Introduction:
Welcome to this blog post about the incredible mathematician, Mamokgethi Phakeng! She is a trailblazing scholar who has achieved many successes in her career. Mamokgethi, also known as Kgethi, has made remarkable contributions towards removing barriers to education in South Africa and improving the representation of women in STEM fields. In this post, we will delve deeper into the life, work and achievements of Mamokgethi Phakeng, and reveal the genius of this brilliant mathematician.
Early Life & Career:
Mamokgethi Phakeng was born in South Africa in 1966. She grew up in a small village called Ga-Mphahlele where she attended a small primary school. Despite facing many obstacles in her education, she persevered and worked hard to achieve her goals. Kgethi’s passion for mathematics began at a young age, and she continued to cultivate her interest in math throughout her schooling. After completing her undergraduate degree in Mathematics, Kgethi went on to obtain her PhD in mathematics. She is currently the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, and previously served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Internationalisation at UCT.
Contributions & Achievements:
Mamokgethi Phakeng has made significant contributions to the field of mathematics, particularly in the area of algebraic coding theory. She has published numerous research papers and supervised the research of many postgraduates. In addition, she has received several awards for her outstanding work in mathematics, including the National Order of Scientific Merit from the Brazilian government.
However, Kgethi’s contributions are not limited to the field of mathematics alone. She has been a vocal advocate for improving educational opportunities for underprivileged students. She is the founder of the Adopt-a-learner Foundation, which provides financial assistance to underprivileged students in South Africa. In addition, she has been an instrumental figure in driving the transformation of the South African university sector.
Leadership:
Mamokgethi Phakeng is also a prominent leader in the academic world. As the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, she has been at the forefront of driving institutional change and transformation in the higher education sector. Her leadership style is described as collaborative, empathetic, and inclusive, inspiring trust and respect from those who work with her. She is deeply committed to empowering women and people of colour, both within the academic community and beyond.
Challenges Faced:
Mamokgethi Phakeng faced many obstacles during her career, especially as a woman in a male-dominated field. However, her passion and dedication allowed her to overcome these challenges and achieve great success. She has been a vocal advocate for the representation of women in STEM fields and has been a role model for many young girls and women aspiring to pursue careers in science.
Future Goals:
Mamokgethi Phakeng remains committed to making strides in the field of mathematics, and aims to inspire more young people, especially girls, to pursue a career in this field. She aspires to drive more transformation in the higher education sector, creating more opportunities for underprivileged students and achieving greater diversity and inclusivity in academic institutions.
7 FAQs:
Q1: What is Mamokgethi Phakeng’s field of study?
A1: Mamokgethi Phakeng is a mathematician, with expertise in algebraic coding theory.
Q2: What is Mamokgethi Phakeng known for?
A2: Mamokgethi Phakeng is known for her many contributions to the field of mathematics, particularly in the area of Algebraic Coding Theory. She is also known for her leadership and advocacy for transformation in the higher education sector.
Q3: What is the Adopt-a-learner Foundation?
A3: The Adopt-a-learner Foundation, founded by Mamokgethi Phakeng, provides financial assistance to underprivileged students in South Africa, thereby improving their access to education.
Q4: What awards has Mamokgethi Phakeng received?
A4: Mamokgethi Phakeng has received numerous awards, including the National Order of Scientific Merit from the Brazilian government.
Q5: What is Mamokgethi Phakeng’s leadership style?
A5: Mamokgethi Phakeng is known for her collaborative, empathetic, and inclusive leadership style, inspiring trust and respect from those who work with her.
Q6: What obstacles did Mamokgethi Phakeng face in her career?
A6: Mamokgethi Phakeng faced many challenges during her career, particularly as a woman in a male-dominated field. However, her perseverance and passion allowed her to overcome these obstacles and achieve great success.
Q7: Who is Mamokgethi Phakeng a role model for?
A7: Mamokgethi Phakeng is a role model for young girls and women aspiring to pursue careers in science, as well as for people of colour and underprivileged students who face barriers to accessing education.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Mamokgethi Phakeng is an exceptional mathematician, leader, and advocate for education. Her contributions to mathematics and the higher education sector have been immense, and her leadership style has inspired many. She serves as a role model for many young girls and women, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. Let us celebrate and recognize the genius of Mamokgethi Phakeng and aspire to follow her example of hard work, dedication, and perseverance towards achieving our goals.