Mamokgethi Phakeng Biography: Age, Children, Documentaries, Height, Net Worth, Spouse, Parents

Mamokgethi Phakeng is a renowned scholar and leader in the field of mathematics education who has made significant contributions to the promotion of science and education in Africa and the world.

She is widely recognized for her achievement as the first black South African woman to hold a PhD. in mathematics education and is a former vice-chancellor of the University of Cape Town (UCT), the leading university in Africa.

She has also received several prestigious awards and honors, such as the Order of the Baobab, the Order of Ikhamanga and the African Education Medal.

She passionately advocates for social justice, diversity and inclusion in academia and society.

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  • Full name: Mamokgethi Phakeng
  • Nickname: Kgethi
  • Date of birth: November 1, 1966
  • Age: 57 years old
  • Female
  • Place of birth: Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa
  • Nationality: South African
  • Occupation: Professor of mathematics education
  • Height: 1.65 m
  • Parents: Frank and Wendy Mmutlana
  • Siblings: Two sisters and one brother
  • Spouse: Madimetja Lucky Phakeng
  • Child: Tsholofelo Setati
  • Relationship status: Married
  • Net worth: 5 million USD

Early Life & Education

Mamokgethi Phakeng, who turns 57 in 2023, was born on November 1, 1966 in Ga-Rankuwa, a town north of Pretoria, South Africa.

She is the third child of Frank and Wendy Mmutlana, both educators and activists. Her father was one of the first black broadcasters at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), and her mother was a teacher who returned to school after having three children.

She grew up in a politically conscious family involved in the struggle against apartheid. She attended Ikageng Primary School in Marapyane village in 1972 and later moved to various schools in Ga-Rankuwa and Hebron.

She completed her matriculation from Hebron Teachers College in 1983.

She developed an interest in mathematics at a very young age and was encouraged by her parents and teachers to pursue her passion.

She earned a Bachelor of Education in mathematics education from North-West University, where she was the only black female student in her class.

She then enrolled in a Master of Education in mathematics education at the University of the Witwatersrand, where she faced many challenges and discrimination as a black woman in a predominantly black environment. are male and white.

She persevered and completed her master’s degree in 1996 and then continued to pursue her doctorate. in mathematics education at the same university.

She graduated in 2002, becoming the first black South African woman to do so. She also holds a diploma in higher education from the University of South Africa (Unisa) in 1997 and a postgraduate diploma in higher education from the University of London in 2000.

Personal life

Mamokgethi Phakeng is married to Madimetja Lucky Phakeng, a lawyer and chairman of the Takeover Regulations Board.

They met in 2004 and got married in 2007. They live in Cape Town, South Africa. She was previously married to Richard Setati, a mathematics lecturer, and has a son, Tsholofelo, born in 1990.

She divorced Setati in 2003 after 13 years of marriage. She is a devoted mother to her son, a mathematician and lecturer at the University of Johannesburg. She is also the proud grandmother of her grandson Lethabo, born in 2018.

She is a Christian and attends Grace Bible Church. She is also a fitness enthusiast and enjoys running, cycling and swimming.

She has participated in several marathons and triathlons, and has completed the Cape Town Cycle Race and the 70.3 Ironman.

Career

Mamokgethi Phakeng began her academic career as a lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand in 1996, where she taught mathematics education courses and supervised postgraduate students.

She also served as Director of the Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education and Chair of the Mathematics Education Research Group.

She was promoted to associate professor in 2003 and full professor in 2007. She also held visiting positions at several universities abroad, such as the University of Cambridge, the University of Nottingham, and the University of Michigan.

In 2008, she joined the University of South Africa (Unisa) as professor of mathematics education and dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology.

She is the first woman to hold this position and is responsible for leading and managing the largest university with more than 40,000 students and 1,200 employees.

She also served as vice-chancellor for research and innovation at Unisa from 2011 to 2016, overseeing the development and implementation of the university’s research strategy and policy.

She was instrumental in improving Unisa’s research output and quality, and establishing a number of institutes and research centers.

