1, 1966
- Age: 57 years old
- Gender: Female
- Place of birth: Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa
- Nationality: South African
- Profession: Professor of mathematics education
- Height: 1.65 m
- Parents: Frank and Wendy Mmutlana
- Siblings: Two sisters and one brother
- Spouse: Madimetja Lucky Phakeng
- Children: Tsholofelo Setati
- Relationship status: Married
- Net worth: $5 million
Childhood and Education
Mamokgethi Phakeng, who turned 57 in 2023, was born in Ga-Rankuwa, a township located north of Pretoria, South Africa, on November 1, 1966.
She was the third child of the educators and activists Frank and Wendy Mmutlana. Her father was among the first black South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) radio announcers, and her mother, who returned to the profession after having three children, was an educator.
She was raised in a family that was politically engaged and participated in the anti-apartheid movement. In 1972, she enrolled at Ikageleng Primary School in the village of Marapyane. Subsequently, she attended several institutions in Ga-Rankuwa and Hebron.
She earned her matriculation degree from Hebron’s College of Education in 1983 with a University Exemption.
Her early fascination with mathematics was fostered by her parents and educators, who motivated her to pursue this ardor.
At the University of North-West, where she earned her Bachelor of Education in mathematics education, she was the only black female student in her major.
She subsequently matriculated at the University of the Witwatersrand for a Master of Education in mathematics education, where she encountered numerous obstacles and prejudices as a black woman in an environment that was predominately male and white.
She maintained her resolve and successfully obtained her master’s degree in 1996. Subsequently, she proceeded to the same university to earn her Ph.D. in mathematics education.
She achieved her degree in 2002, making her the inaugural black female South African to do so. Additionally, she earned a postgraduate diploma in higher education from the University of London in 2000 and a higher education diploma from the University of South Africa (Unisa) in 1997.
Personal Life
Mamokgethi Phakeng is wedded to the chair of the Takeover Regulation Panel and attorney, Madimetja Lucky Phakeng.
Following their 2004 encounter, they wed in 2007. They are Cape Town, South Africa, residents. Richard Setati, a mathematics lecturer, and whom she had a son named Tsholofelo in 1990, was her former spouse.
Setati and she were divorced in 2003, following thirteen years of matrimony. In addition to being a mathematician and lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, she is a devoted mother to her son.
Additionally, she celebrates the 2018 birth of her grandson, Lethabo, as a grandmother.
She regularly attends the Grace Bible Church as a Christian. In addition to her passion for fitness, she takes pleasure in cycling, swimming, and jogging.
In addition to having completed the Cape Town Cycle Tour and the Ironman 70.3, she has run in a number of marathons and triathlons.
Mamokgethi Phakeng Career
Mamokgethi Phakeng commenced her scholarly trajectory in 1996 as a lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand, where she oversaw postgraduate students and instructed mathematics education courses.
In addition to these positions, she presided over the Mathematics Education Research Group and oversaw the Centre for Research in Mathematics and Science Education.
She received her associate professor degree in 2003 and her full professor degree in 2007. She also held visiting positions at the University of Cambridge, the University of Nottingham, and the University of Michigan, among others, abroad.
She assumed the position of mathematics education professor and executive dean of the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology at the University of South Africa (Unisa) in 2008.
She was the inaugural female occupant of this role and was entrusted with the administration and leadership of the university’s most sizable institution, accommodating more than 40,000 students and 1,200 personnel.
From 2011 to 2016, she additionally assumed the role of vice principal of research and innovation at Unisa, where she was responsible for the formulation and execution of the institution’s research policies and strategies.
She was instrumental in establishing a number of research institutes and centers and increasing the output and caliber of Unisa’s research.
She assumed the role of deputy vice-chancellor of research and globalization at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in 2016. In this capacity, she oversaw the research portfolio and internationalization initiatives of the university.
In the interim vice-chancellorship of UCT from October 2017 to June 2018, subsequent to the departure of Dr. Max Price, she also assumed that role.
In July 2018, she was elected vice-chancellor of UCT, making her the inaugural African woman to occupy this role. She passionately and visionarily oversaw the university until her early retirement in 2023. Her successor as a professor was Daya Reddy on March 13, 2023.
