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| Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng Image Via Twitter |
There is an allegation pertaining that Prof Phakeng is responsible for the ongoing students' protest at UCT
Prof Phakeng was forced into an early retirement in February, which became effective at the beginning of March, because of governance issues is being accused of causing the current student protest happening in UCT
Earlier today the News24 Editor in Chief, Adriaan Basson wrote a tweet about how Prof Phakeng is involved in the current state of UCT. The initial tweet was a response to UCT News Article. According to Basson, Phakeng is celebrating and showing off while UCT is callapsing.
@AdriaanBasson
"On 24 Feb student protests started at UCT. Prof Phakeng was still the VC. If you were a UCT student or lecturer or parent, you would not have known about this or what UCT was doing about it by following Prof Phakeng’s posts. 2/3"
The thread continued:
"Prof Reddy’s statement speaks for itself. UCT’s comms about protests have been terrible. But I have learnt this platform doesn’t tolerate any criticism of Prof Phakeng, and I will stay in my lane and await the finalisation of the Mpati Commission’s report. 3/3
In her response, Prof Phakeng had this to say:
@FabAcademic
"On 22 Feb, YOU announced my retirement. On 24, 25 and 26 Feb, I peacefully dined with students at their residences because there was no chaos! If anything had burnt, YOU would have been the first to report that but you didn’t because you knew I was the last person to blame."
"Check all records since I took over - I communicated to all stakeholders during each and every student protest. By the way, not once were UCT protests violent - this is not through magic Adriaan."
"This year, I read on IOL that I was placed on special leave and that an Acting VC was appointed even before my retirement. How you expected me to communicate with anyone while out of office baffles me. You have no one to blame now, o tshwaregile!"
Even if I posted dancing videos during protests, it’s myopic and parochial to assume that dancing for a minute and doing work are mutually exclusive. I consistently woke up am and started work at 5am Adriaan! I do not (& never will) fit in the box you are trying to put me in. 2/3
Unfortunately, you can never rewrite history to fit the narrative you are working so hard to perpetuate. You consistently used your platforms to spread hogwash in my name and I could not defend myself. That time is over;I will not be bullied by you (or any of your colleagues).3/
According to Prof Phakeng, the allegations are merely a way to destroy her reputation. In an interview with JJ of eNCA she spoke her mind and explained how there are varied stories spreading which are founded on staggering grounds.
Tweeter users are calling Basson a covet racist because he remarks on Phakeng.
@MightiJamie had this to add.
Nonetheless, Basson apologised for the comment her made.
However, there are views that his apology is not authentic and is being forced
