More Drama As UCT Vice-Chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng Is Placed On Special Leave. Vice-Chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng of the University of Cape Town (UCT) has been given a special leave of absence as part of what is being referred to as the drama surrounding her departure from the university.
She was said to have held the position of institution’s vice chancellor until March 3rd, but the governing council made a decision regarding it, and now she is no longer in that position.
The professor was put on special leave with “immediate effect,” which implies that as soon as the decision to send her on leave was taken, she was unable to carry out her obligations as the institution’s vice chancellor.
Her ongoing position as the institution’s vice chancellor has become untenable, as disclosed in a letter that was leaked, thus it was decided to make sure she leaves on leave.
Actually, the pressor is cool with leaving. After all, she isn’t exactly exiting her position in disgrace. Also, she would be given all her entitlements, which total about R12 million.
What is unclear at the moment is whether her exit will actually provoke tangible changes at the institution and maintain its position among South Africa’s notable tertiary institutions. At the time of writing, Prof. Phaken herself had said nothing about her special leave.
