"Media attacks on me were unfair": UCT departure, CODESA failures, student protests and fees
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- Опубликовано: 1 июл 2024
- I sat down for a candid conversation with former University of Cape Town Vice Chancellor, Mamokgethi Phakeng.
In the wake of her departure from UCT, Phakeng has faced intense scrutiny from various media outlets. In this interview, she opens up about the personal nature of these attacks and how they have affected her. Additionally, Phakeng addresses the allegations of bullying that were leveled against her during her tenure at UCT.
We also delve into her thoughts on the failures of CODESA, the students fees crisis, and the role that education can play in addressing the country's past injustices.
Join us for this insightful and thought-provoking conversation with one of South Africa's most accomplished academic leaders. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more engaging content like this.
Visit my website: sizwempofuwalsh.com
CONTENTS
00:00 - Intro
02:30 - UCT
1:00:00 - Student Protests
1:10:00 - SA negotiations
Credits:
Vuyani Bila - Director and Production Manager
Tumelo Makau - DOP and Editor
Lesego Rakobane - Cam Operator & Lights
Tsholanang Rapoo - Producer
About me: Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh is an author, scholar and founder of the Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh Xperience (SMWX), a digital, youth-centred current affairs platform. He holds a DPhil in International Relations from the University of Oxford and is a Lecturer in International Relations at Wits.
The first woman in South Africa to have a PhD in Mathematics, the first black woman to lead UCT, and the only woman who proved that "it is ok to walk away because of your own sanity, so you don't lose your self". I respect Professor Phakeng for this.
Mamphela is the first woman to lead UCT.
I think a PhD in mathematics education and a PhD in mathematics are too different things. She has a PhD in mathematics education . An amazing accomplishment indeed. We must be accurate, she did a Bachelor of education, masters of education, and PhD , all in mathematics education . I respect her so much, she is an inspiration 🙏🙌🙌🙌
On point 👌 🎯
Maphela Bruh, 1st woman. also, we need to note. Maphela what happen with her?
@@lindokuhlexolanidlamini4141
But I'm 100% sure a teacher knows the subject. It's only a Bone operation specialist who can teach Bone operation
I’m in awe of Prof Phakeng’s feminine strength and confidence, how she holds herself in such an unapologetic manner - she’s an epitome of an African warrior (black beauty).
I get why they say she's a bully. Certain personalities will feel that way. She's frank though, not a bully.
Brutally Frank
She is a power house, wena!
Indeed 🙏
She’s a great role model to me and so many others. A true inspiration to the youth and a competent leader. When I met her for the first time I was amazed by her kindness but also how confident and direct she is. It’s really sad to hear about all this
I saw the video of the two of u dancing. U scarce by the way
Prof. Phakeng really challenged Dr Sizwe head on 👏about privilege and the different backgrounds she and Sizwe have. Respect to Prof. Phakeng, her UCT journey was amazing and also worrying that she almost killed herself at some point because of the media 😔. She has high principles which I admire as a young Professional.
I also hate people who use Swearing 🤬 words during work meetings because it sets a bad reputation to everyone. She lead UCT with the Truth and with Excellence. She understands Governance and everything that comes with it.
I once worked in such an environment where subordinate would just throw swear words randomly later on I realize they learnt from the manager. They where not black.
Excellent post.
To be a black, ambitious, assertive, educated woman is the hill I will die on despite the nonsense we get subjected to in professional spaces. Yoh! Bullying se voet man!
I admire your fighting spirit and resilience.
She was in the wrong and held accountable, being black does not give her a free pass.
I've been there 😱
@@jadenphilander8799 in the wrong, plz elaborate?
@@thembi9645 Look man we know why she is no longer at UCT, lets not let the fact of her being a person of colour, and being a well educated black women blind us from the facts. The comments prove that when race is brought up, we people of colour get emotional and stopcthinking sometimes man.
Thanks Sizwe for granting her this platform. Her voice matters...she will not be silenced...let the world know what a gem she is...there is just few progressive minds in UCT, otherwise she would still be there...
❤
Dr Mpofu-Walsh thank you for bringing Prof. Phakeng, we are forever in your debt.
She has no idea how many of us she inspired. We do not mourn her, we are becoming Phakeng. ❤🙌
Spread the fire 🔥
I am such a fan, currently busy with PhD in engineering, i'm a dancer too, also UCT alumni
🕺🏽
Best of luck with your PhD in Engineering.
