She has faced many obstacles this year. She closed a chapter as Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Town CT on 3 March 2023.

 Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng took an early retirement package after she reached an exit settlement deal with the institution. After a bumpy start to the year, the professor recently faced yet another challenging obstacle to date- she summited Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

 

SHE DID IT!

 

Taking to social media, in excitement, the former Phakeng says, "We made it to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Indeed, this is one journey that tested the limits of my strength, resilience, and determination. I have conquered many physical and personal mountains throughout my life. Others appeared tough but I realised I was tougher. This time, I also conquered the mighty Kilimanjaro!"

 

REMOVING TOXICITY

Before taking on Africa's tallest peak to raise funds to support feminine hygiene, sanitary towels distribution and puberty education for women under the Trek4Mandela annual initiative,

 she vowed to remove any toxicity she has been carrying. She joined 22 climbers for the #Trek4Mandela initiative, organised by Imbumba Foundation, to celebrate its 11th year with two expeditions in July for Mandela Day and August for Women's Day; in honour of the 10th anniversary of Nelson Mandela's death. The group planned to go up the mountain trail which is 72km long for four days to reach the top. "I also want to immerse myself in the understanding that it's not how fast I get to the top, but rather about getting to the top. I want to conquer fears of fear itself," she told the media before the great trek. Mount Kilimanjaro is the African continent's highest peak at 5,895 metres.

A 'TREK' RECORD

 

Last year, the groups that went to Mount Kilimanjaro in July and August raised enough money, to support 5 000 girls from nine schools across seven South African provinces, namely Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Free State and Mpumalanga.