Mamokgethi Phakeng’s Post

I had an amazing time experiencing Botswana from a different perspective. I visited the amazing Makgadikgadi Pans and the Okavango Delta. I had very many epic moments but some were just priceless. One priceless moment was interacting with the San community in Makgadikgadi Pans. These are the first people of Southern Africa, we the ‘Bantus’ are actually from the north of the continent. Note that am using the word Bantu not in the manner that the apartheid government of SA used it but to differentiate Africans who came from the north to the San, Khoi, and many other indigenous communities of the south of Africa. What is sad is that this is one of the few remaining San people and their culture, way if being, seeing and doing is being eroded by modernity and the so-called ‘development’ or ‘civilisation’. Of course, that’s how we as Africans in general lost some of our culture. What is needed is a debate or engagement on how even some of our sustainability initiatives are disrupting the way this community lives, basically ‘forcing’ them, albeit nicely to adopt western ways of being. Thank you to #NxaiTravel who curated my safari in Botswana. I would never have known to ask for the most memorable experience I have ever had in my life.

In my previous post, I argued that while I value education and schooling, there is a lot that they do not teach us, but if truth be told, there is a lot that is not in the curriculum but school teaches us or we learn from school. So in this article I explore the question, what is that thing, good or bad, that was never in the curriculum but you learnt from school. I share some of the bad things that education taught me and how I unlearnt them. I look forward to reading what you think.

I went into teaching because I love young people and I believe in the power of education. Growing up working class no in South Africa I had no chance of a decent life, but education changed all that and now I am living my best life. But if truth be told, there is a lot of important stuff to know that school does not teach and if you grow up working class, the chances of learning the stuff is very slim. In his book, The Sandman, Vol. 9: The Kindly Ones, Neil Gaiman shares his list of things that education does not teach, “I've been making a list of the things they don't teach you at school. They don't teach you how to love somebody. They don't teach you how to be famous. They don't teach you how to be rich or how to be poor. They don't teach you how to walk away from someone you don't love any longer. They don't teach you how to know what's going on in someone else's mind. They don't teach you what to say to someone who's dying. They don't teach you anything worth knowing.” What do you think about this list and can you think of things that your education did not or could not teach you?

Yesterday someone made me remember my list of things I wish someone told me when I turned 21. Yes I do have the list :-) and I use it a lot when I prepare the speeches I make when I am invited to speak at valedictions or graduation ceremonies. So I thought today I should invite you to share only three things that you wish someone told you before you turned 21. Lets make it inspirational but also light and funny :-) I have a long list and below are the three I have selected to share with you: 1. To succeed in this life you need courage. More than a rich husband/wife, what you will need most in this life is courage! The courage to face your fears; be willing to change; try new things and handle the struggles that life puts in your path. 2. Never loose your curiousity. Be curious about people around you, do not project preconceptions or assumptions about people you meet because you will learn more from people who are different from you. 3. Enjoy your body while you can. Wear shorts and show your beautiful legs because one day you will get older and will have the challenge of falling in love with your cellulite.

Indeed, every level has its own devil.

I am now safely back home after missing my connecting flight to Gaborone. I will see fellow Batswanas sometime before the end of the month. Here is something for you as you enjoy the weekend, “Once in a while each one of us, no matter how strong & how accomplished, needs a reminder that you are great just as you are. I hope you have someone in your life who reminds you of the fire that burns within you because you’re great! Don’t let fear overwhelm you! You are enough!"- Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng

Am now off to Kigali for this 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽

Nobody performs excellently at first attempt. Everyone sucks in the beginning. It's what you do after the beginning that counts. Just watch my first attempt at abseiling down Table mountain last week, at 00:59 I thought it’s the end of me. But it wasn’t, I made it down safely and I can tell you that my next attempt will be a hundred times better. And with oractice I can be a master. Thats how it goes with everything. Never be discouraged if your first attempt at anything does not go well. #FabacademicUnfiltered #KgethiSpeaks #WiseupwithKgethi

What a journey it has been with my son battling cancer! Lots of tears, hugs and love but above it all, the will to live! When cancer attacks, the entire family must be willing to fight otherwise they won’t win. Below are his reflections a year since he had a transplant ❤️

On Friday, I'll be joining educators in the Eastern Cape to celebrate their exceptional work, which has led the province to achieve a historic 81.4% pass rate🥳🙏🏾 This is testament to their dedication and commitment, so they certainly deserve recognition❤️ We must reward excellence to maintain and perpetuate it💪🏾