Congratulations!! And good luck in your journey. Are you going to take the academia route or corporate? I am thinking of over qualify excuses that can be used by corporate. Or we can't afford you.
@@mamosedimaleka6291 industry prefer Masters or PhDs for quantitative field roles. You will never be over qualified.
@@mamosedimaleka6291 Academia isn’t worth it nowadays. It’s not what it used to be.
Academics are treated the lowest in institutions but work harder than everyone. They have to conduct research, teaching and learning, community engagement and administration. Most universities abuses academics / overloads them but pay them peanuts.
Eish, this UCT experience impacted her terribly. I'm glad she got the chance to share her experience with us. Please allow her to get it out of her chest..it is also a healing process.
Mamokgethi Phakeng is a powerhouse, a clear and articulate force and upright leader who is clear on issues and very objective on issues. I would love to raise a daughter like her🤞🏿😭🔥❤️ I love you Deputy Mother❤️
This was a Bittersweet conversation for me. Sweet because it confirmed many of the issues that Black women face when they are in leadership in white spaces and sad for the same reasons. I mean this is textbook, there is so much to unpack that is inline with the research on Black women in leadership all over the world. What really stood out was when she said she really believed that excellence was an impediment to racism and found out the hard way. Gosh I loved every bit of this conversation, the naming of white supremacy, politics of respectability, the hyper visibility and scrutiny of Black women in leadership, white supremacy and the on paper democracy that we have as a country. Thank you
Yes ! Yes yes !yyyyyyesssss!
@@Drawingboredi as a white woman the same age as Prof Phakeng who graduated at WITS in the 80s and did post-grad studies at UCT and who was so proud to have my son enrolled at UCT in 2019 under Prof Phakeng’s leadership, I am so saddened by this.
She is indeed a strong black woman and UCT failed her
But so many students have gained from her leadership as a role model and she has taken the struggle further
I look forward to seeing how she continues to lead - she is far from done
I Have worked in a few financial institutions in HR for 25 years and I don't think that you can generalise. I have witnessed many different situations where Black woman have been brought into roles, paid and have been given immense support but they did not deliver. Fast-tracking people can on occasion be bad and costly for both the individual and organisation. As a person who started working in the 1980's I can attest to the fact that we were not treated with kid gloves. Arrive late for work, don't meet deadlines, miss meetings, provide inaccurate data or make questionable points in group discussions resulted in management tearing a strip off you, often in front of others. These behaviours appear to be the norm nowadays, especially in the public sector, and people moan that "we are not understood", "we are treated unfairly", "racist behaviour" etc. Many of these people being fast-tracked have the benefit of working in established mature organisations where they enjoy the benefits of the work done by others which came before them. If you are a hard-working, talented, ethical black woman, who is prepared to gain a good foundation and you have a good track-record, the world is your oyster in these times where large organisations need to comply to quotas in RSA and where international companies are wanting to transform. Just don't expect to be carried and look around at what your colleagues have had to go through to get to where they are.
HR is mess anyway, they serve the master......
This is one woman of substance in this lifetime. They thought they were dimming her light but elevating her further. This whole UCT saga made me question the "Rainbow Nation" they claim we are under.
Lol it took you UCT saga for you to question 🌈 nation 😅. I'd advice you to go outside now and just look at your society.
I studied at UCT and I knew they want her gone. UCT is funded by white supremacy and wanted their own.
@@bonolomakgatadeluent3150 Rainbow Nation is a myth and only applicable when it suits "Them".
There's no such know ur race period
I love this lady... ❤❤❤Her confidence, her mannerism list goes on.... Fact that she comes from humble beginnings and she still exudes excellence...
This lady is has depth and is extremely intelligent. It is very clear why they had to get rid of her. I live in Cape Town and I can fully understand what she went through. It's not only at UCT but in the entire Western Cape.
😩
She's so right. The corporate world has this way of making us question our abilities, making us feel small, yet you wrote the very same exams to get there. It happened to me in the accounting world, to the point of leaving it completely....
Gaslighting is their game - but they won't dominate eternally! Kogcina i ingabadi! (Black South Africans)
I'm an accountant and faced similar challenges questioning my experience, knowledge and skills, even when we all studied the same course ACCA. but I fight back 😂😂
So sad, yet those who are left are so incapable. I respect you for choosing you.
I love Prof Phakeng! She's so brave and assertive. They would prefer her to just be a walkover who just does as told but she has a backbone and was having none of it.
