Mabuza applauds Phakeng’s UCT post

DEPUTY President David Mabuza has congratulated Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng on her appointment as UCT vice-chancellor.

In his capacity as chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council of South Africa , Mabuza said the UCT council’s overwhelming support in appointing Phakeng constituted richly deserved recognition of her academic excellence and leadership, and advanced the cause of transformation in education in SA.

He described Phakeng as an outstanding mathematics educator who, in 2002, became the first black female South African to obtain a PhD in mathematics education.

Phakeng served as viceprincipal of research and innovation at the University of South Africa before joining UCT in July 2016 to become deputy vicechancellor of research and internationalisation in January last year.

“Prof Phakeng has been part of the Human Resource Development Council’s discussions on means to improve mathematics education in the country,” Mabuza said.

“We wish Prof Phakeng and the entire community of the University of Cape Town well as they embark on a journey of renewal to deepen the university’s excellent academic record and secure further transformation that will, in the vice-chancellor’s own words, ensure that UCT is inclusive, engaged and unapologetically African.”

Phakeng, a highly regarded B2 NRF-rated scientist, will assume her new position in July. She takes over from Dr Max Price, who has held the position since 2008. – Staff Writer

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