RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION & DEVELOPMENT

Prof Tebogo Mothiba’s research interest in Knowledge Management in the areas of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Communicable Diseases (CDs), and Health Services Management has resulted in the publication of 108 research articles with colleagues and postgraduate students from 2012 to date. She has written nine book chapters, seven of which are for 2021, four of which have already been published and three are in the works (These book chapters were written with colleagues nationally, internationally and PhD students). In addition, over the last five years, she has presented eight papers at national and international conferences. She received recognition for her research work in 2013 when she was awarded the Top Academic Achiever Award by the University of Johannesburg for her doctoral degree. Prof Mothiba has also been recognised for her research efforts at UL, including being named Best Overall Female Researcher in the University 2019, Best Established Researcher in the School 2019, Best Established Researcher in the University 2016, Best Established Researcher in the University 2013, and Best Established Researcher in the University 2013.

Professor Malose Makhubela is currently involved in an international research project (COVIDiSTRESS [2022]) that is studying COVID-19 in more than 21 countries and has already published one research article in the prestigious Nature Journal (Scientific Data). He is a participant in a national project (2022) funded by the National Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) to investigate the psychological impact of COVID-19 on South African teenagers. He has collaborated on research with researchers from the University of Houston (USA) and the University of Salford (UK) (Manchester). He was named Researcher of the Year (Faculty of Humanities, Applied Social Science Cluster) at the University of Pretoria in 2016, and he is currently a member of the Editorial Board of the African Journal of Psychological Assessment (AJOPA). Prof Makhubela has published extensively in international and high impact journals on statistical modelling, measurement, ontology, and nosology of psychopathology, and has presented more than 20 papers at national and international conferences in Greece, Lithuania, Senegal, Canada, and Hungary. His research interests include improving understanding of psychopathology modelling, measurement, ontology, symptomatics, and nosology. He has supervised over 25 postgraduate students and is currently supervising 10 students. He has written over five book chapters, co-edited one book, and served as a guest editor for one special issue journal.

Prof Toks Oyedemi’s interests include Social Inequalities and Communication, Digital Inequalities, Digital Culture, Global Media Studies, Political Economy of Communication, Media, Culture and Identity, Coloniality, Communication, and Culture. He has authored over 26 research articles in communication and media studies, as well as nine book chapters and edited two books. Prof Oyedemi has previously established collaborations through which he embarked on a research project on Social Inequalities and Communication with Prof Jan Servaes (UNESCO Chair of Communication and Sustainable Social Change at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, USA) and a research project on Communication, Protest, and Social Change with Professor Lubinga (University of Johannesburg). He was a Research Grant Holder at the National Center for Digital Government, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA (2010-2011), a Research Fellow at the Center for Communication for Sustainable Social Change (CSSC), College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA (2008-2012), and a Research Fellow at the National Center for Digital Government (NCDG), Center for Public Policy and Administration, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA (2010 -2011). Prof Oyedemi has presented at 23 conferences, both domestically and internationally. He currently supervises eight postgraduate students and has previously supervised 25 postgraduate students.

1. Academic Background and Qualifications:

Olufemi Abodunrin is a Professor of English and Performing Arts in Department of English Studies at the University of Limpopo. He studied at Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria and holds a PhD degree from Stirling University, Scotland, United Kingdom. He has taught at universities in Nigeria, the UK, Germany, Malawi and eSwatini.

2. Research and Teaching Interests:

His research interest include African Diasporic Literature and Postcolonial theory; Indigenous Knowledge Systems and their Performative modes.  He has completed the supervision of more than 10 PhD students, more than 20 masters, and more than 40 Honours students. His current supervision include three PhDs, four Masters and four Honours students. He has presented more than thirty research papers and keynote addresses in national and international conferences and published more than forty research articles in peer-review national and international journals. He has authored, co-authored and edited more than 10 books and book chapters.

3. Professional Experience:

Prof Olufemi Abodunrin in the Department of Languages has in the past received British Overseas Research Students Award, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Postdoctoral Research Grants for Young Academics and Alexander von Humboldt (AvH) Foundation Postdoctoral Research award. He has in the past established collaborations with the Commonwealth Institute, London, UK, Commonwealth Scholarship – PhD CSC-Split-Site Research Group – 2019, and is currently working on a research project titled: The Days the Music Died – Precarities, Access Inequalities and Diversities among Cultural Workers – Brett Pyper, School of Arts, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. A member of the English Association of Southern Africa (EASA); member and ex-officio of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and the African Literature Association (ALA).

4. Contributions and Achievements:

His research interests include African and Black Literature and Theory, as well as Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and their performative modes. A DAAD and Alexander von-Humboldt research fellow, he is a C2 rated researcher by the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa. Besides numerous journal articles, his major publications include Blackness: Culture, Ideology and Discourse (BASS, 1996, 2008); Black African Literature in English – 1991-2001:  Critical appreciation and Reception, (Dar es Salaam & Oxford: Mkuki na Nyota, 2007); Character Is Beauty: Redefining Yoruba Culture and Identity (AWP, New Jersey, 2001) and Timeless Memories: Ulli Beier and Wole Soyinka (2021).

5. Impact and Engagement:

Prof Abodunrin served as the associate editor of the peer review Journal of Humanities – a theoretical journal in the areas of the classics, fine and performing arts, literature and orature, linguistics, theology and philosophy, from 1998 to 2010. For nearly two decades, 1991 to 2014, Prof Abodunrin was in charge of the African literature in English section of The Year’s Work in English, published by Oxford University Press, a narrative bibliographical review of scholarly work on the English language and literatures, including new literatures in English. Black African Literature in English – 1991-2001: Critical appreciation and Reception, (Dar es Salaam & Oxford: Mkuki na Nyota, 2007) brought together his first eleven contributions reviewing some 120 books and over 300 scholarly and bibliographical essays from books, journals and periodicals. He has delivered keynote addresses at major conferences such as the following: “The politics of friendship and African unity”, Africa Day celebrations hosted by University of Limpopo at the historic Onkgopotse Tiro Hall, under the theme “Africa Unite”, 26 May 2017 https://www.ul.ac.za/index.php?Entity=c_news&TheS=258; and “Olu Obafemi and the African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKS)”, Keynote address, Prof. Olu Obafemi’s annual Colloquium, Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria, Monday 13-14 October, 2025

Professor Solomon Mashegoane works as the Head of the Department of Psychology at the University of Limpopo. His research focus has been mostly in psychometrics and health psychology. However, Prof. Mashegoane conducts research in the areas of health risk behaviour, covering behaviours such as sexual risk and health psychology. His current research project includes a study on psychological reactions to COVID-19. He obtained his PhD in Psychology from the University of Limpopo in 2012 and has been linked to the Journal of Psychology as an Associate Editor and the African Journal of Psychological Assessment as an Executive Editor. To date, Prof. Mashegoane has authored and co-authored enormous articles published in various journals of psychology and has presented papers at national and international psychology and philosophy conferences in Canada and Senegal, among others. Over and above, Prof. Mashegoane has supervised over 39 students.

1. 1. Academic Background and Qualifications:

After obtaining an English Honours degree from the University of the North (now the University of Limpopo), Professor Rafapa went on to complete a Master’s degree in General Linguistics and a DLitt degree in English at Stellenbosch University.

As a creative writer, Professor Lesibana Rafapa was awarded the E.M. Ramaila Literary Prize for his novel Leratosello and the De Jager HAUM Literary Prize for his novel Bohwa bja Madimabe, both in 1982. In 1984, the De Jager HAUM Literary Prize again went to him for his youth novel Bowelakalana. He continued to be recognised for literary excellence by receiving the E.M. Ramaila Literary Prize for his novel Diphiri tša Soweto tše di Gagolago in 1993; and in 2004, he was a recipient of the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) Award for Excellent Contribution to Multilingualism in South Africa. In 2024, he was recognised with the English Academy of Southern Africa (EASA) Fellowship Award for his transformative leadership in the teaching of English in institutions of higher learning, displayed when he headed the Department of English at the University of Venda and when he was Chair of the Department of English Studies at UNISA.

2. Research and Teaching Interests:

Professor LJ Rafapa’s PhD research into the representation of African humanism in the narrative writings of Es’kia Mphahlele pioneered renewed recognition of the international scholar’s contribution to African philosophy, literary theory, and education. Today’s researchers attempting to apply Mphahlele’s concept of African humanism to their fields of study rely on Rafapa’s nuanced characterisation of the notion as inflected by Mphahlele.

Throughout his teaching career, he has taught English and African languages literature in ways that highlight these literatures’ grounding in culture.

3. Professional Experience:

After teaching in high school for fifteen years and lecturing at a College of Education for five years, Professor Rafapa joined the head office of the Pan South African Language Board for five years as a National Focus Area Manager for Literature and the Development of Previously Marginalised Languages. He then returned to teaching by joining the University of Venda as a Senior Lecturer, culminating in his two terms as Head of Department. After assuming an Associate Professor of English Studies position at UNISA in 2011, where he became a Professor in 2015 and Chair of Department from 2012 to 2015, he moved to the University of Limpopo to take up the position of Research Professor in the Faculty of Humanities.

Prof Rafapa has been a Council Member of the English Academy of Southern Africa; a member of The Association for Commonwealth Literature and Language Studies (ACLALS); a member of the Oxford Round Table for Religion; a member of the African Literature Association (USA); a Steering Committee Member of the Limpopo Research Forum (administered by the Premier’s Office); a Board Member of the South African Children’s Literature Network (Puku); a member of The International Society for Oral Literature in Africa (ISOLA); a member of the Oral History Association of South Africa (OHASA); a member of the National Heritage Council of South Africa (Standing Funding Committee); and an Executive Committee Member of the Southern African Folklore Society (SAFOS).

4. Contributions and Achievements:

Apart from publishing a significant number of impactful research pieces with a Google Scholar citation count of 234 (as of October 2025), Prof Rafapa has presented at conferences in many parts of the world, including the United Kingdom (London, Oxford, Edinburgh); Russia (Moscow); Hawaii (Honolulu); Greece (Athens); the United States of America (Gainesville in Florida, Ohio); Taiwan (Taipei); Japan (Fukuoka); and the Caribbean Islands (Saint Lucia).

Apart from sustaining his NRF rating for over a decade and a half, his excellence in research was recognised in 2009 with the Excellence in Researcher Award from the University of Venda for being the researcher with the highest research output in 2007; with the 2011 Excellence in Research Award for active research during 2010 at the University of Venda; and in 2015 with the Rated Researchers’ Award at the University of South Africa (UNISA).

5. Impact and Engagement:

Prof Rafapa has been the Editor of three accredited journals, in addition to reviewing articles for numerous national and international journals. He has also supervised a substantial number of Master’s and Doctoral students to completion.

Prof Maoto Satsope research focuses on classroom interactions as well as issues of mathematics teaching, learning, and assessment that have implications for teachers’ understanding of mathematics learning. She takes a reformist approach to mathematics education. This stems from her belief that mathematics educators can create rich learning environments that shape learners’ reasoning and thinking using the frames of reference of mathematics as a discipline. Her interests also extend to research output that investigates issues in mathematics education from her perspective, which is not limited to teaching and learning. She was introduced to the ‘World Forum for Women in Science (WFWS) in February 2020, and she attended the 4th International Conference for Women in Science without Borders, 12-14 February 2020, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Pro Maoto has presented 22 papers at conferences, three of which were international presentations and four as keynote speaker. Prof Maoto has been an Associate Editor for Pythagoras Journal since January 2020, and she has received the Association for Mathematics Education of South Africa (AMESA) Award in recognition of her contribution to AMESA Limpopo and the Mathematics Education Community in the Limpopo Province: Academic Coordinator: AMESA Congress 2015 and Research in Mathematics Education. She has contributed six (6) book chapters to a Mathematics series used by Grades 10, 11, and 12 (New Modern Graded Mathematics). Prof Maoto has supervised 30 research projects at the Honours level, eleven (11) Master’s and six (6) Doctoral students, and is currently supervising four (4) Master’s students.

Prof Sejabaledi Rankoana in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology is an established researcher who mentors junior staff members and emerging researchers across faculties. She has so far supervised eleven masters and is currently supervising three doctoral and two masters projects, all submitted for external assessment. Her research interest is indigenous health care. This broader area necessitated a multi-disciplinary approach in order to comprehend the nature and significance of health care at the community level, where everyone is familiar with cultural practices that have the potential to be therapeutic, preventive, and protective. As such, her research interests extend to community-level food and water security, hygiene, and the use of plant materials in curative and preventative primary care. These critical components of indigenous health care are climate-sensitive. She has published 51 research articles in the field of indigenous health care and peer-reviewed five book chapters. The chapters address important aspects of indigenous health care, such as food security, primary health care, and the use and conservation of medicinal plants. Prof Rankoana has also presented thirteen research articles at national and international conferences. She has participated in an anti-malarial project initiated by the South African Medical Council, where she was appointed the project leader, and has successfully designed the project proposal, collected and analysed data, and produced a report.

Prof Kgothatso Shai is the President of the South African Association of Political Science (SAAPS). His political interests have resulted in the publication of over 60 accredited journal articles in African Politics and International Relations. His efforts have also enabled him to direct an international collaboration on postgraduate supervision with Western Kentucky University (WSU). He was recently a Visiting Scholar at the University of The Gambia (UTG), where he co-authored research papers with fellow UTG students. Several DHET-recognised international journals are currently publishing such papers.He has also been involved in other projects related to his field of study. Prof Shai was elected to the national board of the South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM) in 2018, and he later became the organisation’s deputy president. He is currently the editor of the SAAPAM Book series, which he established in 2021. Prof Shai, who is 35 years old, has a lengthy resume for someone his age. He holds a master’s degree in political science, obtained cum laude from the University of Venda, as well as a doctorate in international politics from UL, both of which he obtained in 2010 and 2017. He has successfully supervised the graduation of two PhD students, six MA students, and 20 Honours students. He is currently supervising five PhD students. Prof Shai was previously named one of the country’s 200 Young South Africans by the Mail & Guardian and was recently designated as an NRF-Y2 rated researcher. His research is primarily concerned with African politics and international relations.

Prof Mahlapahlapana Themane is a Full Professor in the Department of Education Studies who serves as a researcher in the Faculty of Humanities Higher Degree Committee and the Department of Education Studies. Prof Themane, who is passionate about school as an enabling space, inclusive education, and curriculum theory, is also leading a research project with the Kagiso Trust. He was part of the VLIR Project on Multiple Literacies (2010–2021), and is currently involved in a short course in Inclusive Education (2018–2022) and the Schools as Enabling Spaces (2020–2023) project. He has contributed to 40 curriculum studies, and presented three papers on national and international platforms. He has supervised 21 Masters and 14 PhDs. During  2014 Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Awards, he won the Best Researcher award in the Faculty of Humanities.

Prof Tholene Sodi’s primary research area is mental health, with a particular focus on mental health literacy, mental health policy, culture, and mental health. He also conducts research on clinical psychology, health behaviour, African psychology, and implementation science. He has successfully supervised seventy-four Masters and PhD students (Masters = 56; PhD = 18), and is currently supervising 21 Masters and PhD students (Masters = 8; PhD = 13). Prof Sodi has travelled across the globe and managed to establish collaborations nationally and internationally. This includes the European Commission-funded project under the auspices of Horizon 2020; the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences Catalytic Programme Grant; Sustainable Academic Capacity Building for Excellence through Research and Training (SACERT) Programme; Digital Delivery of Behavioural Activation to overcome depression and facilitate social and economic transitions of adolescents in South Africa (DoBAt), among others. He has published more than 60 papers in peer-reviewed journals, mostly in the fields of mental health and psychology, authored three book chapters, and presented more than 100 papers at both national and international conferences. He has in the past received the Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA) Award for mentoring and developing the careers/studies of students, psychologists or colleagues; the Vice-Chancellor’s First Place Award in the category “Best Established Researcher in the School of Social Sciences” in 2013 (University of Limpopo); and the Dean’s First Place Award in the category “Best Established Researcher in the Faculty of Humanities” (University of Limpopo) in 2013.

1. Academic Background and Qualifications:

Prof. Govender holds a BA Honours degree in Psychology and an MA degree in Psychology (cum laude) from the University of Durban-Westville, as well as a PhD in Psychology from the University of South Africa (UNISA). She has completed several professional development courses, including the Higher Education Assessment and Moderator Development Course, the Higher Education Curriculum Development Course, and the Strengthening Postgraduate Supervision (SPS) programme at Rhodes University. In addition, she holds a certificate in Developing, Supporting and Promoting Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Practices from Mentornet and a Research and Integrity (SARIMA) Course certificate from Digital Campus Wits. She is currently employed as a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Limpopo and serves as the Acting Head of the Department of Psychology.

