UCT Vice-chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng Constantly Goes Viral for Her Controversial Remarks

Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, the University of Cape Town vice-chancellor, has trended a few times on social media for making a few controversial remarks since her appointment. One comment sparked so much outrage that the UCT VC ended up apologising.

Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng's appointment as the first black female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town made her a force to be reckoned with.

While many people find Phakeng inspiring, the UCT VC has said some controversial things on social media that have left a bad taste in many people's mouths. Briefly News takes a look at some of Phakeng's controversial remarks that had her trending on Twitter.

1. UCT VC gets called out for bullying a young black entrepreneur

In mid-August 2022, a young woman tried to get the word out about her nail business in Meadowlands, Soweto.

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In a now-deleted tweet, Phakeng slammed the young lady's business. The vice-chancellor said she would rather spend her money on more useful things like donating to the Adopt-a-Learner foundation.

The eccentric UCT VC then added that she would make a monthly deposit of R200, which was the same amount the young lady said a set of nails costs, according to IOL.

Phakeng received a lot of backlash from fellow South Africans for overshadowing the woman's hustle. Mamokgethi explained that she is not against supporting small businesses but refuses to spend her money on businesses that sell artificial nails, alcohol and other things.

Speaking to Briefly News, the young lady named Lebo stated that she would not let Phakeng's comments hinder her from achieving success with her business. She also appreciated the support she received from social media users who called out the UCT VC.

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"I do understand and appreciate that everyone has a right to their own opinion and preferences, and as such, the VC's comment did not have a bearing on what I intend to do with my business, as this business is a passion of mine and nothing will deter me in ensuring that my dreams are realised," she said.

Lebo added that she hopes to open up a nail salon in the near future.

2. Professor Phakeng forced to apologise to a rape victim

In May 2022, a UCT student said she was raped by a professor. She accused the university of not helping her after she was raped by a professor.

Phakeng responded to the woman's allegation by saying the student refused UCT's help and accused her of driving an agenda, according to News24. Phakeng's tweet has since been deleted; however, fellow South Africans quickly took screenshots.

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"This student has refused help from the university. She must say what her real agenda is," she wrote.

UCT SRC secretary-general Cathy Mthenjane stated that the VC's comments had left many people disgruntled and called on the VC to retract her statements. Mthenjane explained that victim-blaming and intimidation are one of the main reasons gender-based violence continues to be a problem on campus.

In a separate tweet, Phakeng stated that the student's matter had been ongoing for three years now.

Phakeng issued a statement a few days later and apologised for her tweet. The VC explained that she took time to reflect on her comments and understood the outrage they sparked.

The vice-chancellor also acknowledged that her comments were insensitive and assured parents that she would continue to protect students.

3. A visit at MacG's Podcast and Chill studio gets tongues wagging

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In July 2022, Phakeng sparked outrage after she paid a visit to MacG and Sol Phenduka's Podcast and Chill studio. The VC posted a video of herself in front of a mic on her Twitter account.

Phakeng tweeted that she was a fan of the show and applauded MacG and Sol for making bold moves and being passionate about their craft. Phakeng also weighed in on the persistent calls to cancel the popular podcast hosts and said toxic cancel culture needs to be addressed, according to TimesLIVE.

Many social media users have tried to cancel the podcast because the hosts allegedly shared homophobic and sexist rhetoric on their platform.

“We need to address this toxic cancel culture — it is utterly destructive and shatters the aspirations of many young people.

"You can't tell me you can cancel another person in good faith; it takes utter depravity to demand the fall of a young person trying to make it out there.”

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4. School fees first, nails later: UCT tells parents to use money wisely

Professor Phakeng has had a longstanding beef with artificial nails. In December 2021, the UCT VC took to social media to remind parents not to spend all their money on the December festivities and remember that they need to pay their children's school fees.

She added that they must forget the "long nails" and consider their responsibility to pay university fees. When asked by a tweep why she bashed long nails, Phakeng explained she could not afford long nails, but many people who come to her for financial assistance have long nails.

Phakeng wrote:

"People spend the most in December & in January they are broke. So please make sure you pay your children’s outstanding school fees so that you are not faced with debt in January 2022. Forget the long nails, using your money for school/varsity fees is more important."

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Some people felt that Phakeng was specifically targeting people women with her tweet because she mentioned long nails, while others thought she gave sound advice.

UCT Vice-Chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng opens up about importance of supporting South African entrepreneurs

Briefly News previously reported that the vice-chancellor of the University of Cape Town (UCT), Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, has opened up about the importance of South Africans supporting local entrepreneurs.

Taking to LinkedIn, the fab academic noted that nearly all her clothing items are bought from South African designers, from her sneakers to her tops and jeans.

In her post, Prof Phakeng emphasised the important role that local business owners play in the country’s economy:

“We have an obligation to protect and strengthen the local economy at all costs. If we don’t support our own, who will?"

Source: Briefly News