Power to you Prof!
You have said it so well bhuti.
Very assertive 🙌
I just love everything this lady represents...she deserves her flowers
Prof Phakeng ❤🎉 is my role model, people don't understand why someone from a point of no privilege whatsoever can shift society, stand her ground and instil morality. No one can stand someone who will remain true to themselves, work their way to the top and uphold a set of morals and values all at the same especially a black woman in 2023 South Africa!
I thoroughly enjoyed this interview and I stan this Queen for standing up for herself as she continues to have these interviews about her UCT departure. She got me thinking deep and hard in some instances and I wish her nothing but the best in her endeavours.
This was indeed a great conversation between two great intellectuals 🙌🙌🙌.
This broke my heart, that at her peak, the system did this to her... I'm happy she lived for me and for my daughter to see.. Thanks, Sizwe, for this interview.
Where you there? Stop believing everthing you here! Stop simping.
Dont worry, this is just a background story in her book...
She is still going to achieve more things than we can imagine.💪🙌✨️
I am so happy that our deputy mother has been given a platform to pour her heart out. ❤ I have been waiting for this interview for so long, so glad Dr Sizwe has done it. Thank you for shedding more light to us on this matter.
wow this is amazing.....usually we assume that people with such education don't get treated unfairly
Thx Sizwe for bringing black excellency to the platform bcs we as Africans need to here n gain their wisdom. On ur platform they express themselves freely. Amandla to our iron lady of our time✊. May God strengthen her harder n bless her.
🙌🏽🙌🏽
I am a hard man to convince but I am convinced by you Dr Mpofu, hope SABC never dilutes you, or you will lose us
The “since 3 years old” thing is finishing me 😭
😂 Yoh she came for him.
Great and eye-opening interview full of solutions. Very classy, insightful, and thought-provoking
This young man is really an inspiration for the nation. I admire his intellectual capacity, his determination and also want to thanks his father Adv Mpofu. Keep on the good job.
Wow! What a great interview. Thank you Sizwe! I can relate to what she went through in my career path. Continue to rise Prof. You are destined for greatness and “ Still you will Rise.”
“Your excellence maybe the very problem “ is spot on! Thank you for addressing these challenges
I felt so much friction between these Doctors. But I thoroughly enjoyed the perspectives. Especially how Prof Phakeng grabs sensitive issues by the horn. And thank you Sizwe, it could not have been easy to curate this discussion. She is savage. 😂
Edit: Such beautiful truths revealed here that show us how our colonial history and apartheid have influenced our natures and intellectual development in such a big way.
I felt the friction and just couldn't help wonder how sizwe felt when she kept interrupting him. Very assertive and straight forward. I can see how other might use that as a foot to say she is a bully. But as a black woman, seems like anything she would have done or said would have been used. She sure made education fashionable
Goosebumps through and through. Enjoyed this so much. Thanks, Sizwe :).
I loved the interview. It was robust and intense. I had to switch from a podcast to see the discussion halfway on RUclips. I now have a different appreciation for Prof, her views, and life framework. Thanks Dr. Sizwe.
Great interview, Dr Sizwe is a great interviewer. I'm glad prof shared her side. It's opening our eyes. We still have a long way to go as a country.
Incredible!!! Thank you.
We need more like Prof Phakeng coming out of our communities, keep representing Prof❤. Sizwe you are great, God bless you son of the soil.
Young people let’s come this side🙌🏾🫶🏼🔥 what an episode 💪🏾✊🏿✊🏿 I call this Episode Academia astounding❤
this woman is an epitome of black south african excellence bold and unapologetic leadership and a woman for that matter ,she achieved outside of political affiliation.The political machinery to attack her was well oiled and our black counterparts werent available to protect one of their black gems in her but attack her
She was in the wrong, nobody could defend her because she was wrong, being black means shit and does not give her a pass. They couldn't protect her because she wrong. Race really makes people of colour blind to the truth.
She has a big heart...thank God for her life and the people who helped her back to her feet
My favourite person was here ❤..Great that she gets to speak her truth of what transpired without the media crucifying her for what they don't have facts on. The country still needs her valuable skills and voice. Respect to the Prof.
I've tried to find words to appreciate this woman, but I couldn't. Truly, she's one of the few people you can count by your fingertips. Salute!