2. Research and Teaching Interests:

Prof. Govender teaches and supervises students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She has published peer-reviewed journal articles and has presented research papers at both national and international conferences. Her key research interests include Neuropsychology, Health Psychology and Behavioural Medicine, as well as Mental Health. She has presented several research papers at local and international conferences, with many of these studies published in accredited journals and book chapters.

3. Professional Experience:

Prof. Govender has more than twenty-five years of academic experience in the discipline of Psychology, during which she has contributed extensively to teaching, research, supervision, and academic leadership.

4. Contributions and Achievements:

Prof. Govender served as the Chairperson of the School of Social Sciences Ethics and Research Committee from 2019 to 2024 and has been a member of the Faculty of Humanities Higher Degrees Committee from 2013 to 2024. She was interviewed for UNISA’s People behind the Papers project in June 2015. She is a C3-rated researcher with the National Research Foundation (NRF) for the period 2021 to 2026 and holds an ORCID profile. Her achievements include receiving the Best Female Researcher Award in the Faculty of Humanities in 2017, as well as being recognised as the Most Resourceful Staff Member in the Faculty for the 2022 and 2023 academic years.

5. Impact and Engagement:

Prof. Govender collaborates in mentoring and research supervision projects with the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, and the University of Venda. She serves as an external assessor for Master’s and PhD dissertations and theses at more than seven institutions nationally. She is also a peer reviewer for several local and international journals, including the South African Journal of Psychology, Journal of Psychology in Africa, Theologica, and Psychological Studies. In addition, she has participated in radio interviews on Energy FM, contributing to public engagement on issues related to gender-based violence.

Professor Olawale Fatoki chairs the Faculty of Management and Law Research Ethics Committee, bringing his stature as a C2-rated NRF researcher and a distinguished scholar in Business Management to the role. He earned the title of Best Overall Established Researcher at the University of Limpopo in 2020, building his acclaimed career on a solid academic foundation that includes a PhD from the University of the Free State. His professional journey spans a lectureship at the University of Fort Hare and an associate professorship at the University of Johannesburg before he joined the University of Limpopo as a Professor in 2013. He actively teaches Financial and Investment Strategies and mentors the next generation of scholars, having successfully supervised 25 Master's and 5 doctoral students to completion. His current research explores the critical intersection of green leadership, green strategy, and green entrepreneurship. As an active external examiner and journal reviewer, Professor Fatoki embeds himself deeply in the academic community, ensuring he brings a broad and rigorous understanding of scholarly standards to his leadership of the ethics committee.

Research Associate, Prof Mtende Mhango, promotes and supports research in the Department of Public and Environmental Law. He conducts research around pension law, which includes pension investment regulation, benefit administration, pension fund governance, and dispute resolution of pension complaints. He further looks into constitutional and dministrative law, which includes questions about separation of powers, law and religion, justiciability studies, and general questions about the exercise of public power by constitutional actors. He has established research collaborations with the University of Pretoria, University of Namibia, Wits University, University of Botswana, University of Eswatini, University of South Africa, Metropolitan Lesotho Limited, and Insurance Association. To date, he has co-authored two books, two book chapters, three book reviews, and has contributed 44 articles to accredited journals. Prof Mhango has in the past supervised 16 masters and is currently supervising one Doctor of Laws student at the University of South Africa and two Master of Laws students at the National University of Lesotho. His current research project includes a book titled Pension Law: A SADC Perspective. This book examines legislative developments and emerging jurisprudence in a number of SADC countries, including South Africa, Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, Eswatini, and Lesotho, and, where appropriate, engages in comparative analysis of these developments and jurisprudence.

1. Academic Background and Qualifications:

Hoolo ’Nyane is an associate professor and serves as the Head of the Department of Public and Environmental Law at the University of Limpopo. He holds an LLD from the University of South Africa, an LLM from North-West University, and an LLB from the National University of Lesotho.

2. Research and Teaching Interests:

He specialises in public law, encompassing areas such as Constitutional Law, Human Rights, Public International Law, Jurisprudence, and Administrative Law. He is an established researcher in these fields of public law and teaches these subjects at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

3. Professional Experience:

He is an admitted advocate in Lesotho and a member of the Lesotho Law Society. He also belongs to the Law and Society Association, an organisation for law and society academics. As an academic administrator, he has served as head of department at both the National University of Lesotho and the University of Limpopo and remains active today. He participates in senior governance structures at both universities, such as faculty boards and senates. Additionally, he is an active reviewer of manuscripts for publication in prominent law journals. He also examines master’s and doctoral theses for other universities.

4. Contributions and Achievements:

His sustained research in public law led to his recognition as a Category C2 NRF-rated researcher in 2024. He is the inaugural Editor-in-Chief of the Turf Law Journal, a flagship publication of the University of Limpopo’s School of Law. The journal is now indexed by EBSCOhost and African Journals Online (AJOL). It is currently being evaluated for indexing by other reputable indexers. In 2021, he received the Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Award as the Best-Established Researcher in the School.

5. Impact and Engagement:

He has supervised over 10 students to completion at both masters and doctoral levels, guiding them into research careers through publications in reputable journals. He also participates in the School of Law’s community engagement initiatives. In 2024, he served as the convenor of the Turf Law Conference, an event organised by the school of law that attracted distinguished local and international researchers from law and related disciplines.

1. Academic Background and Qualifications:

Prof. Tshoose holds an LLD degree from the University of South Africa (UNISA), as well as LLM and LLB degrees from North-West University (NWU). He also holds a Certificate in Economic, Social and Cultural Rights from the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, Switzerland. He specialises in labour and social security law and is an accredited assessor and moderator with the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA). He has published and presented over thirty scholarly works locally and internationally and has contributed chapters to academic books, including Labour Law Rules (5th ed., Juta & Co Ltd, 2025 – forthcoming). Prof. Tshoose participated in the DAAD programme and conducted LLM research at Goethe University, Frankfurt, and the Max Planck Institute, Munich. He is an advisory board member of the Annual International Corporate and Financial Markets Law (CFML) Conference and an Associate Editor of the Turf Law Journal.

2. Research and Teaching Interests:

Prof. Tshoose teaches labour law and social security law at Master’s level in the Department of Mercantile and Labour Law, School of Law. His teaching and research focus on individual labour law, public sector employment law, advanced social security law, and international comparative labour law. He has taught at NWU, UNISA, and NMMU, including as an ad hoc guest lecturer in LLM programmes.

3. Professional Experience:

Prof. Tshoose began his academic career in 2006 as a postgraduate assistant at RAU and completed his articles of clerkship at PSN Attorneys in 2007. He served as a lecturer at NWU before joining UNISA in 2010, where he progressed to Associate Professor and served as Acting Executive Dean of the College of Law in 2018 and Subject Head of Labour Law. In 2019, he was appointed as a full Professor in the School of Law at the University of Limpopo. He has served on various Senate committees and is a member of SASLAW and the Southern African Social Protection Experts Network.

4. Contributions and Achievements:

Prof. Tshoose has published and presented more than thirty scholarly works, with several produced in collaboration with postgraduate students. He has a Google Scholar citation count of 333 (as of 30 October 2025) and holds an NRF research grant. His work has been cited by the Labour Appeal Court, including in SASBO v Standard Bank (2022). In 2023, he received the Vice-Chancellor’s Accolade for Best Overall Established Teacher at the University of Limpopo.

5. Impact and Engagement:

Prof. Tshoose has supervised over fifty Master’s students and four doctoral candidates to completion. He is involved in community engagement initiatives within the School of Law and has served on steering committees for collaborative labour law conferences between UL, UNISA, and UFS. He acts as an NRF peer reviewer, reviews for several academic journals, has served as an external panelist for LLM programme reviews, and has peer reviewed scholarly books published by African Sun MeDIA, Cambridge University Press, and Juta & Co Ltd.

1. Academic Background and Qualifications:

Dr. Stewart Lee Kugara, an NRF Y2-rated Scholar and admitted Advocate of the High Court of South Africa, is a foundational leader at the critical nexus of African Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Decolonial Thought, and Law. His rare academic synthesis (LLB, LLM, PhD in African Studies) provides the piercing legal acumen and deep cultural insight required to disrupt epistemic hegemony and tackle contemporary governance challenges.

2. Contributions and Achievements:

His distinguished research tapestry of over 65 accredited publications is characterized by penetrating analysis and the ability to sustain academic integrity while working across diverse disciplines. Dr. Kugara’s scholarship is uncomfortable with the norm; driven by a pragmatic thrust toward Afro-centric development, he powerfully reveals the under-utilized knowledge agency of the Global South, bridging theory with real-world praxis. His 2025 signature work, the book “Liberation Heritage Routes: Local Perceptions and Potential for Economic Development”, was based on research provided by the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve Project and established an empirically-driven blueprint for leveraging cultural heritage into sustainable regional economic growth.

3. Impact and Engagement:

Dr. Kugara’s professional influence translates directly into high-stakes policy and culturally sensitive community engagement. He was commissioned to lead the flagship “AIDC Model Law on the Right to Say No project”, delivering a critical legal tool with global implications for challenging extractivism and protecting indigenous rights. This high-impact work, combined with leadership on the National Heritage Council project (Locating Heritage Resources in Local Communities), actively shapes national and regional frameworks for climate justice and legal pluralism. As a dedicated mentor, he has successfully supervised the graduation of two PhD, four MA, and over 60 Honours students (Law, IKS, African Studies, Political Science). Currently, he is supervising two PhD and five MA students. Dr. Kugara is in his element when leading initiatives that require deep legal insight, rigorous scholarship, and a pragmatic commitment to real-world change.

Prof Salome Mahlo has supervised fifteen honours students (Botany), six Masters, and currently supervising two PhD students. She serves on the panel (National Research Foundation) to adjudicate Agricultural Science (Plant Science) research proposals. Prof Mahlo also serves as a reviewer, and has reviewed research articles/papers from various journals: Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, African Journal of Agricultural Research, Journal of Plant Science, International Journal of Education Science and South African Journal of Botany and African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Prof Mahlo served as a facilitator (chairperson) at the Young Scientist’s Conference (ASSAF) in Diep in Die Berg, Pretoria, in October 2014; and as an adjudicator during UL-FSA Research Day. She also partakes in various community engagement activities; including teaching Life Science subjects to learners at Diepsloot combined School in Gauteng (2011-2013). In 2014, she was invited to give a keynote address/motivational speech during Mandela day and Arbor Day to MP Mamabolo and Mamabudusha Secondary School. Her research area focuses on various medicinal plants utilised by the local people and traditional healers. She has presented over 40 papers at national and seven international conferences in Dubai, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and China, and further published fifteen (15) articles and 16 conference abstracts in international journals.

Dr Amin Saeidi is interested in finite groups and their characters, as well as the interplay between groups and combinatorial structures such as designs, codes and graphs. At the moment, he is working on the construction of designs and codes that are invariant under finite primitive groups. Dr Saeidi has published 14 papers in peer-reviewed journals and presented over 15 papers at local and international conferences in the last 15 years. He has also formed collaborations with researchers from Iran and South Africa. He is currently engaged on a project titled “Constructing designs invariant under finite groups” and has included her postgraduate students on the project. Dr Saeidi is supervising two master’s students and co-supervising one doctoral student.

Associate Professor Sello Mokwena is a Lecturer and Research Supervisor in the Department of Computer Science. His research interests in artificial intelligence, sentiment analysis, and cybersecurity culminated in him being invited as the main conference speaker in Washington, DC for Artificial Intelligence. Thus far, Prof. Mokwena has collaborated with the Nelson Mandela University of Science and Technology in Tanzania and is in the process of establishing collaborations with the University of South Africa (UNISA) and Auckland University in Australia. He has supervised three masters students since 2019, of whom one has submitted for examination and two are finalising their documents for submission before June 2022. He is currently supervising two doctoral students, four masters and seven honours students. Prof Mokwena has published five papers in the areas of acceptance and use of technology.

1. Academic Background and Qualifications:

Professor Peter Masoko is a senior academic in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology within the School of Molecular and Life Sciences. He is currently appointed as a Research Professor in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture at the University of Limpopo. He holds a BSc (Medical Sciences) (Honours equivalent) and an MSc in Microbiology from the University of the North (now the University of Limpopo). His PhD was awarded by the University of Pretoria in the Department of Paraclinical Sciences. Following the completion of his doctoral studies in 2006, Prof Masoko joined the University of Limpopo as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology. He is a C2-rated researcher with the National Research Foundation (NRF) and is a registered Professional Natural Scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions, as well as a member of the Royal Society of South Africa.

2. Research and Teaching Interests:

Prof Masoko’s research focuses on the evaluation of antibacterial, antifungal, antimycobacterial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties of extracts and purified compounds derived from medicinal plants. His work emphasises in vitro screening programmes that employ an ethnobotanical approach, where plant selection is based on traditional medicinal use. This research is aimed at validating traditional herbal remedies and identifying bioactive compounds that may be repurposed as potential therapeutic drugs. His research contributes to the search for alternative antimicrobial agents and seeks to address challenges associated with current antibiotic therapies, including drug resistance.

3. Professional Experience:

Prof Masoko joined the University of Limpopo in 2006 as a postdoctoral fellow and has since progressed through the academic ranks to his current position as Research Professor. He has served the institution in various leadership and governance roles, including as a member of the University of Limpopo Research Ethics Committee (Turfloop Research Ethics Committee – TREC) from 2015 to March 2022, serving as Chairperson from 2019 until the completion of his two terms. He also served as a member of the University of Limpopo Institutional Forum from 2012 to 2016 and as a member of the LATS Management Committee. He currently serves on the Limpopo Province Ethics Committee.

4. Contributions and Achievements:

Prof Masoko has successfully supervised five doctoral students, 26 Master’s students, and 34 Honours students to completion, and is currently supervising seven doctoral, four Master’s, and one Honours student. He has also hosted five postdoctoral fellows within his research group. He has published 93 scientific articles in DHET-accredited journals and has been either a principal author or co-author of 166 national and international conference papers and poster presentations. His research impact is reflected in an h-index of 26 and an i10-index of 41, demonstrating strong scholarly influence and international recognition. In recognition of the quality of his research outputs, he received the Best Overall Upcoming Researcher Award at the University of Limpopo Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Awards in 2011 and the Best Established Researcher Award in the School of Molecular and Life Sciences at the 2020 Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Awards.

5. Impact and Engagement:

Prof Masoko serves as an Associate Editor of BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine and has acted as a Guest Editor for the journals Molecules and Plants. He is also a reviewer for more than 20 national and international scientific journals. Through his research, postgraduate supervision, editorial roles, and ethics committee service, Prof Masoko continues to make significant contributions to scientific knowledge production, research capacity development, and ethical governance in higher education and biomedical research.

Prof Luus-Powell’s multidisciplinary study is mainly concerned with the natural environment, with a particular emphasis on aquatic ecosystems and ecosystem services. Her research on the impact of pollution levels on the diversity of fish parasites and the health of aquatic organisms has been cited in over 150 articles globally. Prof Luus-Powell has published 84 papers, nine technical reports, and 34 abstracts in national and international journals on parasitology and aquatic ecosystem health. She is also a co-author of a book chapter on parasites and vectors in freshwater wetlands, which has recently been published. She has also presented 145 national and 66 international conference presentations, including three plenary lectures and one invited session at the University of Namibia.

Prof Susan Dippenaar conducts research on the taxonomy and systematics of symbiotic copepods of marine fish as well as the taxonomy and systematics of free-living freshwater copepods. She has produced 49 peer-reviewed papers in accredited journals, including presenting about 89 (including student presentations) presentations at national conferences and nine presentations at international conferences. She has received first prize in the category “Best Established Researcher” in the School of Molecular and Life Sciences during the 2015 Vice-Chancellor Excellence Awards and received Y2 NRF Rating, NRF Rating, 2005–2010; and C2 NRF Rating, 2011–2016. She has supervised 23 Honours students, 11 Masters, and one PhD and is currently supervising a masters student.

