Johannesburg - The University of Cape Town’s vice-chancellor brought much-needed smiles to the faces of students burning the midnight oil when she visited them close to midnight with sweets and chocolates as they studied.
Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng showed her students support during their last-minute cramming as universities and schools are in the midst of their final exams.
In videos posted on her social media pages, Phakeng is seen preparing little chocolates and sweets by tagging words of encouragement on colourful paper.
I went back to campus study spaces at around 11pm last night to give my students chocolates and words of encouragement as they prepare for their final exams. As usual, I was encouraged to find them hard at work!❤️❤️❤️
— Mamokgethi Phakeng🏳️🌈 (@FabAcademic) November 15, 2022
Some requested transcription👇🏾#DeputyMotherDuties❤️ pic.twitter.com/HszwZCaM8d
Phakeng’s message reads, “I’m encouraged to see you studying at this time of the night. I wish you all the best with your studies and cannot wait to see you on the graduation stage. Keep going! With Love, Deputy Mother❤️”
The video shows Phakeng making her way silently through the study hall or library gently greeting the concentrating students one at a time with the sweet surprise.
Students, some looking stressed and tired, are seen looking up at her smiling when they see the sweet surprise, while in some instances, she chats with the student asking how they were feeling and when they were writing their next paper.
The university journey is not easy, much support and constant motivation is needed to push through! I am a mother before I am VC, so I will be there to give them the motivation they need to soldier on❤️ #DeputyMotherDuties❤️ pic.twitter.com/oNhD6GyJrp
At the end of October, UCT released an official video of Phakeng wishing the class of 2022 well as they sit for their final exams.
In her message, she also motivated learners to pursue further studies at tertiary level and to never give up on achieving their dreams.
Her act was well received on social media.
@phaladi_shuping wote on Twitter, “Awesome. Keep up the good work Deputy Mother / VC. This is the most difficult time for students and they can do with encouragement and cheering up!!!”
@Kay_Achee wrote on Twitter, “I'm not a UCT student. But this is so beautiful and motivating even for me. Thank you Mother.”
Education