“Whatever happens, don’t be anyone but yourself. Don’t ever act like anyone else. That would be fatal.” – Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng

Mamokgethi Phakeng is a South African professor of mathematics education and an internationally acclaimed academic researcher. She has held various executive positions at leading universities in South Africa, including the University of Cape Town (UCT), the University of Witwatersrand (WITS) and the University of South Africa (UNISA). She has also received several awards for her research and community work, including the Order of the Baobab (Silver) conferred on her by the President of South Africa in April 2016

Here are 23+ motivational quotes from Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng. 

Quotes on Self-Care & Self-Love From Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng

“Prioritise your peace. Practice being calm when you feel like you are being challenged, undermined or tested. Overreacting only creates regret.”

“Take care of your mental and emotional wellness.”

“Live your life well and take care of yourself. Then, your body will take care of you.”

“Take some time to take care of yourself. Do it for your inner wellness. The stronger you are, the more you can contribute.”

“Some things work out better when you are just being and trusting yourself.”

“Choose your inner peace. Give up the idea of having everything figured out.”

Mamokgethi Phakeng Quotes on Endurance & Sacrifices

“Understand that there is no success without pain and sacrifice.”

“Remember why you started and keep going. Don’t let anything or anyone distract you from your vision.

“Never miss an opportunity to benefit from your pain and tears. Use the lessons to build success.” – Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng

“Don’t rush it. Don’t overthink it. Don’t lose yourself in the noise.”

“In every situation that pops up, we have a choice about how we’re going to react to it.”

Related Post: 50 Encouraging Quotes From Prof Kgethi Phakeng

Quotes on Women & Opportunities From Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng

“If you pay attention to the patterns in your life you’ll realise that everything eventually works out.”

Life’s too short. Make the most of each day, even in during challenging times.

“Don’t be scared of uncertainty. There’s something special about being in a place where you don’t know what’s next.”

“Be and do your best while you’re still strong, healthy and able. One day you’ll be too old or too tired.” – Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng

“Being a mother of sons is one of the most important things you can do to change the world. Raise them to respect women, raise them to stand up for others, raise them to be kind.”

“Nobody can live your dreams but you. What is meant for you is meant for you.”

“Women have to be much better than men to land top jobs.”

“Young women need to make the most of every opportunity that presents itself and take a firm hold on leadership possibilities – that is how leadership starts.”

Mamokgethi Phakeng Quotes on Leadership & Failure

“Never be defined by failure, just accept it as part of living a full life. Setbacks can be a source of strength.”

“In a rapidly changing world, leadership is about challenging yourself. You need to be prepared to risk failure, otherwise you can never succeed.”

“To succeed in today’s world, you have to do things differently and risk failure.” – Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng

“Never celebrate being the first, take it as a challenge to do something bigger and more meaningful.”

“In victory, always share credit. In defeat, shoulder the blame.”

About Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng

Career Highlights

In 2018, Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng was appointed as the Vice-Chancellor at the University of Cape Town (UCT). In 2016, the University of Cape Town (UCT) appointed her as the Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation. In 2011, Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng was appointed the Vice Principal: Research and Innovation at the University of South Africa (UNISA). She also became the President: Convocation of the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS).

In 2008, the University of the Witwatersrand appointed her as an Honorary Professor of Mathematics Education. In 2007, Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng became a Professor Extraordinaire at the Tshwane University of Technology and a Trustee at the FirstRand Foundation Board of Trustees.

YouTube Channel

Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng recently started a YouTube channel dedicated to helping students succeed in postgraduate studies and pursuing a career in academia.

Quotes adapted from Twitter and Prof Phakeng’s article on leadership. Photo Sources: Prof Phakeng’s Instagram account.