Dr Busisiwe Gunya enjoys conducting research on poultry nutrition, meat science, and production with a specific interest in digestive physiology, carcass quality, and the use of alternative protein sources in poultry diets. Senior Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Animal Production, teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Her research work has had a clear impact on alternative, cheap, sources of protein (E. foetida) for chickens. According to Dr Gunya, the research has been valuable, especially for communal or rural farmers. Currently, Dr Gunya is working on the potential of citric acid as a growth promoter for Venda and Broiler chicken production. The project is currently financed by the incentives that she received from my rating from NRF (R50 000) and the University of Limpopo (R30 000). There are six masters students who are attached to this project. I have one collaboration for this project from ARC (Dr Ncobela N). From this project, she has published two review articles and two are under review.

To date, she has published 16 articles in internationally accredited and peer-reviewed journals and presented seven papers at national conferences. Her work has been cited 72 times. Her h-index is five, and her i10-index is two, according to Google Scholar. Dr Gunya has supervised and graduated 16 honours and one masters’ students. She is a full member of the South African Society for Animal Science and a candidate natural scientist in the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions. She has currently received a nomination to enrol in a short course on research ethics and integrity, an online short course (8 weeks) offered by Wits Digital Campus.

Prof Abraham Addo-Bediako’s interests are in ecology, ecotoxicology, entomology, climate change and environmental conservation. His current research focuses on the impacts of pollution and climate change on natural ecosystems and understanding patterns in the distribution and diversity of living organisms. Prof Addo-Bediako has presented 19 research papers at national conferences and 14 international conferences, and has published 44 research articles in accredited journals. He was involved in the project: The impact of water and sediment quality on the health of fish and the diversity of fish parasites in two impoundments of the Olifants River, Limpopo Province (2014-2019); Fish health and water quality in the Flag Boshielo Dam of the Olifants River (2009-2014); Assessing the impact of land-use on functions of the Limpopo and Olifants River Systems (2015-2019) and Investigation of large-scale drivers of seasonal fluctuation on water chemistry and toxicant levels in the Flag Boshielo System, the Olifants River (2018-2020). He is currently involved in the project:  Impact of water and sediment pollution on aquatic biota in the freshwater ecosystems in the Limpopo Province (2021->).

Dr Ashwell Ndhlala is a Senior Researcher, Bioeconomy Development Specialist in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. He was a finalist during the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) 2021 under the categories: TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Researcher, and Special Annual Theme Award, and was recipient of the Green 1st prize winner for green innovation on the development of an instant water purification gadget using IKS based methods at the Gauteng Accelerator Programm (GAP).  Dr Ndhlala has also made collaborations throughout the world with universities such as  Harare Institute of Public Health, Harare, Zimbabwe, Biotechnology Centre, University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica, West Indies,  the International Consortium of Enzyme Inhibitors Research, India, South African Bureau of Standards, Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Department of Plant Science, University of Pretoria, School of Physiology, University of Johannesburg, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand.  He published over 90 research articles, co-authored 9 books and has presented over 35 papers in national and international conferences. His current research projects include Makonde Community Development Project-Using Indigenous Fruits to make Products (Funded by Department of Environmental Affairs DEA now DEFF) 2019-2023; Water purification using indigenous knowledge systems (Funded by Innovation Hub) 2018- 2023; and Technology Transfer Projects-Cosmeceuticals (Gwenge and Nganu Project) funded by Department of Science and Innovation-DSI (2018-2023) among other projects. He has supervised four PhD students, nine Masters, and four Honours students.  Currently, he is supervising six PhDs, nine Masters, and four Honours students.

Professor Hasani Chauke’s research interest concerns large scale computational modeling of metals and alloys, mineral beneficiation and energy storage materials using first-principles quantum mechanical density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) methods. He has supervised and co-supervised to completion eight PhDs, twelve (12) Masters and 30 Honours students, and is currently supervising four Honours, three master’s and four PhDs. Under his leadership as Deputy Director at the Materials Modelling Centre (MMC) (since 2013), and Director of the School of Physical and Mineral Sciences (2022) about twenty (20) student awards have been granted for Honours, MSc and PhD conference presentations in both local and international stages. Professor Chauke has published over 50 research papers in accredited journals and conference proceedings and has presented over 200 conference papers locally and about 20 internationally, and was recognised as the Royal Society-Newton Advanced Fellowship from 2015 to 2018. Professor Chauke also serves as a reviewer for National Research Foundation (NRF) funding and rated researchers, a reviewer for various journals including Platinum Metal Review article for Johnson Matthey Plc (JMTC), Materials Science and Engineering B, Journal of Alloys and Compound, MRS Advance, and AMI Nuclear Materials; and research thesis and dissertation.

1. Academic Background and Qualifications:

Dr Prikrylova obtained her degrees from the Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Czech Republic, MSc in Biology-Zoology (2002) and a PhD in Parasitology (2008).

She is registered as a Professional Natural Scientist with SACNASP and a member of several scientific societies (Parasitological Society of Southern Africa, Zoological Society of Southern Africa, South African Society of Aquatic Scientists, South African Society for Systematic Biologists, Czech Society for Parasitology).

2. Research Interests:

Dr Prikrylova’s research area is fish parasitology, with specialisation in the taxonomy and phylogenetics of the Monogenea flatworms. Her research primarily focused on exploring the diversity of parasites on common, endemic and non-native host species. Such information is fundamental for conservation management, can be used as a biomarker for environmental monitoring or the prevention of the spread of alien or pathogenic parasite species. During her career, she described 31 new species of parasites, including three new genera.

3. Professional Experience:

For 12 years (2005-2017), Dr Prikrylova has worked as a Specialist, development and Scientific Worker at the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic. Between 2015 and 2018, she held the position of Post-Doctoral fellow, Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom. For a period of one year, she worked in the private sector as Project Manager, Tysocon Properties (Pty) Ltd, Polokwane, and since August 2019, she has been appointed as Senior Researcher at the Department of Biodiversity, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, University of Limpopo.

In September 2022, she was elected as a council member of the Zoological Society of Southern Africa, and since January 2024, she has been serving as a member of the School Research and Ethics Committee.

4. Contributions and Achievements:

She has authored/co-authored 34 peer-reviewed publications, one book chapter and more than 150 conference contributions. She currently holds an H-index of 15.

She is currently involved in a project focusing on the diversity of monogenean parasites of freshwater and marine fish in South Africa in collaboration with Prof NJ Smit and Dr M Truter from North-West University. The recently started project focuses on the phylogeny of the Gyrodactylus in collaboration with Prof. A. Vetešníková-Šimková and Dr Ch. Rahmouni (Masaryk University, Czech Republic) and Prof. N Kmentová (Hasselt University, Belgium). For a few years, she has been working with her students on the problems of parasites of ornamental fish imported into South Africa.

5. Impact and Engagement:

During the course of the time, she mentored and supervised nine Honours, eight MSc, and one PhD students at four universities nationally and internationally who have completed their studies under her supervision and mentoring.

Over the past five years, she has actively served as a reviewer for accredited peer journals by completing 78 review reports for 29 journals. She has significantly contributed to organising several conferences and events (X. Czech and Slovak Parasitological Days, Brno, 2012, Czech Republic – coordinator/secretary; Summer School of Fish Parasitology 2016: Parasites of Fish in Africa, Czech Republic – coordinator; 8th International Symposium on Monogenea, Brno, 2017, Czech Republic – secretary; 4^th International Congress on Parasites of Wildlife, 2022, Skukuza -LOC member;  9th International Symposium on Monogenea, Lucknow, 2023, India – Member of International Scientific Committee; 41st Zoological Society of Southern Africa Conference, 2025, Goundini Spa, Rawsonville – LOC Chair).

Prof Daniel Maposa has been serving on the National Research Foundation (NRF) grant review panel for Mathematics and ICT, Physics and Astronomy since 2021. He received a World Bank Capacity Building Trust Fund (WBCBTF) grant to attend the ISI World Statistics Conference (2019) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and a UCDP grant to attend the 37th Southern African Mathematical Sciences Association (SAMSA) Conference in Palapye, Botswana (2018). Professor Maposa has given 15 national conference presentations and 11 international conference presentations, as well as published 33 journal articles and three conference proceedings. Prof Maposa has also co-authored two book chapters. His research interests include Extreme Value Theory (EVT) statistics as well as time series analysis. He is the co-founder and Vice-Chairperson of the EVT special interest group, which was formed in 2021 under the auspices of the Statistical Association of South Africa (SASA).

Senior Professor of Nematology, Phatu Mashela has presented over 500 papers domestically and internationally, contributed to over 20 book chapters, and published over 300 research articles. His research interests include plant protection and product development in relation to agricultural inputs. Having served on the Agricultural Research Council Board, Prof Mashela has supervised a number of 200 postgraduate students, and is currently supervising 20 postgraduate students. His research collaborations on an international and national front have made it possible for him to be part of the VLIR in Belgium, the Agricultural Research Council, ZZ2, and work with colleagues at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and University of Fort Hare.

Prof Kotsedi Monyeki is a member of the non-governmental organisation “CHILDHOOD HYPERTENSION CONSORTIUM OF SOUTH AFRICA (CHCSA)” and a member of the European Commission-funded SPICES team. His research interests include epidemiology and cardiovascular disease, public health, physical activity, human growth, sports science and physical education, and longitudinal studies. Prof Monyeki is the Principal Investigator of the Ellisras Longitudinal Study, an initiative of national and international collaboration that is benefiting University of Limpopo students in research, amongst others. Externally, Prof Monyeki marks PhD and Masters Dissertations, and peer reviews articles from various national and international high-impact factor journals and applies for funding from the National Research Foundation, Medical Research Council, and other related bodies and institutions. He has collaborated with national and international researchers such as Dr Geofrey Musinguzi of the Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care at the University of Antwerp in Belgium and the Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health at Makerere University in Uganda’s School of Public Health. He honed his research skills by receiving several research grants that allowed him to travel the globe. Such grants include the Ellisras Longitudinal Growth and Health Study at the then University of the North (now UL) from 1996 to 2003. Also, a Medical Research Council staff credentialing staff scholarship that allowed him to visit Prof Han Kemper and his team at the Amsterdam Longitudinal Growth and Health Study in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from 1998 to 2000; and a grant from the International Council of Science.

Prof Mthulisi Velempini has supervised 45 honours, 13 Masters and two doctorate students to completion.  He has also supervised 10 mini masters’ dissertations to completion. At the moment, he is supervising five honours, six Masters, and three Doctorate students. He is also co-supervising 10 honours students and has one postdoctoral student. To date, he has been awarded four research grants. He was also awarded the best research award in the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences in 2020 and the best researcher in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture in 2019. In 2020, he was elevated to the grade of Senior Grade Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Locally, Prof. Velempini collaborated with researchers at North West University, University of Cape Town, University of Mpumalanga (UMP), State Information Technology Agency (SITA), SENTECH LTD, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and ZADNA. Internationally, he is collaborating with the University of Dschang in Cameroon and the University of Picardie-Jules Verne in France. He has authored or co-authored 11 book chapters, of which nine of them have been published and two are in press. Pro Velempini has presented 60 papers at local and international conferences and published 13 articles. In 2021, Prof Velempini embarked on a collaborative project with UMP which explores quality of service and security issues in 5G enabling technologies. He is currently involved in a project that investigates the quality of service and security issues in namespace systems and the Internet. The project is currently being launched.

1. Academic Background and Qualifications:

Professor Senyolo Mmapatla Precious is an Associate Professor and Postgraduate Research Supervisor in Agricultural Economics. She earned her PhD in Agricultural Economics from Wageningen University in the Netherlands through a NUFFIC Scholarship, with doctoral research focused on drivers and barriers to the adoption of climate-smart agriculture among South African smallholder farmers. She previously participated in the South African Agricultural Economics Fellowship Programme (SAAEFP) hosted by Cornell University and the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC).

Prof. Senyolo has developed a strong international research profile supported by competitive grants and collaborative projects. Her expertise encompasses the socioeconomics of climate-smart agriculture, food and nutrition security, and the nexus between sustainable agricultural development and the environment.

2. Research and Teaching Interests:

Her research focuses on Agricultural and Development Economics, particularly climate-smart agriculture, sustainable agricultural development, and food and nutrition security. Prof. Senyolo’s work examines the socioeconomic drivers of smallholder and urban farmers, adoption of climate-smart practices, and the interaction between agriculture and environmental sustainability.

She teaches and supervises students at honours, master’s, and doctoral levels, providing training in agricultural economics, development economics, and research methodology.

3. Professional Experience:

Prof. Senyolo has extensive experience in academic research, project leadership, and postgraduate supervision. She has co-led Water Research Commission (WRC) projects on irrigation technology adoption and sustainable urban agriculture in partnership with the University of Pretoria, the Agricultural Research Council, and the University of Mpumalanga. She currently serves as a co-investigator on a WRC-funded project (2023–2028) on sustainable urban agriculture.

Her international collaborations include Wageningen University, the University of Groningen, and EDHEC Business School, providing her with global research exposure and networks.

4. Contributions and Achievements:

Prof. Senyolo has successfully supervised 42 honours students, 21 master’s students, and one postdoctoral fellow to completion, and she currently supervises seven honours, nine master’s, and two PhD students.

She has presented research at over 50 national and international conferences, including in Denmark, Bulgaria, the USA, Spain, Namibia, the Netherlands, Botswana, and South Africa. Her scholarly output includes 22 peer-reviewed journal articles, three book chapters, and five technical reports. She was a nominee for the 2024/2025 NSTF–South32 Awards and a finalist for the HERS-SA Emerging Women Leaders (Academic) Award.

Prof. Senyolo serves as a regular reviewer for journals including Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, Heliyon, Climate, Land, Agriculture, Scientific Reports, Cogent Social Sciences, and Discover Sustainability. She also serves on Social Science Research Ethics Committees and Scientific Reference Groups with NAMC, ARC, and HSRC.

5. Impact and Engagement:

Prof. Senyolo actively contributes to postgraduate training and capacity-building initiatives, supervising students across multiple universities. Her research collaborations have informed policy and practice in climate-smart agriculture and sustainable urban farming.

She participates in institutional governance through committee service and promotes research excellence in agricultural economics through workshops, conference organization, and peer review. Her work fosters international and national collaboration, strengthening research networks and providing practical solutions for sustainable agriculture and food security.

1. Academic Background and Qualifications:

Prof. NAG Moyo holds a Master’s degree from the University of Wales in the United Kingdom and a PhD in Aquatic Science from the University of Waterloo in Canada.

2. Research and Teaching Interests:

Prof. Moyo’s main research interests are in fish nutrition and water quality. He has supervised numerous Master’s students and has graduated six PhD students in the past eight years, two of whom are now NRF-rated researchers. Over the same period, he has published more than 40 DHET-accredited journal articles. Most of his research focuses on replacing costly fishmeal in aquaculture diets with locally available resources, including kikuyu grass and mopane worms, which have been identified as promising alternative ingredients. Field trials are planned to test the effectiveness of these diets at tilapia fish farms.

Another area of Prof. Moyo’s research involves periphyton-based aquaculture systems, which offer a low-cost approach suitable for rural fish farmers due to minimal capital requirements. He has also conducted extensive research on the impact of sewage effluent on fish and aquatic plants in local rivers. His findings indicate that the continuous discharge of poorly treated sewage effluent negatively affects fish growth and health, with potential long-term risks to human health through fish consumption and the irrigation of vegetables using contaminated water.

In addition to his research, Prof. Moyo teaches several Honours-level aquaculture modules, including Fish Biology, Fish Nutrition, and Research Methods and Statistics.

3. Professional Experience:

Before joining the University of Limpopo, Prof. Moyo served as Chairperson of the University of Zimbabwe Research Board, where he managed an annual research budget of approximately USD 10 million. He also served as a member of the WARFSA Board. Prof. Moyo has worked as a consultant for numerous international organisations, including the World Bank, African Development Bank, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), WorldFish Centre, and the CARR Foundation.

4. Contributions and Achievements:

Prof. Moyo is currently an Associate Editor of the African Journal of Aquatic Science and was recently invited to serve as an Associate Editor for the journal Aquaculture. He has worked closely with the South African Department of Agriculture to develop a framework for climate-smart approaches in aquaculture. His research has been supported by grants from the Water Research Commission of South Africa, the CARR Foundation in Mozambique, and the WorldFish Centre in Zambia. He also serves as an independent consultant for the University of South Africa (UNISA).

