The University of Cape Town (UCT) has announced that vice-chancellor Professor Mamokgheti Phakeng has been admitted to hospital and is taking time to recover from stress.
UCT’s council was informed at a meeting on Tuesday night, where they learned that Phakeng is receiving medical attention and is taking time off from her duties.
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At the same meeting, deputy vice-chancellor Professor Elelwani Ramugondo was appointed as acting VC.
According to News24, council chairperson Babalwa Ngonyama said: “Given the stress, the vice-chancellor has been under, this time away from the office will also serve to give her a bit of rest.”
Ramugondo confirms that the university is in capable hands and that the team will unite to handle the situation as Phakeng recovers.
Phakeng’s severe stress comes following UCT council’s recent vote to appoint a retired judge and independent panel in light of allegations of misconduct against her and Ngonyama.
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Picture: University of Bristol