Students back prof over PhD qualifications storm

UCT vice-chancellor offended by claims

Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, the first black South African to obtain a PhD in mathematics education, remains unshaken despite a storm over her qualifications.

Yesterday, she told Sowetan she was determined to do her job at the University of Cape Town (UCT). She is deputy vice-chancellor for research and internationalisation.

One of the thread of e-mails circulated read: “I believe she is not mathematically qualified at all... She has a ‘PhD in education of mathematics’. It might justify investigating...”

Phakeng said she was made aware of the e-mails by Max Price, the varsity’s vice-chancellor.

“I was horrified to say the least and I know the people who sent them, they are associated to the university. However, that will not stop me from doing my job,”

Last week Phakeng posted on Twitter that “Apparently my PhD qualifications are false, so say my colleagues at the salt mine.”

Thereafter a #HandsoffProfPhakeng campaign was launched on Twitter.

@MmaThipe_SA: “They want to undermine our Prof just because she’s a black woman doing great things. She’s earned her stripes so they must acknowledge.”

@Vimbailsabel: “Imagine getting a whole PhD in maths to have your qualifications questioned by someone who couldn’t pass matric maths.”

Phakeng said she would not be silenced. “It is heart-warming to see the support I am getting from young people.”

Price said he was offended and saddened. “… [Phakeng] has an undergraduate major in pure mathematics. The implication that her scholarship is somehow dubious is an insult to her and thousands who undertake PhD level scholarship in the field of education.”