ICYMI! Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng Gets A Major Appointment From the President

ICYMI! Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng Gets A Major Appointment From the President. It’s true what the say that when one door closes, other doors open. This is the case with Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, who recently took and early retirement as Vice chancellor of the University of Cape Town.

Professor Phakeng has been in the news a lot lately, following her controversial parting of ways with UCT. Following her early retirement from the position of vice-chancellor on 3 March 2023, Professor Phakeng remained in the university’s employment as professor in the School of Education, to retire on 30 March 2024. However, she has since elected to take early retirement as a professor in the school. The early retirement took effect as from 1 April 2023. She is alleged to have received a R12m settlement as package, for her departure.

Phakeng, who holds a PhD in mathematics education, has recently been appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa to the 11-member National Orders advisory council. The advisory council processes nominations of deserving South Africans and foreign nationals. They will advise and assist Ramaphosa in nominating South Africans and foreign nationals to be bestowed with national orders.

Professor Phakeng has also been invited by the president to attend the National Orders Ceremony which is set to take place on Friday, April 28 at the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria.

Some of the prominent personalities who will be joining Phakeng as members of the the council are; Mandla Langa, who has been appointed as the chairperson, Dr Patience Mthunzi-Kufa, who has been appointed as the deputy chairperson, Dr Glenda Gray, Dr Irvin Khoza as well as Yvonne Chaka Chaka.