Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng Sparks New Debate with Controversial Instagram Post
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| Image Prof phakeng on Instagram @fabacadamic |
Former University of Cape Town Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng is once again at the center of controversy, this time over a recent Instagram post that many critics have labeled as a backhanded compliment and emblematic of a broader pattern of problematic behavior.
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| Screenshot from Prof. Mamokgethi Phakeng’s official Instagram account, posted publicly on 08.05.2025. |
The post in question featured Prof. Phakeng posing with another woman, accompanied by a caption that read: “This woman right here is evidence that one does not need to be skinny to be attractive! Love her! Own who you are! Love who you are and what you look like and then see what happens."
Though the caption may have been intended to promote body positivity, many social media users, especially on Twitter, quickly called it out as patronizing and backhanded. By framing the woman's attractiveness in contrast to her body size, critics argued that Phakeng was inadvertently reinforcing the very beauty standards she claimed to be challenging.
The backlash intensified as more users chimed in, accusing Phakeng of using social media attention to fuel her public persona. Some questioned her intelligence, while others claimed this was consistent with her history of performative feminism and self-centered behavior. "She’s always been a pick me," one user posted. "This isn’t surprising coming from someone who follows and engages with toxic characters like Chris Excel."
Chris Excel, a notorious and polarizing Twitter figure known for misogynistic commentary, is frequently cited as a litmus test for questionable values. Phakeng's apparent support for such a figure further fueled outrage, with many pointing out that her brand of social media activism often seems selective and self-serving.
Critics also highlighted her fraught history with women, accusing her of exhibiting a pattern of subtle antagonism masked as empowerment. "She's always been weird to women," said one commenter, referencing past interactions where Phakeng's support for gender causes was called into question.
Another major point of contention was her reaction to being called out for planning to attend a Chris Brown concert. When activist Yolanda Dyantyi criticized her for supporting an artist with a known history of abuse, Phakeng publicly shamed Dyantyi by bringing up a personal tweet about her abortion, implying a double standard. This response was widely condemned as inappropriate, stigmatizing, and harmful to women's reproductive rights.
Adding fuel to the fire, Phakeng is also known to be a fan of "Podcast and Chill," a platform widely criticized for perpetuating misogyny. For many, this further confirms suspicions about her alignment with controversial and harmful gender narratives.
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| UCT Students marching for justice for the late Uyinene |
In another incident that drew ire, critics brought up how Phakeng handled the murder of UCT student Uyinene Mrwetyana during her tenure. When Twitter users questioned her leadership during that time, Phakeng reportedly responded by sending cease and desist letters from her lawyers to those users. This was viewed by many as an attempt to silence valid criticism through intimidation.
As of now, Prof. Phakeng has not publicly responded to the latest criticism. But the incident has reignited broader discussions about how public figures, especially those in positions of influence, engage with social issues and the responsibility they hold in shaping public discourse.
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