Optimism and support for UCT’s new vice-chancellor
THE APPOINTMENT of Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng as the new vice-chancellor of the University of Cape Town has been met with overwhelming support.
The ANC in Western Cape congratulated the professor on her appointment. “Professor Phakeng’s career has an extraordinary range, from an outstanding academic to long-standing leader in the higher education space to a fearless social activist which makes her the best candidate to take the university into the next epoch.
“Professor Phakeng has already shown a clear understanding of what is at the core of UCT’s challenges, the tough balance between a commitment to create an elite African university whilst dealing squarely with perceptions of being elitist and an exclusive domain of a particular type of cultural capital,” Faiez Jacobs, ANC secretary, said.
Phakeng will commence her duties on July 1. The Social Justice in Education (SJE) welcomed “the appointment of a young black woman”, but still expressed disdain at the university for not appointing a black deputy vice-chancellor or teaching and learning.
However, education activist Hendrick Makaneta said the appointment of the new vice-chancellor is evidence that transformation will take place at the university. Makaneta said Phakeng’s appointment will take the university to greater heights.
“We know that years back in her term as associate maths educator for South Africa she took education to greater heights so we believe she will take the university forward. As a women she has the capacity to listen. She can listen to the grievances (on campus),” said Makaneta.
The chairperson of the UCT council, Sipho Pityana, said the council is confident Professor Phakeng will provide academic, strategic, transformational and ethical leadership and vision for the institution.
“The council made the decision to appoint Professor Phakeng following a competitive selection process.
“What also stood out about Professor Phakeng was her sound knowledge and understanding of the key challenges and opportunities arising from the changing higher education environment in South Africa and globally,” said Pityana.
Professor Phakeng, is currently the deputy vice-chancellor for research and internationalisation at UCT and will take over from Dr Max Price, who has been UCT’s vice-chancellor since 2008.