EDWIN NAIDU
THE resignation of Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape was a step backwards in the representation of women Vice-Chancellors in South African higher education, according to Brightness Mangolothi, Director of Higher Education Resource Service (HERS-SA).
In its 20 years of operation, Mangolothi said HERS-SA has collaborated with Phakeng for almost all of those years.
She has freely accepted the call to share her journey with women leaders and offer help where necessary.
“Last year at the HERS-SA ACADEMY, she spoke about leading wounded, which, regrettably, mirrors the difficulties women leaders face, especially when their identities intersect. ”
Most women could relate to the talk and even felt inspired to share their leadership scars,” she said.
Mangolothi said this indicated that institutions should consider hiring coaches and mentos for leaders at all levels as a retention strategy rather than a remedial measure.
INSIDE EDUCATION
