By: The Division of Communication & Advancement
In the realm of South African higher education, Professor ‘Mabokang Monnapula-Mapesela stands as a beacon of transformative leadership and resilience. As the first Black woman Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs working in a University celebrating its 120th anniversary, her journey is a testament to the power of education as a tool for personal and collective transformation. Her story is not just one of individual achievement but a narrative deeply intertwined with Black women's broader struggles and triumphs in academia.
Professor Monnapula-Mapesela was a finalist for the 2024 HERS-SA Higher Education Women Leaders Awards - she is not just a trailblazer in the title but in action. She reminds us that education is not just about individual success but about collective empowerment, about making education ‘cool’ again by ensuring it is inclusive, accessible, and transformative for all.
From her humble beginnings as a high school science teacher to her esteemed roles at the University of the Free State, the Central University of Technology, Free State, and Rhodes University, Professor Monnapula-Mapesela has always been driven by a commitment to access and student success. Her leadership, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis, exemplifies her ability to gracefully and with determination to navigate complex challenges. She spearheaded the development of crucial protocols and policies, ensuring that Rhodes University thrived during an unprecedented disruption.
But her work goes beyond crisis management. With a PhD in Higher Education and extensive national service within Umalusi and the Council on Higher Education, she has been a relentless advocate for transformation in higher education. Her contributions are not just administrative but intellectual, with numerous publications and research that challenge the status quo and push for a more inclusive academic environment.
The Black Woman’s Journey in Academia
Professor Monnapula-Mapesela’s reflections on her experiences as a Black woman in academia offer a profound critique of the systemic barriers that continue to exist. She speaks candidly about the "double labour" that Black women must undertake—an often invisible burden of constantly educating others about their identity while simultaneously proving their worth in environments that can be subtly hostile or openly undermining. This double labour includes tasks as fundamental as teaching colleagues how to pronounce and write their names correctly or explaining cultural nuances that are often overlooked.
Her position as the first Black woman Deputy Vice-Chancellor at a 120-year-old institution is a groundbreaking achievement and a heavy responsibility. She describes the exhaustion that comes with continually looking over her shoulder for those who seek to undermine her leadership, driven by the belief that she does not belong in such a role. The pressure to succeed not just for herself but for future generations of Black women is immense, and the lack of adequate support only compounds these challenges.
Yet, despite the difficulties, Professor Monnapula-Mapesela remains undeterred. Her leadership is characterised by a deep sense of responsibility to pave the way for others and to create a legacy that others can build upon. She understands that as one of the few Black women in leadership, she is expected to excel and transform the institutions that have historically been resistant to change.
Making Education Cool Again: A Call to Action
In her role as a trailblazer, Professor Monnapula-Mapesela is passionate about making education ‘cool’ again. For her, this means transforming the academic space into one that is inclusive, vibrant, and accessible to all, especially for those from marginalised backgrounds. She believes that education is not just about personal achievement but about collective empowerment.
Her favourite quote, "Given the opportunity and support, all people can succeed, not in the same way and not at the same time. But all people can succeed," by William Spady, encapsulates her belief in the transformative power of education. It is a message she carries forward in her work, advocating for equity, inclusion, and social justice within the academic sphere.
She offers a powerful message to women in higher education, particularly Black women:
"Use your voice, knowledge, and position to advocate for equity, inclusion, and social justice. Our collective perspectives are invaluable and necessary for creating inclusive, enabling, and diverse academic environments for the marginalised. Develop love and deep passion for what you do and do it the best possible way, with commitment and conviction daily."
Professor Monnapula-Mapesela encourages women to embrace their roles fully, to ask for help when needed, and to build networks of strength and solidarity. She believes mentorship is vital—not just receiving it but offering it to the next generation. "Be a beacon of inspiration, hope, and support for the next generation. Mentor the youth, young women, girls, and boys, and share your journey. Encourage them to dream big, work hard, and persevere. Our legacy will be defined by our achievements and how we have empowered others to realise their dreams and succeed," she said.
While striving for excellence, Professor Monnapula-Mapesela also emphasises the importance of balance. She understands the pressures that come with academic leadership, particularly for Black women who must navigate a complex web of expectations and challenges. "Balance is key," she says, "while we strive for excellence and success in our academic pursuits, it is equally important to take care of our well-being. Prioritise self-care, set boundaries, and ensure you nurture your mental, emotional, and physical health."
This holistic approach to leadership and education is part of her broader vision of making education a tool for advancement and a source of joy, fulfilment, and community. By integrating self-care into the rigorous demands of academic life, she models a sustainable path forward for those who follow in her footsteps.
Professor Monnapula-Mapesela’s journey is a powerful reminder that the struggle for equity and transformation in academia is far from over. She calls on Black women in higher education to be bold, to break barriers, and to shatter glass ceilings. Her leadership style, which combines assertiveness with humility, is a template for others who seek to navigate and transform the often-rigid structures of academic institutions.
Referencing the historian Professor Paul Maylam's thoughts on the importance of publications and research in shaping academic legacy, Professor Monnapula-Mapesela underscores the value of scholarly work in driving change. As Maylam noted at the Intellectual History of Rhodes University #HistoryOfRU, true impact in academia is not just about the quantity of publications but their depth and influence on the intellectual and cultural landscape. Professor Monnapula-Mapesela embodies this philosophy, using her research and publications to challenge existing paradigms and advocate for a more just and equitable academic environment.
“I have championed and worked with colleagues to disrupt some cultures/traditions that constrained change and transformation. Today, all students, in all undergraduate courses, are afforded a supplementary examination/second opportunity to improve their chances of success, and professors who join the executive leadership are no longer stripped of their professor titles,” she said.
Her journey inspires all those who strive to make a difference in academia and beyond. Through her leadership, mentorship, and advocacy, Professor Monnapula-Mapesela is helping to build a future where the voices of marginalised communities are heard, where education is a tool for liberation, and where the legacy of Black women in academia is one of strength, resilience, and transformative power.