A statement from the Chair of the UCT Council, Babalwa Ngonyama, mentions that a  field of 10 finalists, from countries and organisations across Africa was assessed by an international panel of judges against the criteria of advocacy, impact and leadership in furthering the goals of education on our continent.

Professor Phakeng, who is a member of the ARUA Board, and who also doubles up as a member of the Executive Committee of ARUA, is the first to receive the Africa Education Medal.  The statement accompanying the award recognises the impact of her work and leadership on the international stage. It follows on from her election to lead the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU) from 2023 to 2025, her being awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Ottawa and her being Bristol University’s first Illustrious Visiting Professor.

“Her achievements make us all proud to be part of the UCT community” Chair of the UCT Council, Babalwa Ngonyama, said.

Meanwhile, ARUA Secretary-General, Professor Ernest Aryeetey has sent her a personal message of congratulations, and on behalf of the 16-member universities of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA).

ARUA, which was inaugurated in 2015, is an alliance of 16 top research-intensive universities across sub-Saharan Africa.  ARUA seeks to make African research globally competitive and to build the African University. ARUA operates 13 interdisciplinary Centres of Excellence across key thematic areas.