Here Is How Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng Wants to Be Celebrated As She Turns 58
Here Is How Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng Wants to Be Celebrated As She Turns 58. A lot of the times people expect gifts and show stopper parties for their birthdays. But sometimes, just like Professor Mamokgethi, some just want gestures that are not tangible, but rather sentimental.
Yes in the past, she has celebrated herself in a major way. This time around though, the former University of Cape Town Vice Chancellor, is spreading a message of goodwill. Phakeng has called on to those who wanted to gift her with something, to rather do it to someone who is more in need. It doesn’t matter how small is it, to her that would mean a lot. This is because she already has a lot, and is grateful for it all.
“I’m officially turning 58 in a just a few hours and I ask for just 2 minutes of your time. Each year on my birthday, I receive thoughtful gifts and warm messages that I truly appreciate. But this year, I am reflecting and I’m seeing my birthday in a different light. I acknowledge that I’ve been blessed beyond measure. I have everything I need and more, so accepting more gifts would be going against my value system.“
“In that spirit, rather than getting me a gift, kindly redirect that thoughtfulness towards the next person. The best gift for me would be seeing what you did for someone else, no matter how small, as long as it is an expression of love or kindness. I would consider it the best gift of my life because you would have contributed to a kinder world in my name. It could be a meal, a word of encouragement, money, a hug, or even just the acknowledgment that they are seen and valued,” Phakeng said.
This is because when she is at her worst, a random message of affirmation from a stranger, can lift her up. So she understand what even the smallest acts of kindness can do.
I’m officially turning 58 in a just a few hours and I ask for just 2 minutes of your time.
— Kgethi Phakeng, PhD(Wits); Hon DSc (UBristol) (@FabAcademic) October 31, 2024
Each year on my birthday, I receive thoughtful gifts and warm messages that I truly appreciate. But this year, I am reflecting and I’m seeing my birthday in a different light. I… pic.twitter.com/oGSKC6fhrO