5. Impact and Engagement:

Prof. Moyo authored a training manual on tilapia fish farming, which is now widely used across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

1. Academic Background and Qualifications:

Prof Peace P. Mkhonto holds a doctor of philosophy (PhD) in Physics (Computational Modelling of Materials) (2017). In addition he holds a post graduate diploma in engineering (Metallurgy and Materials) from the University of the Witwatersrand (2019). He is also a National Research Foundation (NRF) Y1-Rated researcher. His niche area is on Computational Modelling and Processing of Minerals. He employs a wide range of computational method to investigate mineral surfaces interaction with various reagents molecules for flotation purpose. These are validated with microflotation experiments aimed at improving the recoveries of these minerals. He has published 15 Journal Publications and 14 Conference proceedings in accredited peer-reviewed Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) with H-index = 8. He has won awards in various conferences such as South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) and Centre for High Performance Computing (CHPC). He has also won an award for best researcher (second place) in the School of Physical and Mineral Sciences at the University of Limpopo during the Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Awards (2025). He has supervised 8 Honours, 5 Masters and 3 doctoral students to completion. He is an ordinary member of the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP). He also is an associate member of the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS).

2. Research and Teaching Interests:

Prof Peace Mkhonto is a researcher in Materials Modelling Centre with a research focused on Computational Modelling and Processing of Minerals. His research area is on platinum group minerals (PGMs), Base metal sulphides (BMSs) and lithium bearing minerals. He also uses the machine learning (learn-on-the-fly) to generate force-fields to simulate the minerals surface and reagents at various temperatures in large scale. He designs reagents for minerals separation using computational methods to target the hard to recover minerals. He also lectures the Geology Minerals Processing Honours students to impact them with knowledge on different methods and approaches of processing minerals.

3. Professional Experience:

He is currently an associate professor at the University of Limpopo, Materials Modelling Centre. He serves in the School of Physical and Mineral Sciences Library committee to assist researcher and students on library matters and journal publications. He is also a coordinator of the mineral cluster the Materials Modelling Centre. Currently he serves as a guest editor for MDPI Minerals Journal on a special issue (Experimental and DFT Study on Interaction of Flotation Reagents with Mineral Surfaces).

4. Contributions and Achievements:

He has established collaborations on reagents design and testing with Qingdao University of Science & Technology (QUST) on China. He is currently a Phase 2 Cohort 3 candidate in the DHET Future Professor Program (FPP). He is also a co-investigator in the DSTI-Joint Research Centre (JRC) collaboration between South Africa and China under the belt and road for utilisation of minerals resources. He held a number of funding that includes NRF Thuthuka grant and South African Minerals to Metals (SAMMRI). He has also been a candidate for the Young Scientist Exchange Program (YSEP) funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) in South Africa and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) in China, on modelling and processing of minerals.

5. Impact and Engagement:

He engages with mining companies to establish collaborations and assist in solving minerals separation and recovery challenges. He serves as a reviewer for international high impact journals such as Molecular Liquid Journal, Applied Surface Science Journal, International Journal of Mining and Technology, Journal of Minerals Engineering and MDPI Minerals Journal.

1. Academic Background and Qualifications:

Prof. Elliot Mahlengule

Prof. Elliot Mahlengule Zwane completed his primary education at Rhandzekile Higher Primary School and passed Standard Six in 1974. He matriculated at Hoyo-Hoyo High School in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga Province. He obtained his Bachelor of Agricultural Management degree from the University of the North (now the University of Limpopo) in 1983, followed by a Bachelor of Agricultural Extension Honours degree from the University of Fort Hare in 1986 under the leadership of Professor T.J. Bembridge. He later completed a Master of Agricultural Extension degree at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom in 1990 and was awarded a PhD in Agricultural Extension by the University of Pretoria in 2009.

Prof. Zwane began his professional career in 1983 with the Department of Agriculture in the former homeland of Gazankulu, where he managed extension advisors at the head office in Giyani. In 1993, he served as Chairperson of the Extension Association of Gazankulu and played a significant role in advisory services during the amalgamation of extension associations from the former homelands into what later became Limpopo Province.

2. Achievements:

Prof. Zwane joined the Central Branch of the South African Society of Agricultural Extension (SASAE) in 1995 and has maintained his membership to date. He is a certified member of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) with practice number 3000/35/15. In 2007, he was delegated by the national Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (now the Department of Agriculture) to lead a delegation of 27 South African extension advisors to Kenya on a land reform excursion.

He has actively participated in continental and global advisory service platforms, including the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS) and the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS). He represented South Africa at international engagements in Ghana (2010), Kenya (2011), Uganda (2012), and the Philippines and South Korea (2018), where he also presented conference papers. Prof. Zwane was elected President of SASAE from 2011 to 2012 and was awarded a Bronze Medal for leadership in 2015. He served as Head of the Centre for Rural Community Empowerment from 2016 to 2023 and received an Honorary Membership Certificate from SASAE in 2024. He was further awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the SASAE Central Branch in September 2025 and a Certificate of Recognition for authoring the most highly cited article in Jàmbá: Journal of Disaster Risk Studies between 2019 and 2022. He has published 79 articles in accredited and non-accredited journals.

3. Research and Teaching Interests:

Prof. Zwane’s research interests include Agricultural Extension, Rural Development, and Research in Extension, with a focus on food security, communication of innovation in agriculture, land reform, behavioural change, adoption of extension practices, and climate change. His teaching portfolio includes Agricultural Extension, Research in Extension, Non-Formal Education, and Farming Systems Research.

4. Professional Experience:

Prof. Zwane served for 34 years as Head of Extension Advisory Services in the Limpopo Department of Agriculture, Land and Rural Development before transitioning into academia in 2016. He has since been based at the University of Limpopo, where he served as Head of the Centre for Rural Community Empowerment for ten years. He also served as Chairperson of the Provincial Extension Coordinating Forum (PECF), representing women and youth in farming. In addition, he has been a member of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Animal Production Research Committee, the SAES School Research Committee, and the Departmental Assessment Committee.

5. Contributions and Achievements:

In academia, Prof. Zwane has contributed through lecturing, research, and postgraduate supervision. He has successfully supervised 13 PhD students and more than 60 Master’s students at the University of Limpopo. He is a C3-rated researcher with the National Research Foundation (NRF) and has received NRF research grants amounting to R50 000. He collaborates with several universities, including the University of the Free State, University of Venda, University of KwaZulu-Natal, North-West University, Tshwane University of Technology, University of Pretoria, UNISA, and the University of Mpumalanga, particularly in thesis examination, postgraduate supervision, academic recruitment, and moderation of examination papers.

6. Impact and Engagement:

Prof. Zwane has mentored Honours, Master’s, and PhD students from South Africa and neighbouring countries such as Lesotho, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, often collaborating with them as co-authors on scholarly publications. Many of his former students now occupy senior positions within the Department of Agriculture and academic posts at institutions such as the University of Pretoria, Nelson Mandela University, and UNISA. He serves as a peer reviewer for local and international journals, including the South African Journal of Agricultural Extension. He is also actively involved in partnerships with FoodBev SETA, AgriSETA, and Hlengwe Research (Pty) Ltd on land reform and rural development projects, including the Makgoba Project and the Vermiculite Public–Private Partnership initiative. In addition, he contributes to community upliftment through capacity-building initiatives for students and community members in Bushbuckridge, particularly in the Nhlazeni District.

1. Academic Background and Qualifications:

Dr Zamantungwa Thobeka Happiness Mnisi holds a PhD in Veterinary Tropical Diseases (2018) from the University of Pretoria. Her doctoral research focused on the occurrence, phylogeny, and genetic diversity of Anaplasma centrale in South Africa. She also obtained an MSc in Zoology (2013) and a BSc Honours degree in Zoology (2011) from the University of the Free State, where she specialised in the molecular detection and diagnostic assay development for Anaplasma marginale. Her undergraduate training includes a BSc degree in Zoology and Botany (2010), which provided a strong foundation in biological sciences and parasitology.

Her research specialisation lies in veterinary parasitology, vector and vector-borne diseases, molecular diagnostics, and the application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in vector ecology and pathogen detection. Dr Mnisi has received several competitive awards and scholarships, including the National Research Foundation (NRF) Freestanding Doctoral Scholarship (2013), the NRF Thuthuka Research Grant (2020–2022), and the Competitive NRF Y-Rating Grant (2025–2027). She was awarded the Best PhD Student Award by the University of Pretoria in 2017 and was recognised among the Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans in Science and Technology in 2018.

In addition to an extensive publication record in peer-reviewed journals, Dr Mnisi is a Professional Natural Scientist registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP). She is an active member of several professional bodies, including the Parasitological Society of Southern Africa (PARSA), where she serves as Executive Committee Secretary, the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (African Network), and the Australian Society for Parasitology.

2. Research Interests:

Dr Mnisi’s research interests lie at the intersection of veterinary parasitology, molecular epidemiology, and vector-borne disease ecology. Her work focuses on understanding the distribution, diversity, and acaricide resistance of ticks, as well as the genetic diversity of tick-borne pathogens of veterinary and zoonotic importance. She has a particular interest in examining how climate variability and ecological change influence tick population dynamics and pathogen transmission.

A significant component of her research has centred on the molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Anaplasma species. Her work highlights the expansion of host and vector ranges as a result of climate change, human-mediated activities, and animal translocation.

3. Professional Experience:

Dr Mnisi has developed a distinguished career across academic, research, and industry environments, with expertise in molecular diagnostics, parasitology, and next-generation sequencing technologies. She began her career at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), where she served as a Medical Scientist at the Sequencing Core Facility. During this period, she gained extensive experience in NGS platforms and their applications and was part of the pioneering team that confirmed South Africa’s first case of SARS-CoV-2. She also contributed to national genomic surveillance initiatives, resulting in several high-impact publications, including a publication in Nature.

She later joined Clinvet International as a Specialist Scientist, where she led parasitology studies evaluating the efficacy of drug formulations against ticks. During this tenure, she developed a clinical challenge model for Babesia bovis to assess vaccine efficacy, significantly enhancing the organisation’s translational parasitology research capacity.

Dr Mnisi currently serves as a Senior Researcher in the Department of Biodiversity, where her responsibilities include postgraduate supervision and research capacity development. In collaboration with Diplomics and Afri-GenD, she has organised and hosted training workshops aimed at equipping postgraduate students and researchers with practical skills in genomics and bioinformatics, thereby strengthening molecular research capacity across Africa.

4. Contributions and Achievements:

Dr Mnisi has authored and co-authored 23 peer-reviewed publications spanning veterinary parasitology, animal production, and communicable diseases. She has presented her research at national and international conferences and has served as a guest speaker at various scientific symposiums. She has also contributed academically as an external moderator for the Protozoology module at the Tshwane University of Technology and has examined several MSc and PhD dissertations across multiple institutions.

Her collaborative research engagements include ongoing work with the University of Pretoria on vector and vector-borne disease studies and with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on the development of molecular diagnostic tools. Dr Mnisi is a former recipient of the NRF Thuthuka Grant and is currently the Principal Investigator of a Competitive NRF Y-Rated Grant awarded in 2025, reflecting her growing research leadership and recognition within the scientific community.

5. Impact and Engagement:

Dr Mnisi has made a significant impact within the academic community through postgraduate supervision, research leadership, and institutional service. She has successfully supervised two PhD and several MSc students to completion and is currently supervising one MSc and one Honours student at the University of Limpopo, as well as two PhD and two MSc students at other institutions. Her commitment to postgraduate training demonstrates her dedication to developing future researchers in veterinary parasitology and molecular biology.

She serves as a member of the School Research Committee (SCREC) in the School of Molecular and Life Sciences, where she contributes to research governance, postgraduate oversight, and strategic research planning. Beyond institutional responsibilities, Dr Mnisi is actively involved in capacity-building and outreach initiatives, facilitating workshops and collaborative programmes that enhance technical skills in molecular diagnostics, genomics, and bioinformatics. She also contributes to the broader scientific community through conference organisation, peer review, and active participation in professional societies, including PARSA.

Academic Background and Qualifications

• I hold a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Cape Town, where I focused on the computation of Greeks using Malliavin calculus and its applications in finance. My earlier academic journey includes a Master of Science in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Science Honours in Mathematics, both from the University of Zimbabwe.
• I have received several academic awards, including the Post Graduate Diploma in Higher Education, SA-UK UCDP grant and have published more than 15 peer-reviewed articles in DHET Accredited journals. I am also a reviewer for several journals in quantitative finance and applied mathematics.
• I am a member of professional bodies including the Southern Africa Mathematical Sciences Association (SAMSA) and the South African Mathematical Society (SAMS).

Research and Teaching Interests

• My primary research interests lie in Malliavin calculus, stochastic differential games, stochastic control, model-free finance, insurance mathematics and game theory.
• I have taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Financial Mathematics, Stochastic Differential Equations, Ordinary Differential Equations, Partial Differential Equations, Dynamical Systems, Numerical Analysis, Advanced calculus, Advanced Numerical Analysis. I also supervise postgraduate research in topics related to mathematics of finance and stochastic modeling.
• I used constructivism as teaching methodology and allow students to learn from each other working in groups.

Professional Experience

• I am currently an Associate Professor (since 2022) and have been serving as Head of the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics since 2023. Prior to this, I worked as a Senior Lecturer from 2015. Before joining the University of Limpopo, I served as a Lecturer at the University of Zululand from 2010 to 2014, a Part-time Lecturer at the University of Cape Town from 2008 to 2010, and a Tutor at the University of Cape Town from 2006 to 2008. I also held positions as a Lecturer at the National University of Science and Technology and a Teaching Assistant at the University of Zimbabwe from 2003 to 2005.
• I have served on various academic committees, including the Faculty Higher Degrees Committee, School Research and Ethics Committee, School Management Committee, School Curriculum Development Committee.
• I served as the President of the Southern Africa Mathematical Sciences Association (SAMSA) (2022 – 2026), and I am a member of the South Africa Mathematical Society (SAMS).

Contributions and Achievements

• I have authored and co-authored more than 15 peer-reviewed journal articles
• I have presented at several national and international conferences.
• My research collaborations include projects with the University of Warsaw, School of Economics, focusing on model-free finance; the London School of Economics (LSE), focusing on stochastic portfolio optimization; and Ardhi University (Tanzania), focusing on insurance mathematics.
• I have secured research funding from the British Council under the SA-UK University Staff Doctoral Programme: Building Capacity in Applied Mathematics (USDP-BCAM), the National Research Foundation (NRF), and the Department of Higher Education and Training for a project titled Enhancing Excellence in Honours Curriculum Delivery.
• I was named Best Established Teacher at the University during the Vice Chancellor’s Awards in 2020. In 2023, I received the Award for Best Established Researcher in the School.

Five Best Research articles

• Winfrida Felix Mwigilwa, Farai Julius Mhlanga, Emmanuel Sinkwembe. Optimal investment and reinsurance strategies with federal income tax under the Geometric Mean Reversion (GMR) model. Journal of Industrial and Management Optimization, 2025, 21(4): 2778-2794. doi: 10.3934/jimo.2024193
• Galane Lesiba Charles, Lochowski Rafal Marcin and Mhlanga Farai Julius (2023). On SDEs with Lipschitz coefficients, driven by continuous, model-free martingales. Electronic Communications in Probability. Vol. 28(14), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1214/23-ECP520
• Kufakunesu Rodwell, Mhlanga Farai Julius and Guambe Calisto (2022). On the sensitivity analysis of energy Quanto options. Stochastic Analysis and Applications. Vol. 40(6), 1104-1125, https://doi.org/10.1080/07362994.2021.1984945
• Galane Lesiba Charles, Lochowski Rafal Marcin and Mhlanga Farai Julius (2018). On the Quadratic Variation of the Model-Free Price Paths with Jumps. Lithuanian Mathematical Journal, Vol. 58(2), pp. 141 – 156.
• Farai Julius Mhlanga (2015). Computation of Greeks for the Heston model using Malliavin calculus. Mediterranean Journal of Mathematics, Vol. 12(3), pp. 1141 – 1160.

Impact and Engagement

I have supervised the following Doctoral students:

• Mr SC Nkosi. PhD Thesis Title: Financial Markets Driven by Skew Diffusions. Graduated 2025.
• Mr PL Zondi. PhD Thesis Title: Quadratic Variations and Stochastic Calculus for Deterministic Paths and Model-free Price Paths with Jumps. Graduated 2025.
• Mr TL Kubjana. PhD Thesis Title: Continuous-Time Principal Agent Models with Ergodic Payoffs. Graduated 2025.
• Mr D Hove. PhD Thesis Title: Local Times of Deterministic and Model-free Cadlag Price Paths and Their Application to Mathematical Finance. Graduated 2025.
• Mr B Makaka. PhD Thesis Title: Optimal Control and Cost Effective analysis of a COVID-19 Model in South Africa. Graduated 2025.
• Mr MA Mutakaya: PhD Thesis Title: Production and Regulation of Exhaustive Resources: A Stochastic Control Approach. Graduated 2023.
• Mr LC Galane: PhD Thesis Title: Properties and Calculus on Price Paths in the Model-free Approach to the Mathematical Finance. Graduated 2021.