Perfect podcast and host to interview Prof. Phakeng been looking forward to this amazing interview👌👌❤
I’m so glad this discussion happened. Thank you Sizwe 🙏🏾 Thank you Prof for standing your ground.
Another great interview Sizwe. Kgethi is excellent and she will go on to do great things in her life. South Africa has long way to go still to deal with structural racism but come what may we will overcome, this complicit government will one day fall and companies and institutions in this countries will made to toe the line on equality.
The kind we need, and can learn and relate so much through her journey.. the sobering systemic means of making one to suffer in silence, and just how easily we can be swayed from what the country goes through and our attention is drawn to tip of an iceberg. She is a woman of substance, and I am sure this will be the next best and parallel interview to that of the Advocate. Salute SMWX, thank you very much, and the honourable guest •!
Many thanks for having this powerhouse. Thoroughly enjoyed. Ayeye.🔥
Thank you for this great interview!
Prof Phakeng is my spirit animal 😊
Lol Prof Mamokgethi is a strong woman, I think because she doesn't take nonsense the other people had an issue with that, it's unfortunate. This is the type of leadership we need
Our deputy mother in the house,its always a pleasure listening to you mama❤
Professor Phakeng is an inspiration to many, what she has achieved is undenied way above the scrutiny she is subject to. I will stand by her.
Loved this interview so much!!! What a powerhouse! Some parts of the interview, I wanted to pause and hug her😅 Yoh!
You are our black excellence. Continue to soar. We are super proud of you. I pray that God may present your gifts to the greats. You are blessed and loved
There is still along way to go, such instances should open our eyes and we should start being independent thinkers and analyze matters independently in order to bring the positive change to next generations
Beautiful and well conversant interview.
The openness was soo 🔥
The story of this lady (Prof. Mamokgethi) sounds very familiar to me. A smart AFRICAN lady, A-cing her work duties. Then come the well known accusation: HR matters/bullying staff. Does any one know another lady who had exactly the same experience...? I'm talking about another African lady who also recieved 3 clean audits, issued more than 400 h reports and cleared the baclocks. Also, corrupt individuals whom are committing fraud (signiture forging) or assaulting public protector office clients/members of the publuc, are celebrated.
Thank you, Sizwe for the MIC and the Chair. We owe you Camera Fees.
This was a gloves-off interview. Unlike the SC Sikhakhane and without digressing.
I can only imagine what it must have been like for Dr. John H Clarke, Dr. Cheik Anta Diop and many more African black academics and leading intellectuals in the corridors of white supremacy and the racialized institutions of education to prove their thesis and research, intellect, personal characters.
Dr. Phakeng, in the words of Nina Simone "When I go...I`m going to know they my people have something to build on and that is my reward......my folks have nothing and need inspiration24hrs a day and that is why I am here."
Thank you for standing up to bullies.
I remember wishing her well in 2016 as she was leaving my previous university, but knowing full well that they would reject her. This has made me sad. A brilliant, hard working, brutally honest, fabulous academic from Pitori. I still did not think she would leave before the end of her term. But she is human. The Western Cape...
Brava 👏🏾 Prof (VC) Mamokgethi Phakeng 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾, Brava!
(and thanks Sizwe for this interview, for creating space for her voice and insights. Glad I caught up with THIS post online 🙂.)
Big ups to our beautiful, bravery Professor I love and respect this lady. Well done Sizwe
Thank you Sizwe, SOME of us will never hear this beautiful, dynamic just brilliant strong african woman speak. Wow man Its so inspiring....May you bring our VC back again and again so that our Souls can have peace to know that we are NOT alone and that our fights are not in vain. May the VC be blessed in everything she does and may she shine her bright light over us wherever we are God has really spoilt us with strong Warrior Women .❤🙏🏿👏🏿
Great interview 👏🏼👌🏼, 1h30 felt like only 30min.
she is just amazing, all the best Prof.
🙆🏽♂️mhm Mme Phakeng doesn't cut corners very interesting points raised especially with black competence
True
Thanks SMWX, I (for one) really needed to hear her side of the story.
🙌🏽
Powerful, second watch for me, I’m well fed, started with Penuel, now I’m here, and it’s only getting better and more structured ❤
That cultural capital point seriously got me teary. I love the opportunity to have heard her side of the story unrushed
I've listened to this interview, and reading the comments, I've loved the bits towards the end, regarding education, and Prof. Said what we should be looking towards as the youth. And the thinking behind graduating with a degree, is not an entitlement that someone owes you, a job. And that a degree offers you an opportunity to learn how to learn, give you the necessary tools to enable you to solve problems.
