Since her appointment as Vice Chancellor of one of the best universities in the country, the University of Cape Town, Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng has garnered the reputation of a no-nonsense woman who is not shy about standing up for herself when need be. Recently, she has found herself defending her decision to attend Chris Brown’s show scheduled for this December, however, did she go too far in doing so?
To understand the whole story, I will need to explain a bit of some background for you so strap in. This tale begins when Prof. Mamokgethi shares that she will be one of the many people who will be attending the highly anticipated show via X (formerly Twitter). This, not sitting well with some users, caused a stir as they believed it was hypocritical of the professor to support a known GBV perpetrator while she has condemned all acts of GBV.
In her defence, BONA Magazine’s August 2024 cover star highlighted that her attending the concert does not automatically mean that she aligns with the superstar’s past actions. Furthermore, she urges users to shift the focus from policing each other’s entertainment choices to more meaningful work.
Yes, it’s definitely me. Even today, I am totally against GBV and strongly condemn it in all its forms. I believe that those who perpetrate GBV should face the full might of the law without exceptions or leniency. But let me be clear, just in case the message didn’t sit well: I… https://t.co/t5hAp0imO5
— Kgethi Phakeng, PhD(Wits); Hon DSc (UBristol) (@FabAcademic) October 7, 2024
One particular user, Yolanda Dyanti, has also garnered her own reputation following a case involving a different vice chancellor and the university did not take kindly to Prof. Mamokgethi’s stance, labelling her a GBV apologist. In response, the professor pulled up an old post by Yolanda where she spoke about an abortion she had done before, highlighting that South Africa is a free country where everyone has the right to choose what is best for themselves.
I will attend every concert I want until I choose otherwise. ❤️ It’s a free country moes, right? Or the freedom is only reserved just for abortions? pic.twitter.com/ykHf7WOCp6
— Kgethi Phakeng, PhD(Wits); Hon DSc (UBristol) (@FabAcademic) October 8, 2024
Coming to Yolanda’s defence, some users condemned Mamokgethi’s words, claiming that they are harmful and regressive in the fight for women’s autonomy. Furthermore, this post added fuel to the fire that had already been blown out of proportion as the country is currently split into two, due to this ordeal.
Some users feel that Mamokgethi’s blow was below the belt, considering she is an influential woman with a vast platform.