I have supervised the following Masters students:

• Ms MM Ramaoka. Dissertation Title: An Advanced Framework of Deep Reinforcement Learning for Financial Portfolio Management. African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS).
• Mr SM Kgomo. Masters Dissertation Title: Malliavin Calculus and its Application to Mathematical Finance. Graduated 2021.
• Mr SC Nkosi: Masters Dissertation Title: Pathwise Functional Ito Calculus and its Applications to Mathematical Finance. Graduated 2020.
• Mr M Dube: Masters Dissrtation Title: An Analysis of the Value of Information under Partial Observation for Exponential Utility. Graduated 2014
• Ms S Ndlovu: Masters Dissertation Title: Quadratic Hedging in Ensemble Electricity Markets Driven by Short Term Trading. Graduated 2014.

The following supervision is ongoing:

• Mr RM Mokgwadi. PhD Thesis Title: Lie group symmetry in stochastic portfolio optimization. Current.
• Mr MP Rembuluwani. MSc Dissertation Title: Minimal variance hedging in incomplete financial markets. Current.
• Mr TF Miyambo. MSc Dissertation Title: Modelling financial markets with time-changed Lévy processes. Current.
• Mr TD Legodi. MSc Dissertation Title: Term structure modelling of interest rates using the Heath-Jarrow-Morton framework. Current.
• Mr MR Ramohlale. MSc Dissertation Title: An optimal investment and consumption model with transaction costs and regime-switching: A stochastic differential utility approach. Current.
• Mr L Tshindane. MSc Dissertation Title: Optimal investment and consumption problem under incomplete information and regime-switching jump diffusions. Current.

I have examined Doctoral theses and Masters Dissertations from the following Universities:

• University of South Africa
• University of Botswana
• University of Johannesburg
• University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
• Botswana International University of Science and Technology
• University of Venda
• University of Malawi
• University of Namibia
• University of Pretoria
• National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe

I have manuscripts from the following journals:

• Methodology and Computing in Applied Probability
• Statistics, Optimization & Information Computing
• International Journal of Mathematics in Operational Research
• Journal of Industrial and Management Optimization
• International Journal of Nonlinear analysis and application
• Journal of Economic and Financial Sciences
• Applications and Applied Mathematics
• Frontiers in Applied Mathematics and Statistics

Contact Information

1. • ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8775-9073
   • Email: farai.mhlanga@ul.ac.za
   • Google Scholar https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=y7b4P1sAAAAJ&hl=en

Academic Background and Qualifications

• PhD in Mathematics (Pointfree Topology) University of South Africa (UNISA) 2012.
• MSc in Mathematics (Pointfree Topology) University of Limpopo (UL) 2004.
• BSc Honours in Mathematics University of Limpopo (UL) 2002.
• BSc University of Limpopo (UL) 2000

Research and Teaching Interests

• My research is in General Topology and Pointfree Topology and also on the ring of continuous functions both on the topological space X and on the frame L. Describe your research interests, emphasizing your specific areas of expertise and any groundbreaking research you have conducted.
• I have experience in teaching both linear algebra and calculus at undergraduate levels including both real and complex analysis. At postgraduate level, I am/was involved in teaching the following modules: general topology, functional analysis, complex analysis and category theory.

Professional Experience

• July 2023– present: Associate Professor Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Limpopo.
• October 2012– June 2023: Senior Lecturer Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Limpopo.
• October 2005– September 2012: Lecturer; Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Limpopo.
• July 2004– September 2005: Junior Lecturer; Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics.
• March 2002– June 2004: Temporary Junior Lecturer; Department of Mathematics, University of Limpopo.
• March 2000– December 2001: Senior Laboratory Assistant, Department of Mathematics, University of Limpopo.
• February 2016–February 2019: Head of Department (HOD), Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
• 2016–2018: Regional Coordinator for Siyanqoba Maths Olympiad at the University of Limpopo for South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF).
• 2019– Present: Member of the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences Research and Ethics Committee.

Contributions and Achievements

• 5 Publications
• 1 conference proceedings article accepted.
• 25 national and international oral presentations.
• Active Collaborators: (1) Mostafa Abedi, Esfarayen University of Technology, Iran. (2) Jorge Picado, University of Coimbra, Portugal. (3) Simo Mthethwa, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa.

Impact and Engagement

PhD students (ongoing)

• Tedious Twala, University of Limpopo. Thesis title; “On some ideals of RL”.
• Pinkie Shikweni, University of Limpopo. Thesis title: “Aspects of connectedness in pointfree topology”.
• Thabo Ngoako, University of Limpopo. Thesis title: “On the depth of ideals of RL”.
• Gordon Gwizo, University of Limpopo. Thesis title: “Aspects of strong paracompactness and strong uniform paracompactness in pointfree topology”.

MSc students (completed).

• Thabo Malatji, University of Limpopo, 2021. MSc dissertation title: “Balanced ideals in the cozero parts of frames”.
• Tedius Twala, University of Limpopo, 2022. MSc dissertation title: “Compactness in pointfree topology”.
• Thabo Ngoako, University of Limpopo, 2023. MSc dissertation title: “P-frames and their generalisations”.
• Gorden Gwizo, University of Limpopo, 2023. MSc dissertation title: “On strongly paracompact and uniformly paracompact locales”. (co-supervised).

MSc students (ongoing)

Highlight your involvement in community engagement, outreach programs, or industry partnerships.

• Zacaria Singo, University of Limpopo, MSc dissertation title: “On parallelism between normality and extremal disconnectedness in pointfree topology”.
• Kamogelo Setati, University of Limpopo, MSc dissertation title: “On some ideals and some filters in pointfree topology”.
• Elisa Sephuma, University of Limpopo, MSc dissertation title: “Aspects of separation axioms in pointfree topology”.
• Reviewer of the journal, Topology and its Applications.

Contact Information

• E-mail address: matlabyana@ul.ac.za
• https:/org/0000-0002-0292-5117

Academic Background and Qualifications

• PhD (Pointfree Topology), UKZN (2000), MSc (Categorical Topology), UNISA (1994), MSc (Pointfree Topology), Sussex (1990), BSc Bons (Mathematics, UL, 1982), BSc Paed (UL, 1981)
• British Council Scholarship (to Sussex University (1989-1990)), Irish Government Scholarship (to UKZN, 1996-1999), De Beers (Anglo-American) (1978-1981), BP (1982)
• I am a member of the South African Mathematics Society (since 1986), I am a member of the Southern African Mathematical Sciences Association (since 2004), Council member of the South African Council on Natural and Scientific Professions (SACNASP) (since 2005)

Research and Teaching Interests

• I do research in Categorical, General and Pointfree Topology
• I teach Category Theory and Advanced General Topology to Honours and Master’s students
• At undergraduate level, I have taught both Calculus and Linear Algebra, and Mathematical Analysis
• I use Constructivism in my teaching: learners are allowed and encouraged to learn on their engaging me on what I teach and explore some of the things on their own

Professional Experience

• Executive Dean (Science and Agriculture) at UL: 2009 – 2024
• School Director (Computational and Mathematical Sciences) at UL: 2005 – 2008
• Head of Department (Mathematics): 2003-2004
• I have been President of SAMSA and Deputy President of the African Mathematical Union (2005-2009)
• I have been President of the South African Mathematics Society (2008 – 2011)
• I have been Chairperson of the Registration Committee at SACNASP, been Chairperson of the Critical Skills Committee at SACNASP and Chairperson of the Qualifications Assessment Committee at SACNASP.

Contributions and Achievements

• I have published over 30 accredited articles in Mathematics, Mathematics Education, Statistics and other areas
• I have supervised Highlight any collaborations with other universities, research institutions, or industry partners.
• Mention any grants, awards, or honors you have received for your work.

Impact and Engagement

• Co-Supervised Prof Alex Boateng on the PhD topic: Empirical analysis of inflation dynamics: evidence from Ghana and South Africa
• Supervised to completion the following MSc students:

• Prof Mack Matlabyana (topic: On the role of filters in frames)
• Mr Mahlare Sehoana (topic: On Cauchy completions and related topics in frames)
• Mr Seloane (topic: On spatial sublocales, subfitness and relative regularity in frames)
• Mr MJ Makgeru (topic: Paracompactness and metrizability in Pointfree Topology)
• Prof E Matabane (topic: On Yosida frames and related topics)
• Ms P Shikweni (topic: On completion and connexion properties of Csaszar frames)
• Mr G Gwizo (topic: )
• I was involved in many professional development programmes for Mathematics educators in both the former homelands of Gazankulu and Lebowa; I worked with a team from the University of the Free State on Mathematics enrichment programmes in the early days of our democracy
• I developed a bridging certificate for Grade 12 learners whose University Mathematics entry requirement was inadequate
• Mention any contributions to the broader academic community, such as serving on editorial boards, reviewing academic papers, or organizing conferences.

Contact Information

hlengani.siweya@ul.ac.za

Academic Background and Qualifications

• DTech in Mechanical Engineering (Computational Fluid Dynamics)
• Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa, 2013.
• Advanced Diploma in Higher Education, University of Free State, South
• Africa, 2011.
• MSc in Mathematics, University of Zimbabwe, 1998.
• BSc-Honours in Mathematics. University of Zimbabwe, 1994·
• Awards:
• NRF 2025, Competitive Support for Unrated Researchers, 2025–2027.
• CoE-Mass Grant, Symmetry Analysis Workshop, 2023
• Faculty Research Achievement Award, 2nd Place. Vaal University of
• Technology, South Africa, 2013.
• Annual Researcher of the Year, Research Achievement Category, 3 rd
• Place, Vaal University of Technology, 2013.
• NRF Knowledge Interchange Collaboration Travel Grant, 2014.
• NRF Knowledge Interchange Collaboration Travel Grant, 2016.

Research and Teaching Interests

• My research interests are in computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
• and Lie symmetry analysis of differential equations.
• I have extensive experience in teaching undergraduate calculus
• and differential equations modules and graduate modules in
• Applied Mathematics

Professional Experience

• October 2023 – Present, Full Professor, Department of
• Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Limpopo.
• February 2015 – September 2023, Senior Lecturer, Department of
• Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Limpopo.
• April 2008 – January 2015, Lecturer, Department of Mathematics,
• Vaal University of Technology.
• January 2003 – March 2008, Lecturer, Department of
• Mathematics, University of Limpopo.
• June 1998 – December 2002, Lecturer, Department of
• Mathematics, University of Zimbabwe.
• August 1997 – May 1998, Analyst, Joina Development Company,
• Harare.
• July 1995 – July 1997, Teaching Assistant, Department of
• Mathematics, University of Zimbabwe.
• January 1995 – March 1995, Mathematics Teacher, Dope
• Secondary School, Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe.
• 2020 – Present, Chairperson of the School of Mathematical and
• Computer Sciences Research and Ethics Committee as well as
• member of the Faculty of Science and Agriculture Higher Degrees
• Committee.
• Over the years, from 2018, I have served as panel member and
• chairperson for several NRF panel meetings for funding proposal reviews.

Contributions and Achievements

• 17 publications in ISI journals.
• 1 conference proceedings article
• Co-edited 1 special issue ‘Mathematical Application and

Computing in Mechanical Engineering’.

• 14 national and international conference presentations.
• Active collaborations with:
• Professor SO Adesanya, Redeemer’s University Nigeria
• Professor Winter Sinkala, Walter Sisulu University, South Africa
• Professor Anotida Madzvamuse, University of British Columbia, Canada
• Research Grants
• NRF 2025, Competitive Support for Unrated Researchers, 2025–2027.
• CoE-Mass Grant, Symmetry Analysis Workshop, 2023
• NRF Knowledge Interchange Collaboration Travel Grant, 2014.
• NRF Knowledge Interchange Collaboration Travel Grant, 2016.

Impact and Engagement

PhD Students (supervised to completion)

• Dr CR Makhalemele (late), University of Limpopo, 2021, Thesis Topic: Modelling of buoyancy-induced hydromagnetic couple stress fluid flow with periodic heat input.
• Dr KF Thosago, University of Limpopo, 2022, Thesis Topic: Second law analysis for hydromagnetic third grade fluid flow with variable properties

Ongoing PhD supervision

• Ms NH Sekgothe, University of Limpopo, Thesis Topic: Bulk-Surface finite element methods for nonlinear semi- parabolic partial differential equations of reaction-diffusion type
• Mr RM Mokgwadi, University of Limpopo, Thesis Topic: Lie group analysis in stochastic portfolio optimisation

MSc Students (Supervised to completion):

• Ms NH Sekgothe, University of Limpopo, 2021, Topic: Application of Adomian decomposition method to solving nonlinear differential Equations.
• Mr RM Mokgwadi, University of Limpopo, 2022, Topic: Analysis of peristaltic nanofluid flow in a microchannel.

Ongoing MSc Supervision:

• Mr PC Makibelo, University of Limpopo, Topic: Application of Lie symmetry analysis to solve the Burgers equation
• Mr P Masindi, University of limmpopo, Topic: Lie group methods for solving reaction- diffusion equations.
• Ms ME Malebana, University of Limpopo, Topic: A Lie symmetry analysis of the KdV equation: Analytical and numerical solutions.
• Ms DR Seroka, University of Limpopo, Topic: A Lie symmetry analysis of the wave equation.

Peer reviewer for the following journals:

• Modelling Periodica Polytechnica Mechanical Engineering
• CSIAM Transactions on Applied Mathematics
• Archives of Thermodynamics
• International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat and

Fluid Flow

• Mathematical Problems in Engineering
• Journal of Molecular Liquids
• Defect and Diffusion Forum
• Engineering Computations
• Journal of Nanofluids
• International Journal of Applied and Computational

Mathematics

• And many others
• Membership of Academic Societies: SAMS-South African Mathematical Society and SAMSA- Southern African Mathematical Sciences Association

Contact Information

•  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2710-0525
• Email: lazarus.rundora@ul.ac.za
• Google Scholar: https:// scholar.google.com/citations?user=RaeAO_gAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
• Researchgate: https://researchgate.net/profile/Lazarus-Rundora

Academic Background and Qualifications

• PhD in Mathematics (General Topology), University of Cape Town, 2012.
• MSc in Mathematics (General Topology), University of Cape Town, 2009.
• BSc-Honous in Applied Mathematics (financial Mathematics). University of Kinshasa, 2004·
• BSc in Mathematics, University of Kinshasa, 2000.

Awards:

• NRF 202, National Research Foundation rating C1, 2022–2027.
• NRF 2016, National Research Foundation rating C3, 2017–2021.
• NRF 2014, Competitive Support for Unrated Researchers, 2014–2016.
• NWU 2015, North-West University Teaching Excellence Award, this is awarded to lecturers who have exceptional and proven achievements in teaching excellence.
• SAMSA 2008 Awarded best talk for postgraduate students at SAMSA (Southern Africa Mathematical Sciences Association) conference 2008, Maputo, Mozambique.

Research and Teaching Interests

• General Topology with applications in nonlinear analysis and algebra. Focusing on asymmetric structures (quasi-metric, quasi-uniform, and asymmetric normed spaces).
• In term of teaching: all mathematics courses from first year up to honours level and some undergraduate courses in Applied Mathematics.

Professional Experience

• 2024–to date Full Professor, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Limpopo, South Africa.
• 2024–to date: Extraordinary Professor, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, North–West University, South Africa.
• 2021–2023 Full Professor, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, North–West University, South Africa.
• 2021–to date Visiting Professor, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Kinshasa, D R Congo.
• 2016–to date Visiting Professor, Faculty of Engineering, Universite Nouveaux Horizons, D R Congo.
• 2020–2020 Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University the Western Cape, South Africa.
• 2017–2019 Associate Professor, School of Mathematics, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa 2016–2017 Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, North–West University, South Africa.
• 2013–2015 Senior Lecturer, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, North–West University, South Africa.
• 2012–2012 Lecturer, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Walter Sisulu University, South Africa.