Great conversation,prof phakeng is clear and precise in her views and admire her ability to merge in to one with ppl on the ground. Thumbs up mommy
I like this discussion Sizwe with Professor Phakeng, please bring her back for part 2. 👍
I am intrigued by this deep conversation, this is insightful!, ...we now get a glimpse of the other side of the story. Prof Mamokgethi please continue to rise, you are not done. You have given hope to many young people, and you continue to do so, particularly to the young girls out there. "Morero wa' gago o santse o le teng!
Great conversation!!!
Ndimthanda lo mama this was a great conversation love how she carries herself hoping the upcoming Gen follows her foot steps.
Queen!! 👑loved this!!
Thank you Sizwe, pheka mfokaMpofu👌🏾
Thanx Dr Sizwe for bringing Prof Phakeng👋🙏👏
Thanks Sizwe, i thoroughly enjoyed this episode, but the again I am Mamokgethi groupie, we have so many things in common
Hands down this woman is beyond smart. I love your mind Mama Mamokgethi Phakeng. Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. I love her even more.
I think this interview gv Prof an opportunity to really pour out her heart.Thanks Sizwe
Sizwe is such a calm interviewer. This can not be an easy conversation because it affects real people in the universities and the media. Prof Kgethi is a strong speaker and is a strong leader. These are not criteria for removal from office.
Good to see the almighty in the comments section 💪. Love the work you do man 🙌
My bro! Thanks. Had to remain calm as I knew how much this meant to Prof, too.
Thank you for allowing Prof to vent, but she must learn to answer the difficult questions.There is nothing wrong with being wrong..
@@motoaisusan3124 ... there is something wrong about making the conclusion without providing the evidence... How exactly is she wrong, so we can expect her to admit? Two years on since the leaked Ombud's draft report. Challenging, yes, and that is her character. But wrong? Please educate us with evidence. And she kept on challenging Sizwe to present the evidence with the repetition of the allegations...
I love this lady - so so powerful !!!
I love the prof; she's brilliant.
Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh gives me hope in the emergence of a better South Africa in the near future - looking at the calibre of people he gives the platform on this channel. This applies to his (colleagues) in the game; your Penuel The Black Pen, your Nkululeko and Culture and others I am yet to discover through him.
I am sharing this channel with all my friends and acquaintances!
I came hear after watching her interview on Podcast and chill. I love this Mama❤😊 she kept on going back to 3 years old 😂😅. This is my type of content and will be coming around here. ❤ Well done Sizwe
I really enjoyed this episode 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Black woman you are on your own...we are inspired by your fearless leadership and bravery..history will remember you
The issue of Langer 🤣🤣. I love this woman, she’s confident and funny too. Very objective with sharp leadership skills 💯💯
What a great interview. Shuu 👌👌👌👌
I love that she hasn’t been silenced. We need to know how to juggle these people when we get to the top, because they know how to play with your head Shem…..
I’m repeating this interview for the 2nd time. I love Prof Mamokgethi yooooh❤
Loved this interview. All the best.
I love you professor and fully agree that as the overall Accounting Officer for the institution you need to hold people accountable.
I have watched so many podcasts but I have never commented. This interview speaks to many of us within the work environment... Many blacks are I the same boat.
I can hear the pain and frustration from your voice mama,And you have every right to be ❤
Peace be with you .😊
This Lady Is The Epitome Of Excellence And Intelligence, Well Done Professor 'Mamokhethi Phakeng For Standing On The Side Of The Truth.
Dear Sizwe, please assist viewers by providing context and an intro in your interviews so that viewers understand the content and context of the subject discussed. Thank you
My God why do I feel so depressed listening to this?
It's the 18th April 2023, at exactly 4:34 am as I am typing this. The power has just been switched back on by eskom after 4hrs:30 min of loadsheding. I am trying to study for my upcoming exams but after listening to this I don't know if I should go back to bed.
The irony is that the department of higher education is currently run by Blade Nzimande who claims to be a hardened communist and yet he just stood and watched while this beacon of excellence was being absolutely terrorised by white extremists in a so called black government run South Africa that we live in.
It's honestly so demoralising.
I am 5 minutes in and I call tell that this is going to be a good one yet. Looking forward to this ❤️
This beautiful, intelligent and powerful woman is a true definition of a LEADER 🤞🏆❤️🔥