Mamokgethi Phakeng is a distinguished scholar and leader in the field of mathematics education who has made enormous contributions to the development of science and education in Africa and the world.
She is widely recognized for her achievements as the first black woman in South Africa to hold a PhD in mathematics education and as a former vice-chancellor of the University of Cape Town (UCT), Africa’s top university.
She has also received several prestigious awards and honors, such as the Order of Baobab, the Order of Ikhamanga, and the African Education Medal.
She is a passionate advocate 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
- Gender: 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
- Children: Tsholofelo Setati
- Relationship status: Married
- Net worth: $5 million
Early life and education
Mamokgethi Phakeng, 57 years old in 2023, was born on 1 November 1966 in Ga-Rankuwa, a town north of Pretoria, South Africa.
She was 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 Ikageleng Primary School in Marapyane village in 1972 and later moved to various schools in Ga-Rankuwa and Hebron.
She completed her high school education with a college exemption in 1983 at Hebron College of Education.
She developed a love of mathematics early on and was encouraged by her parents and teachers to pursue her passion.
She earned a Bachelor of Education majoring 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 majoring in mathematics education at the University of the Witwatersrand, where she faced many challenges and discrimination as a black woman in a predominantly white and male environment.
She persevered and completed her master’s degree in 1996, then went on to pursue a doctorate in mathematics education at the same university.
She graduated in 2002, becoming the first black woman in South Africa to do so. She also earned 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 the chairperson of the Acquisition Management Board.
They met in 2004 and 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 a proud grandmother to 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 Cycling Championship and the Ironman 70.3.
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 Mathematics and Science Education Research 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 executive dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology.
She is the first woman to hold the position and is responsible for leading and managing the largest college within the university, with more than 40,000 students and 1,200 staff.
She also served as deputy 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 played a key role in improving the quality and research output of Unisa and establishing a number of research institutes and centres.
In 2016, she was appointed as vice-chancellor for research and internationalisation at the University of Cape Town (UCT), where she leads the university’s research portfolio and internationalisation agenda.
She also served as interim vice-chancellor of UCT 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. She was succeeded by Professor Daya Reddy on 13 March 2023.
As Vice-Chancellor of UCT, she is responsible for the strategic direction and overall governance of the university, ensuring academic excellence, financial sustainability and social responsiveness.
She also advocates for the transformation and decolonization of the university and the promotion of a culture of inclusion, diversity and respect.
She has initiated a number of projects and programmes to enhance the quality of teaching and learning, research and innovation, and the social impact of the university, such as the UCT Global Strategy, UCT Vision 2030, UCT Transformation Framework, UCT Research Excellence Awards, UCT Future Leaders Programme and UCT Teaching Excellence Awards.
She also promotes partnerships and close cooperation with a wide range of stakeholders, such as government, industry, civil society and the international community.
She also represents the university at various national and international forums and platforms, such as the Association of African Universities, the International Association of Universities, the World Economic Forum and the United Nations.
She is also a prolific researcher and author, having published over 80 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and conference papers and edited four books.
She has also given over 100 keynote speeches and public lectures and appeared on several radio and television programs.
She has also supervised and mentored over 30 master’s and doctoral students and has received several grants and research contracts.
Her research interests include mathematics education, teacher education, curriculum research, and higher education research.
She is also a member of several professional associations and societies, such as the South African Mathematics Foundation, the African Mathematical Union, the International Committee on the Teaching of Mathematics and the South African Academy of Science.
Net worth
Mamokgethi Phakeng has an estimated net worth of $5 million. She has earned her wealth from her successful career as a professor and vice chancellor, as well as from her various awards and honors.
She also earns income from books, publications, speaking engagements, and consulting services.
Argumentative
Mamokgethi Phakeng has faced a number of controversies and criticisms throughout his career, particularly as vice-chancellor of UCT.
Some of the problems and challenges she faced included:
Student protests and unrest erupted in 2019 and 2020 over a variety of demands and complaints, such as tuition fees, accommodation, curricula, language, and decolonization.
She had to deal with disruptions and violence that affected academic activities and the safety of the university community.
The allegations and complaints made against her by several staff and students, accused her of misconduct, abuse of power, nepotism, corruption and racism.
She has faced numerous investigations and inquiries and has defended herself against the allegations and complaints. She has denied any wrongdoing and maintained that she acted with integrity and professionalism.
She also received support and solidarity from many colleagues and stakeholders who praised her for her leadership and achievements.
The criticism and backlash she received from some sections of society who questioned her qualifications, achievements and abilities.
She faced stereotypes and prejudices directed at her as a black woman of authority and influence.
She faced 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 has caused with some of her statements and opinions have been considered controversial, provocative, or unpopular by some.
She has to deal with reactions and responses from social media posts, public speeches and media interviews.
She must explain and justify her views and perspectives and engage in dialogue with her critics and supporters. She must also deal with the consequences and implications of her words and actions and their impact on her reputation and credibility.
Despite the controversies and criticism, Mamokgethi Phakeng remained resilient and determined, she continued to pursue her goals and aspirations.
She also remains humble and kind, admitting her mistakes and shortcomings. She also remains optimistic and celebrates her successes and achievements.
Social media
- Instagram Name: @fabacademic
- Twitter Username: @FabAcademic
- Facebook page: Mamokgethi Phakeng
List of movies played
As of 2023, Mamokgethi Phakeng has not appeared in any films or television shows.
However, she has appeared in several documentaries and videos highlighting her life and work, such as:
- Fab Academic: The Story of Mamokgethi Phakeng
- Mamokgethi Phakeng: A Mathematician’s Journey
- Mamokgethi Phakeng: The Power of Education
