(a celebratory article in honour of our Board Member, Prof Mamokethi Phakeng)
Like OWLAG girls and many South African girls, the University of Cape Town Vice-chancellor and Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls Board Member, Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng, grew up in poverty. “Growing up in poverty meant nothing in my life would come easy. I always had to fight to survive – giving up was always an easier and safer option,” she says. However, her life’s journey shows that she didn’t allow that poverty narrative to hold her down and suppress her dreams. She never gave up on her dreams. Prof Phakeng says she worked hard because she dreamt of a better future. “I failed many times, and, as tough as it was, I had to bounce back every time because my dreams did not allow me to give up,” she says. Prof Phakeng, the girl from the township, received an Honorary Doctorate on Tuesday, 07 June 2022, from the University of Ottawa.
We hope that her accomplishment inspires our OWLAG girls to fight for their dreams, work hard and believe that “YOU CAN DO IT”.
Congratulations, Prof Phakeng.
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