Prof Kgethi Phakeng speaks to Strongest Story on ‘leaning in’, using life’s challenges as launching pads & knowing that God is bigger…

“The best way to do life is to take everything that comes at you, as being meant for you. Don’t just tolerate it; lean in and take it as an opportunity, take it as a launching pad for your next step . Use every challenge that comes at you. Some will be unfair, some will be fair. Embrace it, learn from it, grow from it, see it as meant for your good. 

You have your own story - If you stop every time you get pushed back, you will lose focus. Keep the focus on what needs to be done – keep doing your job and get your work done! 

Don’t try to fight the challenges because you will end up depleting your energy for the good thigs that God wants you to do. Trust God – there is a reason why you are going through what you are going through. Believe in what God has in store for you, because it is much bigger than the challenge.

It is the same with Covid-19 and how it is affecting the 2020 Matric class. I know it’s hard to study during this time of crisis, however, I want you to focus on the opportunity that comes with this crisis. You, the class of 2020, are learning online and developing skills that many university students still struggle with: time management, self discipline and learning to be focused on your studies despite the temptation to just blame the situation or other people for things that you are not able to do. It’s your year of growth!”

A personal message from Strongest Story:

Popularly known as “Kgethi” to her peers, "Deputy Mother" to her students, and “Fab Academic” to her followers; I still can’t bring myself to be that familiar. So, out of respect, I endearingly refer to Prof. Phakeng as “Madame VC”.  

 In January last year, I sat in UCT’s Sarah Baartman hall along with hundreds of new parents, all of whom were captivated by the eloquent flair of our bright and brilliant Vice Chancellor. Dressed in vibrant colours, she looked nothing like a stereotypical professor! Her no-holds-barred approach to diligent hard work and perseverance, her decisiveness and candid authenticity impressed me beyond measure; and I knew our first born son was going to be in very good hands for the duration of his University career.

After the formalities ,we all spilled out of the hall onto the Jammies steps and to our surprise we found Prof.Phakeng happily engaging with the new parents. We couldn’t stop ourselves from going over to meet and thank her personally, and of course ask for a “selfie”! She was disarmingly winsome with the loveliest sense of intelligent humour. She was even willing, when asked by my husband, to share with us the story behind the words “forgive” and “believe” tattooed on her arms:  "I got the tattoos at a time when everything was going well in my life. I was nailing things and I thought: 'It's easy to forget that I'm just a sinner who has been forgiven.' I got the tattoos to remind myself that there's nothing special about me. I'm just another person who works hard. I have been granted grace and favour - and all I have to do is believe."

I was speechless. Both Michael and I walked away from this encounter feeling on top of the world. Prof Phakeng had a magical effect; making things better just by being around her!

Strongest Story thanks you Madame VC for being for emboldening women to be the hero of their destined story and for doing the impossible: making maths cool!