In her capacity as vice-chancellor of UCT, she oversaw the governance and strategic direction of the institution as a whole, guaranteeing its scholarly distinction, fiscal viability, and societal involvement.
In addition, she advocated for the decolonization and transformation of the university and fostered an environment characterized by respect, diversity, and inclusiveness.
In an effort to improve the university’s research and innovation, social impact, and teaching and learning, she initiated a number of initiatives and projects, including the UCT Transformation Framework, the UCT Research Excellence Awards, the UCT Future Leaders Program, and the UCT Distinguished Teacher Awards.
Furthermore, she cultivated robust alliances and cooperative ventures with a multitude of stakeholders, including governmental bodies, corporate entities, civil society organizations, and the international community.
In addition, she represented the university before the World Economic Forum, the Association of African Universities, the International Association of Universities, and the United Nations, among other national and international organizations and platforms.
In addition to being a prolific researcher and author, she has edited four books and published over eighty peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and conference papers.
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In addition to delivering more than a hundred keynote addresses and public lectures, she has also appeared on a number of radio and television programs.
In addition to mentoring and supervising more than thirty master’s and doctoral candidates, she has been awarded a number of research contracts and grants.
Mathematics education, teacher education, curriculum studies, and higher education studies are among her research interests.
The South African Mathematics Foundation, the African Mathematical Union, the International Commission on Mathematical Instruction, and the Academy of Science of South Africa are among the professional organizations and associations to which she belongs.
What is Mamokgethi Phakeng Net Worth
An approximation of $5 million is the approximated net worth of Mamokgethi Phakeng. Her substantial fortune stems from her distinguished tenure as a vice-chancellor and professor, in addition to the numerous awards and distinctions she has received.
Additionally, her books, publications, speaking engagements, and consulting services generate revenue for her.
Controversy
Throughout her tenure, Mamokgethi Phakeng has encountered controversy and criticism, most notably in her capacity as vice-chancellor of UCT.
Among the difficulties and obstacles she encountered were the following:
In 2019 and 2020, student agitation and protests ensued in response to a range of concerns and grievances, including but not limited to accommodation, decolonization, fees, and curriculum.
She was confronted with the violence and disruptions that compromised the safety of the university community and academic operations.
Concerning the allegations and complaints lodged against her by certain students and staff members, who charged her with misconduct, power abuse, nepotism, corruption, and bigotry.
She defended herself against the allegations and accusations and was subject to numerous investigations and inquiries. She maintained that she acted with integrity and professionalism and denied any misconduct.
In addition to receiving support and solidarity from numerous stakeholders and colleagues, she was lauded for her leadership and accomplishments.
The backlash and criticism she encountered from certain segments of society, who cast doubt on her credentials, qualifications, and competence.
She encountered the preconceived notions and biases that were specifically targeted at her due to her black gender and position of power and influence.
She was confronted with the demands and anticipations that accompanied her status as an innovator and a paragon of virtue.
In addition, she encountered animosity and opposition from factions and individuals who disagreed with her objectives and vision for both the university and the nation.
Certain individuals regarded her statements and opinions as controversial, provocative, or unpopular, and as such, they ignited a debate and controversy.
She was confronted with the responses and reactions that ensued as a result of her public speeches, social media posts, and media interviews.
She was required to engage in dialogue with her detractors and adherents, as well as to defend and explain her views and perspectives.
In addition, she was confronted with the repercussions and consequences of her words and deeds, as well as the way in which they affected her reputation and credibility.
Mamokgethi Phakeng maintained her resolve and resilience in the face of controversy and criticism, and she continued to pursue her ambitions and goals.
In addition, she maintained her modesty and courtesy while acknowledging her errors and deficiencies. She maintained a positive outlook and delighted in her accomplishments and successes.
Filmography
As of 2023, Mamokgethi Phakeng has not appeared in any films or television programs.
Nevertheless, numerous documentaries and recordings have highlighted her life and career, including:
- The Fab Academic: The Story of Mamokgethi Phakeng
- Mamokgethi Phakeng: A Mathematician’s Journey
- Mamokgethi Phakeng: The Power of Education
Social Media
- Instagram handle: @fabacademic
- Twitter handle: @FabAcademic
- Facebook Page: Mamokgethi Phakeng