“Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng urges women to lead with authenticity and embrace their voices in a powerful VUT FM message ahead of Women’s Month in South Africa.”
04 August 2025 | Story By: Qhawekazi Memani | Picture: Peter Masela
As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, a renowned mathematician, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, and champion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy, delivered a powerful message to women, students, and professionals during her recent visit to the Vaal University of Technology (VUT).
Speaking on the VUT FM Afternoon Drive Show with Makhosazana, where she was hosted as part of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fluency Campus Tour supported by Microsoft, Professor Phakeng emphasised the importance of authenticity in leadership.
“Do not minimise your voice. We need who you are. Do not try to be a man or someone else from another culture,” she said.
Her message challenged women to reject the pressure to conform or imitate and instead to own their identity and lead wholeheartedly. “It is time to lead honestly and fully. As women, we bring something unique that no one else can bring,” she added.
Professor Phakeng’s words serve as a call to action for women to embrace their true selves, whether in academia, business, or any professional field, and to contribute their unique strengths to building a better future. Link to the VUTFM interview: https://youtu.be/zRHxIVHGrRs?si=-0NbIWo8221pQAbo
Her words resonate strongly at VUT and beyond, inspiring women to step forward with confidence and pride as the nation prepares to celebrate Women’s Month.