The Head of Department (HOD) of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Prof Maggie Aphane, has been nominated to serve at the National Graduate Academy for Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (NGA-MaSS). Her Nomination is on a renewable three-year term.

The NGA-MaSS is a consortium of all the public South African universities aimed at collaborating around the training of the next generations in mathematical sciences (pure and applied mathematics, statistics, and data science). Hosted at the University of Pretoria, it was established in 2017.

“I feel honoured and privileged to be nominated to serve at NGA-MaSS. It is a significant recognition of my contributions to the field of mathematics and an exciting opportunity to collaborate with other leading mathematicians in South Africa,” says Professor Aphane.

Her responsibilities include facilitating and supporting inter-institutional collaboration, sharing teaching expertise and resources, and supporting the professional development of early-career mathematical scientists at universities.

Prof Aphane holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics Topology, Master of Science (MSc) in Mathematics Topology, Honours in Mathematics, and Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Mathematics and Chemistry, all obtained from the University of South Africa.

“My nomination will positively impact the mathematical and statistical sciences at SMU by fostering stronger collaborations with other universities, enhancing the sharing of teaching expertise and resources, and supporting the professional development of our students and staff. It will also provide opportunities for curriculum development and the introduction of new programmes in mathematics and statistics. This nomination is a significant milestone in her career, providing her with an opportunity to contribute to the national agenda for mathematical and statistical sciences education,” Prof Aphane concluded.