Contributions and Achievements

• On the top 100 most cited in the Journal Topology and its Applications.
• About 55–publications are published in ISI journals (see https://sites.google.com/view/olivierolelaotafudu/accueil?authuser=0 for more details).
• About 23 International Conference attended with presentations with three of them  as a keynote speaker (see https://sites.google.com/view/olivierolelaotafudu/accueil?authuser=0 for more details).

Collaboration and connections with:

•  Balearic Islands University (Prof. Oscar Valero)
• Universität der Bundeswehr München, Germany (Prof. Vasco Brattka)
• The Free University of Brussels, Belgium (Prof. Mark Sieon).
• Ecole Normal de Paris-Sacley, France (Prof. Jean Goubault Larrecq).

University of Namibia (Dr Paulus Haihambo)

• Ayatollah Boroujerdi University, Iran (Prof. Moosa Gabeleh)
• University of South Africa, South Africa (Prof. Themba Dube).
• Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Botswana (Dr.  Zacharia Mushaadja)
• University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa (Dr. Wilson Bombe Toko)
• University of Zambia, South Africa (Dr. Hope Sabao)
• University of the Western Cape, South Africa (Dr. Ando Razafindrakoto)
• University of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa (Prof. Fortune Massamba)

Research Grants

• NRF 2022 National Research Foundation grant: KIC.
• Chebyshev grant for attending ICM2022.
•  NRF 2022 National Research Foundation grant: Incentive Grant for Rated Researchers.
• LMS 2019 London-Mathematical society grant to support students for the Summer Conference on Topology and its Applications.
•  NRF 2019 DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences: Focus Area Project.
• NRF 2019 National Research Foundation grant: KIC.
• NRF 2019 National Research Foundation grant: ISC.
• IMU 2019 International Mathematics Union Conference Program Grant Notification for developing countries.
• ICM 2018 International Congress of Mathematicians– Open Arms Grants, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
• NRF 2017 National Research Foundation grant: KIC.
• NRF 2017 DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences: Focus Area Project.
• NRF 2016 NRF Incentive Grant for Rated Researchers, 2016-2018.
• Funding 2015 Third Heidelberg Laureate Forum, Heidelberg, Germany.
• Grants 2014 Africans to attend the International Congress of Mathematicians IICM2014) in Seoul, South Korea.
• NRF 2013 NRF Competitive Support for Unrated Researchers, 2014-2016.

Impact and Engagement

Post-doctoral fellows:

• Prof. Moosa Gabeleh, Project: Fixed point theorem for cyclic contractive mappings in metric convex spaces, Funded by North-West University (2015-2017).
• Dr. Hope Sabao, Project: On quasi-uniform spaces and infinite game theory, Funded by Wits University (2019-2021).

PhD students (graduated):

• Dr Paulus Haihambo (North-West University, 2023), topic of PhD thesis: Entropy on asymmetric structures.
• Dr Demco Kalusokoma Mukongo (Wits University, 2021), PhD thesis title: On Urysohn quasi-metric spaces.
• Dr Danny Mukonda (Wits University, 2021), PhD thesis title: Bornological aspects of asymmetric structures.
• Dr Katlego Segobodi (Wits University, 2019), PhD thesis title: Some topological aspects of modular quasi-metric spaces.
• Dr Hope Sabao (North-West University, 2017), PhD thesis title: The quasi-uniform box product and infinite games.
• About 10 Msc students supervised up to completion and several honours projects were supervised.

Editorial Board and Academic Refereeing:

• Member of the Editorial Board of Fixed-Point Theory (special section of Frontiers in Applied Mathematics and Statistics) as Review Editor.
• Chair of Summer Conference on Topologyand its Applications (SUMTOPO)    2019 and a Guest editor for the journal Topology Proceedings for the proceedings of the 34th Summer Conference on      Topology and its Applications held at Wits University in July 2019.
• Since 2013, reviewer of several NRF funding applications for competitive   support grants for NRF-rated researchers.
• Member of the editorial Board  of the Journal Mathematics and Statistics.
• Reviewer of  manuscripts for the following journals Mathematics and database of mathematics: – Applied General Topology,- Topology and its Applications,- Numerical Functional Analysis and Optimization, – Indagationes Mathematicae, – Mathematical Reviews (MathSciNet, American Mathematical Society), – Hacettepe Journal of Mathematics and Statistics, – Fixed Point Theory and Applications,- Filomat, – Africa Mathematica, – Iranian Journal of Mathematical Sciences and Informatics, – Mathematics for Applications, – Queastiones Mathematicae, – Advanced Fixed Point Theory, – Topological Algebra and its Applications, – Turkish Journal of Mathematics, – zbMATH.

Membership of Academic Societies:

•  Steering committee of the most important annual conference of Topology and its related fields: The Summer Conference on Topology and its Applications (SUMTOPO).
• South African Mathematical Society (SAMS)
• Southern African Mathematical Association (SAMSA)

Contact Information

• Email: olivier.olela-otafudu@ul.ac.za, olmaolela@gmail.com.
• Personal web for research: https://sites.google.com/view/olivierolelaotafudu/accueil?authuser=0

Academic Background and Qualifications

• PhD in Applied Mathematics (Numerical Analysis and Fluid Mechanics), University of KwaZulu Natal, 2021.
• MSc in Applied Mathematics (Numerical Analysis and Fluid Mechanics), University of Johannesburg, 2016.
• BSc in Education (Mathematics), University of Swaziland, 2013

Awards and Scholarships

• Y2-rating from the National Research Foundation (2025 – 2029).
• Merit-based postgraduate scholarship for Masters degree (2014).
• Chebyshev grant for attending ICM2022.
• LMS-AMMSI travel grant to participate in Southern Africa Mathematical Sciences Association (SAMSA) Conference (2019).

Certifications and professional Memberships.

• South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (Professional Natural Scientist, Registration No. 149897), since 2023.
• Southern Africa Mathematical Sciences Association (SAMSA), since 2015
• South African Mathematical Society (SAMS), since 2022.

Research and Teaching Interests

Research Interests

• Advanced numerical methods (spectral collocation methods and block hybrid methods), theoretical fluid mechanics, transport in porous media, non-Newtonian fluids, peristaltic flows, nanofluid dynamics, entropy generation, heat, and mass transfer analysis. Pioneered the application of the overlapping grid concept within the spectral collocation method for solving nonlinear differential equations, leading to the publication of over 20 research articles on overlapping grid-based spectral collocation techniques.

Teaching Interests and courses teaching

• Passionate about numerical analysis, mathematical modelling, and scientific computing. Teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules- Numerical analysis, numerical solutions to differential equations, fluid mechanics, and mathematical modelling with differential equations. Integrates MATLAB-based simulation and visualization tools in teaching

Professional Experience

• University of Limpopo (Senior Lecturer), Jan 2024 – present.
• University of South Africa (Postdoctoral Research Fellow), Jan 2022 – Dec 2023
• Swaziland Ministry of Education (Mathematics Teacher), Jan 2016 – Dec 2021.
• University of Johannesburg (Tutor/Assistant Lecturer), Feb 2014 – Dec 2015.

Contributions and Achievements

Publications

• More than 30 publications (articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings) in international peer-reviewed journals. Below are the recent 10 publications:
• M. P. Mkhatshwa, On the application of efficient block hybrid technique in solving strongly nonlinear oscillators. Partial Differential Equations in Applied Mathematics. 2025; 13:101124.
• M. P. Mkhatshwa, Dissipative MHD bio-convective flow of radiative Jefferey nanofluid through a vertical permeable cone. Multiscale and Multidisciplinary Modeling, Experiments and Design. 2025; 8: 181.
• M. I. Afridi, M. P. Mkhatshwa, M. Qasim, A. J. Chamkha, Thermal and computational analysis of MHD dissipative flow of Eyring-Powell fluid: Non-similar approach via overlapping grid-based spectral collocation scheme. Chinese Journal of Physics. 2024; 92: 1026 – 1042.
• M. P. Mkhatshwa, Nonlinear radiative mixed convective flow of fourth-grade tetra-hybrid nanomaterial over a horizontal cylindrical surface. Journal of Nanofluids. 2024; 13 (4): 1040-1054.
• M. P. Mkhatshwa, Nonlinear convective transport of nanofluid over an inclined plate in a Darcy-Forchheimer porous medium with viscous dissipation and varying thermo-physical features. International Journal of Ambient Energy, 2024: 45 (1), 2378945.
• P. Mkhatshwa, Entropy production on mixed convection stagnation point flow of nonlinear radiative fourth-grade hybrid nanofluid through a stretchable Riga surface, Discover Applied Sciences. 2024; 6: 234.

• P. Mkhatshwa, Overlapping grid-based spectral collocation technique for bioconvective flow of MHD Williamson nanofluid over a radiative circular cylindrical body with activation energy, Computation. 2024; 12 (4): 75.
• Y. Khan, S. Mondal, M. P. Mkhatshwa, M. Khumalo and N. F. M. Noor, An overlapping grid spectral collocation analysis on a newly developed hybrid nanofluid flow model, Propulsion and Power research. 2024; 13 (1): 98-117.
• P. Mkhatshwa and M. Khumalo, Entropy optimization on magnetized radiative bioconvective flow of Carreau-Yasuda hybrid CNTs through a spherical surface in a non-Darcian porous medium with activation energy, Numerical Heat Transfer, Part A: Applications. 2024.

• P. Mkhatshwa, Darcy-Forchheimer flow of MHD free convective CNTs Casson nanoliquid via a cosinusoidally fluctuating heated plate, International Journal of Modelling and Simulation. 1-23, 2023.

Conference attendance

• Attended and delivered talks at about 22 conferences (local and international).

Collaborations with other universities

• University of Eswatini-Swaziland (Prof Sandile Motsa)
• North-Eastern Hill University-India (Prof Sabyasachi Mondal),
• University of KwaZulu-Natal- South Africa (Prof Precious Sibanda)
• Hanjiang Normal University-China (Prof Muhammad Idrees Afridi)
• University of Johannesburg-South Africa (Dr Phumlani Dlamini)
• National University of Science and Technology-Zimbabwe (Dr Mlamuli Dhlamini)
• University of South Africa-South Africa (Prof Melusi Khumalo),
• Universiti Malaya-Malaysia (Prof Noor Fadiya Binti Mohd Noor)
• Kuwait College of Science and Technology- Kuwait (Prof Ali Chamkha)
• Rhodes University -South Africa (Dr Yusuf Tijani)
• COMSATS Institute of Information and Technology-Pakistan (Prof Muhammad Qasim)

Impact and Engagement

Student Supervision

• Supervise Honours, Masters and PhD students.

Professional Reviewing Services

• Reviewer of the following journals:
• Numerical Heat Transfer, Part A: Applications
• Case Studies in Thermal Engineering
• Scientific Reports
• Physics of Fluids
• Hybrid Advances
• Journal of Radiation Research and Applied Sciences
• Ain Shams Engineering Journal
• Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures
• Nonlinear Engineering-Modeling and Applications
• Asian Research Journal of Mathematics
• International Journal of Biomathematics
• Mathematical and Computational Applications
• Numerical Heat Transfer, Part B: Fundamentals
• Heat Transfer
• Applied Mathematics and Computation
• Progress in Reaction Kinetics and Mechanism

Editorial board services

•   Leading Guest Editor for Mathematics (I.F. 2.2), 2024 – 2025, Special issue titled “Computation, Modeling and Simulation for Nanofluids”.

Contact Information

• Email address: musawenkosi.mkhatshwa@ul.ac.za
• ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Musawenkhosi-Mkhatshwa                                                                    
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/musawenkhosi-mkhatshwa-8a602890
• ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7284-8498
• Web of Science: https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/GOE-5896-2022
• Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57192064956
• Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.co.za/citations?user=JY9yZiwAAAAJ&hl=en

Academic Background and Qualifications

• PhD in Pure Mathematics, Kharazmi University, Iran (2012)
• C3 NRF rating (2023-2029)
• Reviewer of MathScinet and ZbMath

Research and Teaching Interests

• Group Theory, Character theory of groups, Representation theory, Combinatorial aspects of groups (codes, designs, codes)
• Abstract algebra, linear algebra, complex analysis, group structures (honours), Rings, fields and Galois theory (Honours).

Professional Experience

• Senior Lecturer of mathematics, University of Limpopo, 2021-now.
• Postdoctoral fellow, University of Limpopo, 2019-2020.
• Research fellow, University of Tehran (Iran), 2018-2019.
• Postdoctoral fellow, North-West University, 2014-2017.
• Lecturer of Mathematics, Azad University of Tehran, Iran (2012-2014

Contributions and Achievements

• Publications list: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=H7UIy2IAAAAJ&hl=en
• Contributed as external assessor for several universities.

Impact and Engagement

Student supervision (graduated):

• 2025: Mr CK Mokalapa (PhD) (Co-Supervision)
• 2024: Mr TJ Kekana (MSc)
• 2024 Mr TG Nyikadzino (MSc)

Student supervision (current)

•  Mr TJ Kekana (PhD)
•  Mr TG Nyikadzino (PhD)
•  Mr S Maphaba (MSc)(Co-supervision)

Contact Information

• Email address: saeidi@ul.ac.za
• Personal website: https://sites.google.com/view/asaeidi

Academic Background and Qualifications

• PhD in Applied Mathematics (Numerical Analysis and Fluid Mechanics), University of Limpopo.
• MSc in Applied Mathematics (Numerical Analysis and Fluid Mechanics), University of Limpopo.
• BSc University of Limpopo.

Certifications and professional Memberships.

• Southern Africa Mathematical Sciences Association (SAMSA), since 2015
• South African Mathematical Society (SAMS)
• African Society for Biomathematics (ASB)

Research and Teaching Interests

Research Interests

• Computational fluid dynamics,
• numerical methods
• Biomathematics

Teaching Interests and courses teaching

• Numerical analysis, mathematical modelling, numerical solutions to differential equations, fluid mechanics, and mathematical modelling with differential equations

Professional Experience

• Senior Lecturer

Contributions and Achievements

• 4 publications

Professional Review Services

• Nonlinear Engineering-Modeling and Applications
• Asian Research Journal of Mathematics
• International Journal of Biomathematics
• Mathematical and Computational Applications
• Numerical Heat Transfer, Part B: Fundamentals
• Heat Transfer
• Applied Mathematics and Computation

collaborations with other universities.

• Florence Hubert (Aix-Marseille University, France)
• Patrick Tchepmo (North West University)
• Fundile Nyaweni (Mathematics, Nelson Mandela University, SA)
• Abdramane Annour Saad (University of N’Djamena, Chad)
• Cédric Hameni (North West University, SA)

Impact and Engagement

• Student Supervision
• Supervise Honours and Masters

Contact Information

• Email: thosago@ul.ac.za
• ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0646-4960
• ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kgomotshwana-Thosago
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kgomotshwana-manthos-thosago-ph-d-applied-mathematics-b1949668/
• Web of Science: https://www.webofscience.com/wos/op/publications/summary
• Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=23393866600
• Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.co.za/citations?user=IzW-CTEAAAAJ&hl=en

Academic Background and Qualifications

• PhD in Mathematics, University of Johannesburg (UJ), 2022.
• MSc in Mathematics, University of Johannesburg (UJ), 2017.
• BSc Honours in Mathematics, Wits University, 2009.
• BSc degree, Wits University, 2008.
• PGDip in Higher Education, Durban University of Technology, 2025
• VC excellent award, Best teacher in School of Mathematical and Computer Science, University of Limpopo, 2023.
• South African Mathematics Society (SAMS) member, since 2015.
•  Southern African Mathematical and Statistical Association (SAMSA)   Member, since 2018.

Research and Teaching Interests

• My research interest is in mathematics branch called Functional analysis, with focus area on Banach algebras and Spectral Theory .
• I am capable of teaching any undergraduate and majority of postgraduate mathematics modules such as: Calculus, Elementary algebras, Advanced calculus, Linear Algebra, Real and Complex Analysis, Abstract algebra, Topology, Functional analysis, Measure Theory and Integration, Groups, Rings and Field Theory and Number Theory.

