- Mamokgethi Phakeng is a South African mathematician and leader.
- She is vice-chancellor of the University of Cape Town.
- She received national and international recognition for maths work.
- She won the Order of the Baobab award.
- Her interest in mathematics started at school.
- Her parents encouraged hard work and learning at home.
- She began teaching in rural farm schools.
- She advises young people to practise maths every day.
- She says maths builds logical thinking and career choices.
- She shows mathematics can fit many personal identities.
Difficult words
- mathematician — a person who studies and works with numbers
- vice-chancellor — the main leader of a university
- recognition — public praise or official honour for work
- rural — related to the countryside or farms
- encourage — to give support or make someone tryencouraged
- practise — to do something again and again to improve
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you like maths?
- How often do you practise maths?
- Would you like to teach in a rural school?
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