Mamokgethi Phakeng is a South African university leader and mathematician. She became vice‑chancellor of the University of Cape Town in July 2018 and earlier earned a doctorate in mathematics education. She has received important awards and recognition for her work in maths.
Phakeng says her interest in mathematics began at school when her mother sent her to a winter school focused on mathematics. Geometry at a township school helped her to understand the subject and she became hooked. Her parents supported her studies, and she advises young people to practise mathematics daily, about an hour, to build logical thinking and more career options.
Difficult words
- mathematician — a person who studies or works with numbers
- doctorate — a university degree after a master's
- recognition — public praise or official reward for work
- geometry — the study of shapes, lines and space
- township — a town area, often a poor neighbourhood
- practise — to do an activity regularly to improve
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever attended a special course or school like a winter school? What did you learn?
- Would you practise mathematics for an hour every day? Why or why not?
- Which part of mathematics do you enjoy most at school, for example geometry?
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