Professional Experience

• Senior Lecturer, University of Limpopo, June 2022-Present
•  Lecturer, University of Limpopo, 2018- May 2022
•  Junior Lecturer, University of Limpopo, February 2015- 2017
•    Associate Lecturer, Wits University, July 2009- June 2012

Contributions and Achievements

• 2 Publications
• Attended and delivered talks at 7 conferences (local and regional).
• CoE-MaSS research grant, 2025

Impact and Engagement

• Supervised Honours research projects

MSc supervision (Ongoing)

• Ms MM Chipu
• Mr M Masia
• Ms MT Moshima
• Ms LH Makgato
• Been part of adopt school school community engagement projects for Faculty of Science and Agriculture and School of Mathematical and Computer Science, 2019-present
• ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER of DSI‑NRF Centre of Excellence in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (CoE‑MaSS).

Contact Information

• Email: tshikhudo.lukoto@ul.ac.za
• Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5100-4744
• Google Scolar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=new_profile&hl=en
• Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tshikhudo-Lukoto?ev=hdr_xprf
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tshikhudo-lukoto-phd-ba053589

Academic Background and Qualifications

• PhD in Mathematics (Algebra), University of Limpopo, 2021
• MSc in Mathematics (Algebra), Unisa, 2015.
• BSc-Honours in Mathematics. Unisa, 2009
• B.Sc.Ed, University of Limpopo, 1993.

Research and Teaching Interests

• Group Theory, Character theory of groups and Representation theory.
• Abstract algebra, Advanced calculus, group structures (honours), Rings, fields and Galois theory (Honours).

Professional Experience

• Senior Lecturer of mathematics, University of Limpopo, 2022 till recent.
• Lecturer of mathematics, University of Limpopo, 2017-2021.
• Teaching of mathematics, Bokamoso Senior Secondary School, 2010-2016.
• Teaching of mathematics, Thokampe High School, 1994-2009.

Contributions and Achievements

PUBLISHED ARTICLES

• The (p,q,r)-generations of the alternating group A_11 by Khayyan Journal of Mathematics, Volume 7, no. 2, (2021), pp 165-185.
• The (p,q,r)-generations of the Symplectic group Sp(6,2) by Algebraic Structures and Their Applications, Volume 8, no. 2, (2021), pp 31-49.
• The Conjugacy Classes Ranks of the Alternating Simple Group A_11 by Southeast Asian Bulletin of Mathematics, Volume 47, (2023), pp 743-753.
• Applied and Computational Mathematics, Volume 12, no 3, (2023), pp 55-81.

• External moderator two modules at Wits.

Impact and Engagement

Student supervision (current)

• Mr MG Sehona (PhD)(Co-supervisor)
• Mr S Maphaba (MSc)(Supervision)

Reviewer of a journal manuscript (Journal of Algebraic Systems)

Contact Information

• Email address: motalane@ul.ac.za
• ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4484-4355

Academic Background and Qualifications

• D in Applied Mathematics (Financial Mathematics), University of Limpopo, South Africa, 2025.
• MSc in Applied Mathematics (Financial Mathematics), University of Limpopo, South Africa, 2020.
• Structured MSc in Mathematical Sciences, University of the Western Cape, South Africa, 2017.
• BSc Honours in Applied Mathematics, University of Limpopo, South Africa, 2016.

Awards and Scholarships

• SAMSA Oral Presentation 2nd position Ph.D Category, University of Pretoria, South Africa, 2023.
• SA-UK University Staff Development Programme Grant, 2021-2024.
• NSF award for AIMS MSc Programme, 2016.

Research and Teaching Interests

• My research interests are stochastic control theory, model-free finance, insurance and interest rate theory.
• I am qualified to teach modules such as financial mathematics, stochastic differential equations, dynamical systems, mechanics and numerical analysis; among others.
• My teaching involves the development of a deep conceptual understanding of mathematical concepts/principles, cultivating critical thinking skills and application of these skills to solve real world problems.

Professional Experience

• June 2025 – Present, Senior Lecturer, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Limpopo.
• July 2022 – May 2025, nGAP Lecturer, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Limpopo.
• August 2017 – June 2022, Junior Lecturer, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Limpopo.

Contributions and Achievements

Presentations

• Zero-coupon bond pricing when interest rates are driven by a skew diffusion, II Workshop on Quantitative Finance, NITheCS, Stellenbosch, July 2025.
• Zero-coupon bond pricing when interest rates are driven by a general skew diffusion, SAMSA Conference, University of Namibia, November 2024.
• Bounding the expectation of a skew geometric Brownian motion using a scale function, SAMSA Conference, University of Pretoria, November, 2023.
• A portfolio-consumption model on an infinite time horizon, SAMSA Conference, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, November 2022.

Collaboration

• Prof M. Zervos, London School of Economics and Political Science, England, 2021 – Present.

Impact and Engagement

• Supervising Honours and Masters students.

Contact Information

• Email address: siboniso.nkosi@ul.ac.za
• ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1978-7838
• Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Siboniso-Nkosi

Academic Background and Qualifications

• PhD in Applied Mathematics (Properties and Calculus on Price Paths in the Model-Free Approach to Mathematical Finance), University of Limpopo, 2021.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (PGDip HE), Durban University of Technology, 2024.
• MSc in Applied Mathematics (Financial Mathematics), Stellenbosch University, 2014.
• Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Mathematical Sciences, University of Cape Town (UCT) and The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), 2012.
• BSc (Hons) in Mathematics, University of Limpopo, 2011.
• BSc in Mathematics, University of Limpopo, 2008.
• Departmental Research Chair, University of Limpopo, 2023 and 2025.
• I am a member of the South African Mathematics Society (since 2013), I am a member of the Southern African Mathematical Sciences Association (since 2013),

Academic Background and Qualifications

• Msc, University of Limpopo, 2006.
• Bsc (Hons), University of Limpopo, 2003.
• Bsc, University of the north, 2001.
• I am a member of SAMS

Research and Teaching Interests

• My interest are in the following fields: general topology, pointfree topology and categorical topology.

Professional Experience

• I am a member of departmental teaching and learning committee.
• I am a convener of departmental assessment committee.
• I am a member of departmental management committee

Academic Background and Qualifications

• MSc in Mathematics, University of Wales, 1992.
• BSc Honours in Mathematics, University of the North, 1988.
• BSc, University of the North, 1985.
• Secondary Teachers Course, Setotolwane College of Education, 1980.

Research and Teaching Interests

• Functional Analysis.
• Calculus and Abstract Algebra.

Professional Experience

• Teacher
• Lecturer
• Acting Head of Department.

Contributions and Achievements

Conference Presentations

• Some characterization of Banach precompact actions, Southern African Mathematical Science Association, University of the Limpopo, December 2004.
• A note on Banach precompact maps, Southern African Mathematical Science Association, UNISA, December 2002.

Workshop Presentations

• . Teamwork, Bolivia Lodge, 23 October 2024.
• ECP Induction, Tzaneen Country Lodge,1 – 2 August 2024.
• SMCS Tutorial Facilitation, Bolivia Lodge, 3 August 2023.
• Effective learning and teaching of an ECP class, Forever Resort, 19 July 2022.
• Strategic Planning for MAAM, Karibu Lodge, 23 -24 August 2019.

• Winner of Teaching and Learning Vice Chancellor’s award, University of Limpopo, 2019.
• Granted British Council Bursary, 1991 – 1992.
• Granted Lebowa Government Bursary, 1984 –  1985

Academic Background and Qualifications

• Msc, University of Venda, 2014.
• Bsc (Hons), University of Venda, 2008.
• Bsc, University of Venda, 2007.
• Undergraduate Certificate, University of Venda, 2002.
• I am a member of SAMS.

Research and Teaching Interests

• Abstract algebra, Advanced calculus, All Service Modules.
• My  Research Interests : Advanced numerical methods (spectral collocation methods and block hybrid methods), theoretical fluid mechanics, transport in porous media, non-Newtonian fluids, peristaltic flows, nanofluid dynamics, entropy generation, heat, and mass transfer analysis.

Professional Experience

• University of Limpopo ( Lecturer), May, 2012 – present.
• University of Limpopo (Part-Time Junior Lecturer), February, 2008 – April, 2012.

Contributions and Achievements

• Conference presentations, or participation in research projects

Impact and Engagement

• Research

Academic Background and Qualifications

• MSc in Mathematics, University of Zimbabwe, 2000.
• Licentiate Degree in Education (Mathematics) , EJ Varona Pedagogical University, 1991.
• BSc Hons in Mathematics, University of Zimbabwe, 1994.

Research and Teaching Interests

• Mathematical Analysis.
• Graph Theory.
• Algebra

Professional Experience

• Facilitation of mathematics learning in both as a teacher and a lecturer

Academic Background and Qualifications

• MSc in Mathematics (Ring Theory), SUN, 2015.
• MSc in Mathematics (Pointfree Topology), UL, 2004.
• BSc-Honours in Mathematics. UL, 2002
• Sc.Ed, University of Limpopo, 1993.

Professional Experience

• Teacher
• Lecturer

Academic Background and Qualifications

• Msc, University of Limpopo.
• Bsc (Hons), University of Limpopo.
• Bsc, University of the north.

Research and Teaching Interests

• Group and Representation Theory
• Mathematics Education

Academic Background and Qualifications

• Msc, University of Limpopo.
• Bsc (Hons), University of Limpopo.
• Bsc, University of the north.

Research and Teaching Interests

• Pointfree Topology

Academic Background and Qualifications

• MSc in Mathematics, University of Limpopo (2022).
• BSc honours in Mathematics, University of Limpopo (2018).
• BSc Mathematical science, University of Limpopo (2016).

Research and Teaching Interests

• My research focuses on pointfree topology, with a particular emphasis on investigating ideals within the ring of real-valued continuous functions.
• I am also interested in broadening my understanding of general topology, and category theory in the coming years.
• I have experience teaching undergraduate courses, including calculus and linear algebra, and I am capable and eager to teach postgraduate mathematics modules as well.

Professional Experience

• 2025: nGAP Lecturer, University of Limpopo.
• 2023 – 2025: ECP Lecturer, University of Limpopo.
• 2019 – 2023: Junior Lecturer, University of Limpopo.

Contributions and Achievements

• Attended and presented to 3 national conferences and 1 International conference.

Impact and Engagement

• Currently supervising 1 honours students
• I have been serving as coordinator of South African Tertiary Mathematics Olympiad (SATMO) at the University of Limpopo since 2023, to date.

Academic Background and Qualifications

• MSc in Mathematics (Group theory and Coding theory), University of Limpopo, 2021.
• BSc-Honours in Mathematics (Group theory), North West University (Mafikeng campus), 2017 .
• BSc in Electronics and Mathematics, North West University (Mafikeng campus), 2015.

Research and Teaching Interests

• Group theory, design theory, coding theory and cryptography and combination theory.
• Teaching Mathematics and engagement in community engagement

Professional Experience

• 2020-2025 Junior lecturer at the department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Limpopo
• 2018-2019 Tutor at the department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Limpopo.
• 2016-2018 Teacher at the department of basic education.
• 2015-2016 Tutor at the North West University (Mafikeng campus).

Academic Background and Qualifications

• MSc in Applied Mathematics (Numerical Analysis), University of Limpopo (2021).
• BSc honours in Applied Mathematics, University of Limpopo (2017).
• BSc Mathematical science, University of Limpopo (2015).Scholarships
• SA-UK University Staff Development Programme Grant, 2021-2024.

Research and Teaching Interests

• My research interest focuses on using the finite element method to obtain numerical solutions of second-order partial differential equations, particularly reaction-diffusion equations, arising from the mathematical modeling of biological systems. This includes both stationary and moving domains, where the dynamics of pattern formation and diffusion-driven processes are of central interest.
• My teaching interests lie in the field of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, teaching courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

At the undergraduate level, I am particularly interested in teaching modules such as

• Mechanics,
• Financial Mathematics,
• Numerical Analysis,
• Calculus,
• Basic/Foundation Numeracy

At the postgraduate level, my interests focus on topics, including

• Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations,
• Mathematical Modelling with Differential Equations.

Professional Experience

• 2023 March – Present: ECP lecturer. Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences. University of Limpopo.
• 2017 August – 2023 February: ECP Junior Lecturer. Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences. University of Limpopo
• I have participated in various committees within the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, including the Departmental Research Committee, the Departmental Teaching and Learning Committee, and the Departmental Assessment Committee.”

Contributions and Achievements

• I have presented at several SAMSA conferences held at various universities, including Eduardo Mondlane University in Maputo, Mozambique (2022), the University of Pretoria in South Africa (2023), and the University of Namibia in Namibia (2024).

Collaboration

• Prof A. Madzvamuse, University of British Columbia, Canada, 2021 – Present.
• Dr G.T. Marewo, North-West University, South Africa, 2021 – Present

Impact and Engagement

• Supervising honours research projects.

Academic Background and Qualifications

• MSc in Applied Mathematics. University of Limpopo. 2021.
• BSc Hons in Applied Mathematics. University of Limpopo. 2017.
• BSc (Mathematical Sciences). University of Limpopo. 2016

Research and Teaching Interests

• Mathematics of Finance focusing mainly on stochastic control and portfolio optimization.
• Teaching Mathematics and Applied Mathematics undergraduate modules which includes introduction to Applied Mathematics, set theory, mathematical logic, etc and the postgraduate honours module Advanced Mathematical Programming

Professional Experience

• 2023 – Present: ECP lecturer. Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences. University of Limpopo.
• 2017 – 2022: ECP Junior Lecturer. Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences. University of Limpopo
• Representative of the school Occupational Health and Safety committee.
• Member of the school Library committee.
• Member of the departmental teaching and learning committee.
• Member of the departmental Assessment committee.

Contributions and Achievements

• Publication On the sensitivity of spread options using Malliavin Calculus. (2021)  (https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2106.04901)

• NRF Postgraduate student funding (2017 – 2018)

Impact and Engagement

• Supervising honours research projects.
• Senior Tutor : Siyanqoba Mathematics olympiad training program 2025

Academic Background and Qualifications

• MSc in Mathematics. University of Limpopo, 2021
• BSc Honours in Mathematics. University of Limpopo, 2017.
• BSc in Physical and Mineral Science. University of Limpopo, 2016

Research and Teaching Interests

• Pointfree Topology focusing on Connectedness in frames.
• Teaching Introduction to Abstract Algebra and Calculus at undergraduate level.

Professional Experience

• 2022-Present: ECP lecturer. Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences. University of Limpopo.
• 2017-2021: ECP junior lecturer. Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences. University of Limpopo.
• Member of the departmental assessment committee.
• Member of the management committee.

Contributions and Achievements

• Publication

Shikweni, P., Nsonde-Nsayi, J. and Siweya, H., 2022. BANASCHEWSKI-MULVEY TYPE COMPACTIFICATION OF PROXIMAL CSÁSZÁR FRAMES. Journal of Ramanujan Society of Mathematics & Mathematical Sciences, 9(2).

Impact and Engagement

• Presented in one international conference.
• Presented in two national conferences.

Academic Background and Qualifications

• Msc in Applied Mathematics, University of Limpopo, 2021.
• Bsc Honours in Applied Mathematics, University of Limpopo, 2019.
• Bsc in Statistics and Applied Mathematics, University of Limpopo, 2018.

Scholarship

 SA-UK University Staff Development Programme Grant, 2021-2014

Research and Teaching Interests

• My research focuses on the finite element methods for solving  Bulk-Surface reaction-diffusion equations on stationary domains.
• Teaching Mathematics and Applied Mathematics undergraduate modules.

Professional Experience

• 2023 March-Present: ECP lecturer, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, School of Mathematics and Computer Sciences.
• 2019-2023: ECP Junior lecturer, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, School of Mathematics and Computer Sciences.
• 2017-2018: Assistant, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, School of Mathematics and Computer Sciences.

Contributions and Achievements

• I have presented at international SAMSA conferences hosted by Eduardo Mondlane University in Maputo, Mozambique (2022), the University of Pretoria, South Africa (2023), and the University of Namibia (2024).

Collaboration

• Prof A. Madzvamuse, University of British Columbia, Canada, 2021 – Present.

Impact and Engagement

• I serve as a member of the Registration Committee in the School of Mathematics and Computer Science.
• I am also part of the Departmental Research Committee.

Academic Background and Qualifications

• MSc Mathematics (Group Theory and Algebraic Coding Theory), 2024, University of Limpopo, South Africa.
• BSc Honours Mathematics, 2021, University of Limpopo, South Africa
• Bsc in Mathematics and Statistics, 2019, University of Limpopo, South Africa.

Research and Teaching Interests

• Group Theory and Algebraic Coding Theory: Focus on structures of finite groups, character theory, representation and modular representation theory, and combinatorial structures invariant under finite groups.
• Teaching interests: Undergraduate mathematics courses, group theory, ring and Galois theory and complex analysis.
• I employ both teacher-centred and student-centred teaching methods. In this approach I deliver information to students and let them explore questions to develop their own understanding.