In 2016, she was appointed vice-chancellor for research and internationalization at the University of Cape Town (UCT), where she led the university’s research portfolio and internationalization program.

She also served as UCT’s acting vice-chancellor from October 2017 to June 2018 following the resignation of Dr Max Price.

She was elected vice-chancellor of UCT in July 2018, becoming the first black woman to hold the position. She led the university with vision and passion until 2023 when she retired early. Professor Daya Reddy succeeds her on 13 March 2023.

As vice-chancellor of UCT, she is responsible for the overall strategic direction and governance of the university, ensuring academic excellence, financial sustainability and social responsiveness .

She also advocates for the transformation and decolonization of universities and promotes a culture of inclusion, diversity and respect.

She has initiated a number of projects and programs to enhance the university’s teaching and learning, research and innovation, and social impact, such as the UCT Global Strategy, UCT Vision 2030, Transformation Framework UCT, UCT Research Excellence Award, UCT Futures Leadership Program and UCT Outstanding Teacher Award.

She also fosters strong partnerships and collaboration with various stakeholders, such as government, industry, civil society and the international community.

She also represents the university at many national and international platforms and forums, such as the Association of African Universities, the International Association of Universities, the World Economic Forum and the United Nations .

She is also a renowned researcher and author who has published more than 80 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and conference papers and has edited four books.

She also gave more than 100 keynote speeches and public lectures, and participated in several radio and television programs.

She has also supervised and guided more than 30 master’s and doctoral students and has received several contracts and research grants.

Her research interests include mathematics education, teacher education, curriculum studies, and higher education research.

She is also a member of several professional societies and associations, such as the South African Mathematics Foundation, the African Mathematical Union, the International Commission on the Teaching of Mathematics and the South African Academy of Sciences.

Net value

Mamokgethi Phakeng has an estimated net worth of $5 million. She has earned her wealth through her successful career as a professor and vice-chancellor, as well as from various awards and honors.

She also earns income from books, publications, speaking engagements, and consulting services.

Argumentative

Mamokgethi Phakeng has faced some controversy and criticism during his career, especially as UCT vice-chancellor.

Some of the problems and challenges she encountered included:

Student protests and unrest erupted in 2019 and 2020 over various demands and grievances, such as tuition fees, accommodation, curriculum, languages ​​and decolonization .

She faced disruption and violence that impacted her academic activities and the safety of the university community.

Allegations and complaints were brought against her by several staff and students who accused her of misconduct, abuse of power, nepotism, corruption and racism.

She has faced several investigations and interrogations and defended herself against accusations and claims. She denies any wrongdoing and maintains that she acted with integrity and professionalism.

She also received support and solidarity from many colleagues and stakeholders, praising her leadership and achievements.

The criticism and backlash she received from certain sections of society who questioned her qualifications, credentials and capabilities.

She faced stereotypes and prejudice directed at her as a black woman in a position of power and influence.

She had to cope with the pressure and expectations placed on her as a role model and pioneer. She also faced hostility and resistance from groups and individuals who opposed her vision and agenda for the university and the country.

The controversy and debate she caused with some of her statements and opinions have been considered controversial, provocative or unpopular by some.

She faced reactions and responses generated by her social media posts, public speeches, and media interviews.

She must explain and justify her views and opinions, and engage in dialogue with her critics and supporters. She also must face the consequences and implications of her words and actions and their impact on her reputation and credibility.

Despite the controversy and criticism she faced, Mamokgethi Phakeng remained resilient and determined, continuing to pursue her goals and aspirations.

She also appears humble, gentle and admits her mistakes and shortcomings. She also remains optimistic and celebrates her successes and achievements.

Social Media

  • Instagram handle: @fabacademic
  • Twitter name: @FabAcademic
  • Facebook page: Mamokgethi Phakeng

Filming

Mamokgethi Phakeng has not yet appeared in films or television shows as of 2023.

However, she has appeared in several documentaries and videos highlighting her life and work, such as:

  • The Fab Academic: The Story of Mamokgethi Phakeng
  • Mamokgethi Phakeng: A mathematician’s journey
  • Mamokgethi Phakeng: The power of education

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