An independent report, released this week, has shed light on the governance failures that have plagued the University of Cape Town (UCT) in recent years, with former vice-chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng at the center of the scandal. The report paints a vivid and disturbing picture of Phakeng as a narcissistic and thin-skinned leader who not only exploited racial divisions but also subjected black women to verbal abuse in private.
The long-awaited report, conducted by an independent panel tasked with investigating UCT’s governance failures, does not mince words in its condemnation of Phakeng and former UCT Council chair Babalwa Ngonyama. It states unequivocally that their conduct during this period amounted to a severe governance failure.
The report highlights Phakeng’s repeated unprofessional behavior, which included using threats, intimidation, ethnic slurs, personal insults, and posting racially offensive material on social media. These actions, deemed as prohibited in the UCT workplace, demonstrate a complete disregard for professionalism and respect.
Furthermore, the report reveals that Ngonyama, as the former UCT Council chair, not only failed to uphold the principles of good governance but actively aided and protected Phakeng’s misconduct. Her multiple breaches of fiduciary duty to UCT are deeply concerning and warrant further investigation by regulatory authorities.
The findings of this report will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the reputation of UCT and its leadership. It raises questions regarding the university’s ability to foster an inclusive and respectful environment for all members of its community, particularly for black women who have been subject to abuse.
The exposure of these leadership failures serves as a wake-up call for UCT to address the systemic issues that allowed such misconduct to occur. The university must take decisive action to restore trust and ensure that future leaders uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and inclusivity.
It is imperative that UCT responds to the report’s findings transparently and implements robust measures to prevent a recurrence of such governance failures. Only through accountability and genuine efforts to promote a culture of respect and equality can UCT regain the trust of its students, staff, and the wider community.
This report serves as a reminder that leadership comes with great responsibility. Leaders must be held to the highest ethical standards and must prioritize the well-being and inclusivity of their institutions. The events uncovered at UCT should serve as a catalyst for change, not only within the university but across the broader education sector in South Africa. It is only through such transformative change that we can build a future where all members of society can thrive, free from discrimination and abuse.