Professional Experience

• 2023-Current Junior Lecturer, University of Limpopo.
• 2020, Tutor, University of limp

Contributions and Achievements

• I attended 1 international conference and 2 local conferences.

Contact Information

• Nyikadzino TG: Email address: nyikadzino@gmail.com
• ORciD: 0000-0001-5531-294X

Academic Background and Qualifications

• MSc Mathematics (Group Theory and Coding Theory), 2024, University of Limpopo (UL), South Africa.
• BSc Honours In Mathematics, 2021, University of Limpopo, South Africa.
• BSc Mathematical Sciences, 2019, University of Limpopo, South Africa.
• Award: SAMS: Awarded best talk for postgraduate students in Group Theory at South African Mathematical Society conference 2023, University of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Research and Teaching Interests

• Group Theory and Coding Theory, focusing on finite groups, character theory of finite groups and combinatorial structures from finite simple groups.
• In terms of teaching: All mathematics courses from first year to third year level. Group Structures, Galois Theory and Complex Analysis in Honours level.

Professional Experience

• 2023- Date, Junior Lecturer, University of LImpopo (UL).
• 2022-2023, CS1 Teacher (Mathematics teacher), Mathulamisha High School, Waterberg District, Limpopo, South Africa.
• 2020-2020, Research Assistant, University of Limpopo.

Contributions and Achievements

• 1 publication, published in ISI Journal.
• Attended 1 International Conference (7BIGTC2023) and 2 National Conferences.

Contact Information

• Kekana MJ: Email: kekana@ul.ac.za, ORCiD: 0000-0002-3153-6401.

Academic Background and Qualifications

• Msc in Applied Mathematics(Fluid Mechanics), University of Limpopo,2022.
• Bsc Honours in Applied Mathematics, University of Limpopo, 2019.
• Bsc in Statistics and Applied Mathematics University of Limpopo, 2018.

Research and Teaching Interests

• Mathematics of Finance and Lie symmetry analysis.
• Teaching mathematics and applied mathematics.

Professional Experience

• University of Limpopo (ECP Lecturer), 2023-present.

Contributions and Achievements

• Attended 1 International Conference.

Academic Background and Qualifications

• BScCOM (UNIVEN),
• BSc Hons (UL),

Research and Teaching Interests

• Pointfree Topology
• Functional Analysis

Academic Background and Qualifications

• MSc in Mathematics (Pointfree Topology), 2024, University of Limpopo, South Africa.
• BSc Honours in Mathematics, 2021, University of Limpopo, South Africa
• BSc (Mathematical Sciences), 2018, University of Limpopo, South Africa.

Research and Teaching Interests

• My research focuses on Pointfree Topology, which studies topological structures through lattices of open sets instead of points. I specialize in exploring Strong and Uniform Paracompactness within this framework, aiming to extend classical covering properties into the pointfree setting and deepen their theoretical foundations.
• My teaching interests include General Topology, Set Theory, Abstract Algebra, Calculus, and Mathematical Analysis. I am qualified to teach both undergraduate and graduate courses in these areas, emphasizing clear conceptual understanding.

Professional Experience

• 2024 – Present: ECP Lecturer, University of Limpopo
• 2023 – 2024: Research Assistant, University of Limpopo
• 2021 – 2022: Senior Tutor, Centre for Academic Excellence, University of Limpopo
• 2019 – 2020: Tutor, University of Limpopo
• 2017 – 2018: Assistant, University of Limpopo

Contributions and Achievements

• Attended 2 national conferences

Contact Information

• Office: 3001. Maths Building
• Email : gorden.gwizo@ul.ac.za
• ORCID: 0000-0001-7915-8086

Academic Background and Qualifications

• Master of Science in Mathematics
  Specialisation: Point-free Topology
  Institution: University of Limpopo
  Year: 2024
• Honours of Science in Mathematics
  Institution: University of Limpopo
  Year: 2021
• Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Statistics Institution: University of LimpopoYear: 2019
• Award: Best PhD Presenter – Mathematics and Applied Mathematics Category Event: UL-Univen Symposium
  Year: 2025

Research and Teaching Interests

Research Interests

• Algebraic point-free topology, with a focus on the study of spatial frames-topological structures that can be analysed algebraically.
• Current research explores depth of point-free rings of real-valued continuous functions, examining the intersection of topological and algebraic structures.

Teaching Interests

• Primary focus on undergraduate mathematics courses, and some of postgraduate modules, namely general topology, and complex analysis.
• Strong secondary interest in mathematics education, with an emphasis on:
• Conceptual understanding
• Critical thinking development
• Inclusivity and student engagement

Teaching Philosophy

• Dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and stimulating learning environment.
• Passionate about courses that connect foundational mathematical ideas with abstract reasoning.
• Strong emphasis on logical structure, proof-writing, and rigorous thinking in mathematics instruction.

Professional Experience

• 2024-Date, ECP Lecturer, University of Limpopo.
• 2023 -2024– Research Assistant, University of Limpopo
• 2022, Senior Tutor under Center for Academic Excellence, University of Limpopo
  

Contributions and Achievements

• Attended 1 international, and 5 national conferences

Contact Information

• Email:thabo.ngoako@ul.ac.za , ORCID: 0000-0002-8196-0665

Academic Background and Qualifications

• BSc Mathematics and Applied Mathematics and B.Sc Honours in Industrial Mathematics (Concurrently), Wits University (2004)

Research and Teaching Interests

• Research interest are in Numerical Analysis(Spectral Methods) solutions to Differential Equations.Mathematical Modelling
• I have wealth of experience in teaching undergraduate mathematics and applied mathematics.

Professional Experience

• 01 April 2013 till present, Junior Lecturer, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Limpopo.

Task and Responsibilities

• Lecturing undergraduate mathematics and applied mathematics.
• May2012-March2013, Mathematics Facilitator,SAASTA
• Facilitate Science,technology and Mathematics curriculum to schools in limpopo Province and enhance public understanding of science and technology through talks, conducting seminars and exhibitions
• November 2008 – April 2009, Credit Analyst, ABSA
• Building of personal loan model for pricing purposes based on performance data.

The model performs the following

• Determine profitability levels in current/proposed underwriting segments.
• Measure the Return on Economic Capital (ROEC) of the accounts booked in these segments.
• Improve risk-based pricing and ensure value adding underwriting from an Economic profit perspective.
• Inform Credit policy/strategy.
• The model can also be used to determine profitability of new products; do stress testing and set risk appetite limits
• September 2007 – June 2008, Credit Analyst, Standard Bank Cooperate and Investment Banking(Credit Analytics Exposure Quantification)

Task and Responsibilities

• Ensure implementation of methodologies is done according to specifications: There are specific methods need to be applied to certain trading products when generating risk factors.
• Testing of system when required, e.g. with new releases: when there is a new trading product, it needs to be loaded into adaptiv system and gets tested whether it can generate potential future exposure according to specifications.
• Rollout of methodologies globally: Methods applied to generate risk factors are sent to Executives globally.
• Maintenance of system (Run The Bank function), e.g. support for users, updating of parameters: Helping others on how to use adaptive and sourcing data from adaptiv.
• Secure and maintain support from Credit risk and business.
• Liaising with Credit, Risk IT, vendor, and other parties within the Group, locally and globally
• December 2006 – August 2007, Management Information System Analyst, Standard Bank retail(Self Service Banking)
• Monitoring and explaining trends seen in key performance indicators.
• The execution of data requests and data supported explanations.
• Management and Construction of MIS applications dashboards and reports.
• Construction of monitoring plans and metrics.
• Ad hoc support of internal data analysis request
•  August – November 2006, Consultant to Standard Bank Retail  Business Banking Current Account as Data Analyst, Grey Consulting
• Collecting of data from various branches of Standard Bank Business     Banking.Metro (Pricing and Demographics) and Non Metro (Pricing and Demographics) data, these are systems where Standard Bank Business Banking customers sit.
• Business On Line data.
• Lending data.
• Integrity check of data. Linking of all these files in Microsoft Access data  base and produce Metro and Non Metro files
• Submission of final results to Direct Marketing Division.
• February 2005 – April 2006, Graduate Trainee, Basel2 Credit Risk, Nedbank Capital and Retail Financial Lab, Credit Risk Quantitative Analyst, Research Analyst and Data Analyst
• Consolidating all the exposures for Nedbank Capital Data Submission which will provide a comprehensive overview of Nedbank Capital.
• Submission of consolidated exposures to Credit Portfolio Management (CPM) team for the calculation of credit capital for Nedbank Capital.
• Analyzing the data exposures by portfolio for Nedbank Capital and consolidating data exposures, expected loss and credit capital.
• Producing of Economic Capital (How much capital the bank should hold in case of insolvency) report on monthly basis which is viewed by Executives and also making of presentations to Executives Committee
• Rebuilding of corporate model using SAS.
• Analyzing Gross Advances (Loans) data from Nedbank corporate book, i.e. Checking how many performing and non-performing loans (e.g. Checking how many clients have defaulted for at least 90 days and how many have been written-off from the book).
• Drawing of Gross Advances data analysis report. Presenting seminars to various business units within Nedbank Capital about Basel 2. Report Writing.
• June – October 2004, Part Time Tutor, Fourways High School
• Tutoring Grades 8,9,10,11 and 12 Mathematics
• February – April 2004, Mathematics Lecturer for N1-N6, Laanglagte Highveld College
• Lecturing N1, N3, N5, N6 Mathematics.
• Preparation of the test.
• Marking test scripts
• February – October 2003, Mathematics Tutor, Wits University
• Provision of academic support to first year students.
• Preparation of tutorial discussion materials.
• Marking test scripts and assignments

Impact and Engagement

• Member of the following Academic Societies:

• SAMS-South African Mathematical Society
• SAMSA- Southern African Mathematical Sciences Association

 Contact Information

• Email Address: mokiri.nkwana@ul.ac.za

Academic Background and Qualifications

• BSc Honours in Applied Mathematics 2009, University of Limpopo
• BSc, University of Limpopo, 2006
• Certificate of moderator 2021
• Certificate of assessor 2019

Research and Teaching Interests

• Lie Symmetries
• Calculus and Numerical Analysis

Professional Experience

• Junior Lecture at University of Limpopo

Contributions and Achievements

• FSAE Presentation at Unizulu, 22 January 2024
• PRESENTATION SKIILS FOR CONFERENCE/SEMINAR 10 & 11 March 2022 at Unizulu

Impact and Engagement

• I am a member of committee of Health and Safety at department of MAAM

Contact Information

• Mochaki@ul.ac.za

Academic Background and Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Mathematics, University of Limpopo, 2011
• Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and Statistics, University of Limpopo, 2010
• Certificate in Moderator Course, 2019
• Certificate in Assessor Course, 2018
• DST-NRF Internship Certificate, 2014
• Certificate in Student Assistant, Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Limpopo, 2010

Research and Teaching Interests

• My interest in research is in the field of Lie symmetry methods.
• Teaching Undergraduate  Mathematics with modules such as calculus I, calculus II and Applied Mathematics (Computational Mathematics and Modelling).
• I use the Spiral approach ( reinforcing key ideas across the semester and connect new concepts to previous ones to build a deeper understanding) and this approach in a way blends traditional lectures with active learning techniques.

Professional Experience

• Junior Lecturer at the University of Limpopo, from July 2014 to present, teaching undergraduate modules and providing academic support and consultation to students, particularly during office hours and tutorial sessions.
• From April 2013 to March 2014, I served as a DST-NRF intern in the department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics where the key role was to assist students during tutorial sessions and during consultation hours and also helping lecturers with marking the quizzes.
• Participating in internal moderation processes within the department.
• Active member of the Bereavement and Entertainment Committee in the department.

Contact Information

• Mr TM Mmetle, University of Limpopo, Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Office 3002A, Third Floor, Maths Building, tlale.mmetle@ul.ac.za, 015 268 3989.

Academic Background and Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and Statistics, University of Limpopo, 2013
• Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Mathematics, University of Limpopo, 2015
• Certificate in Assessor Course, 2019
• Certificate in Moderator Course, 2021

Research and Teaching Interests

• My area of research interest lie in the field of Lie symmetry methods.
• Teaching Undergraduate mathematics with modules such as calculus i, calculus ii.

Professional Experience

• Junior Lecturer at the University of Limpopo, from August 2016 to present.
• Tutor at University of Limpopo, from February 2016 to July 2016.
• Participating in internal moderation processes within the department

Contact Information

• Mr TJ Satekge, University of Limpopo, Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Office 3002A, Third Floor, Maths Building, tebogo.satekge@ul.ac.za, 015 268 3989.

Academic Background and Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Statistics, University of Limpopo, 2010
• Bachelor of Science Honours in Mathematics, University of Limpopo, 2011
• Postgraduate Diploma In Mathematical Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 2021
• Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education, University of Kwazulu-Natal, 2023
• Certificate in Assessor Course, 2018
• Certificate in Moderator Course, 2019
• DST-NRF Internship Certificate, 2014

Research and Teaching Interests

• My research interests lie in the field of functional analysis, particularly focusing on p-convergent operators on Banach spaces and Banach lattices.
• My teaching interests will align with my research area. I am qualified to teach the undergraduate modules: All the first-year modules, such as Elementary Linear Algebra, Calculus I, Calculus II, Elementary and Descriptive Statistics, Set Theory and Logic, Complex Numbers and Algebraic Techniques, Introduction to Probability Theory, Mathematics for Education.
• My teaching approach blends traditional lectures with active learning techniques.

Professional Experience

• Junior Lecturer at the University of Limpopo, from 2014 to present, teaching undergraduate modules and providing academic support and consultation to students, particularly during office hours and tutorial sessions.
• From April 2013 to February 2014, I served as a DST-NRF intern in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. My key responsibilities included assisting students during tutorial sessions and consultation hours, as well as supporting lecturers with the marking of quizzes
• Participating in internal moderation processes within the department.
• Active member of the Health and Safety Committee.

Contact Information

• Ms HT Malatji, University of Limpopo, Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Office 3002B, Third Floor, Maths Building, malatji@ul.ac.za, 015 268 3949.

Academic Background and Qualifications

• MSc in Mathematics (On Expansive Homeomophism of uniform spaces), NWU, PENDING.
• BSc-Honours in Mathematics. UL, 2013
• BSc degree in Mathematics UNISA, 2010
• Secondary Teachers Diploma (STD) Setotolwane College of Education,    1996.

Research and Teaching Interests

• OO Otafudu, DP Matladi  MS Zweni, Expansive homeomorphisms on quasi-metric Vol- 25 No 1 2024.

Professional Experience

• Junior Lecturer of mathematics, University of Limpopo, 2013 till recent.
• Teaching of mathematics, Tshukutswe Senior Secondary School, 1997- 2013.
• 2014 – 2024: ECP Junior lecturer,  Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, School of Mathematics and Computer.
• Member of the departmental assessment committee. 2024.

Contributions and Achievements

• Attended Functional analysis workshop in the Kruger National Park, 2022.
• Attended Siyakhula Festival, Cape Town 17 -19 March 2024, AIMS Cape Town, Muizenberg.
• Best Teacher in Maths and Physics Kone-Kwena circuit grade 12 result, 2000, 2002, 2006 and 2007

 Impact and Engagement

• Dstudents, supervising research projects, or participating in academic initiatives.iscuss your impact on the university community, such as mentoring
• Member of Community Engagement and marketing committee in our school (SMCS). (Teaching and motivating adopted school, Moloisi high school and Maune circuit schools), 2024 – 2025.
• Motivational speaker, Tidima High School, 2023.  Highlight your involvement in community engagement, outreach programs, or industry partnerships.
• Mention any contributions to the broader academic community, such as serving on editorial boards, reviewing academic papers, or organizing conferences.

Contact Information

• Ms DP Matladi, University of Limpopo, Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Office 3003B, Third Floor, Maths Building, dibona.matladi@ul.ac.za, 015 268 4055.
• https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1620-4094

Academic Background and Qualifications

• BSc, BSc Hons (University of Limpopo),
• PGDHE(University of Forthare)

Research and Teaching Interests

• Symmetry Analysis
• Differential equations

Academic Background and Qualifications

• Certificate in Public Financial and Office Skills (TUT),
• Certificate in Advance Public Financial Practice and Office Skills (TUT),
• Certificate in Specialized Financial Practice and Office Skills (TUT)