UCT Vice-Chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng Defied All Odds To Become a Powerhouse in Academics

• University of Cape Town Vice-Chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng is the epitome of hard work and determination
• Phakeng made history in South Africa by becoming the first black woman to obtain a PhD in Mathematics
• Mamokgethi's impressive career has inspired many as they witnessed her navigate the academic field while being in the spotlight
• The vice-chancellor has been chosen as Briefly News Women of Wonder 2022 because of her extraordinary achievements in academic

Vice-Chancellor Mamokgethi is a dynamic woman who has become a household name in South Africa.

Phakeng is popularly known for her historical academic achievement when she became the first black woman in South Africa to hold a PhD in Mathematics Education obtained from the University of the Witwatersrand.

Mamokgethi was born on 1 November 1966 in Eastwood, Pretoria, during the apartheid era. Her family was forcibly relocated under the Group Areas Act, reported Mail&Gaurdian.

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The VC's parents, Frank and Wendy Mutlana, raised her in Garankuwa with her two siblings and instilled the values of excellency in them from a young age.

"My parents never talked about mathematics hard. There was never a hierarchy of subjects at home. There was only the demand that you had to do well. My dad had a demand to be excellent."

Phakeng's mother worked as a domestic worker while studying to qualify as a primary school teacher. Her father was one of the first black people to be a radio announcer at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

Despite her humble beginnings, Phakeng managed to attend four universities ( North-West University, the University of Witwatersrand, the University of Bristol and the University of Ottawa) because she was a brilliant scholar in mathematics.

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The professor and current Vice-Chancellor at the University of Cape Town has created an illustrious career by wearing many hats and taking on many leadership roles.

Phakeng's notable achievements include being honoured by Forbes in their 2020 list of 50 Most Powerful Women in Africa and being awarded several times for her research work.

Mamokgethi is also shaping young women's lives through her role as a board member of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.

The academic's graceful demeanour and influence in academics have inspired many women in South Africa to chase after their dreams steadfastly.

Briefly News 2022 Women of Wonder aims to inspire women

Briefly News wants to celebrate the female changemakers of 2022 by honouring a few influential, inspiring women.

The team looked for women who made a success despite some tough challenges they faced in their respective sectors.

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Our goal is the create inspirational content that shows our audience what the embodiment of a resilient and strong South A woman is.

If you want to participate in our next special project or want to be featured in one of Briefly News' women empowerment articles, please email contact@briefly.co.za with Women Empowerment in the subject line.

Boipelo Mabe went from humble beginnings in Alexander township to becoming a corporate trailblazer

In a similar story, Briefly News reported that humble beginnings tend to be a make-or-break aspect for many people, but not for Boipelo Mabe.

The Alexander-born woman didn't have the lifestyle she had now fall into her lap. Mabe had quite a tough financial environment to grow up in, but her parents wanted better for her. The trailblazer gave Briefly News some exclusive answers.

Source: Briefly News