To affirm itself as a frontrunner in higher education and research, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to make strides, championing intellectual excellence and global relevance in the mathematical sciences.
Recently, seven distinguished members of SMU’s Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics attended the highly-regarded 5th Analysis and Differential Equations with Applications (ADEANS) Conference, hosted at the Anew Hotel Ocean Reef in Zinikwazi, Durban. This annual gathering serves as a key intellectual hub, bringing together prominent mathematicians and researchers to explore advancements in analysis and differential equations.
SMU’s delegation took full advantage of this elite platform, showcasing research that reflects SMU’s commitment to applied, cutting-edge scholarship. Over the course of the three-day conference, SMU scholars presented innovative solutions to complex mathematical problems, with three members taking centre stage.
Dr Hammed Abass presented on the: “Two-Step Inertial Method for Solving Equilibrium Problems on Hadamard Manifolds,” unveiling a forward-thinking approach that tackles equilibrium issues in non-Euclidean spaces—a field essential to advanced scientific applications, from physics to engineering. Professor Ndlovu followed with his insights on: “A Strong Convergence Theorem for Finding a Common Solution of Convex Minimization and Fixed-Point Problems in CAT(0) Spaces,” providing rigorous solutions to optimisation problems in specialised geometric settings. Mongezi Banda presented his exploration of: “Approximating Solutions of Resolvents of Monotone Operators and Convex Functions in Hadamard Spaces,” addressing challenges in approximations within metric spaces with curvature constraints.
On the final day, Tumiso Kekana delivered a groundbreaking presentation titled “Exploring a Novel Approach for Computing Topological Descriptors of Graphene Structure Using Neighbourhood Multiple M-Polynomial,” a research piece positioned at the intersection of mathematics and materials science. His work on analysing graphene structures using innovative polynomial techniques underscored the practical applications of mathematics in new material sciences.
Also attending from SMU were Lehlogonolo Mokaba, Sindiswa Mnguni, and Molwantwa Kanyane. Their active engagement in discussions and networking highlighted SMU’s dedication to fostering a collaborative research environment within the university and extending to global academic circles.
Reflecting on the experience, Ndlovu remarked: “Being at the ADEANS Conference was transformative. It was more than academic—it was about understanding how our research contributes to a larger, dynamic field of mathematical inquiry.” His sentiment was echoed by fellow attendees, who recognised the conference as an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the latest in mathematical theory and innovation.
The ADEANS 2024 Conference fortified SMU’s reputation as a leader in advanced mathematics and empowered its students and faculty to push the boundaries of their disciplines. This experience equips SMU scholars with an expansive network and fresh insights, driving them forward in their research journey. By supporting its scholars’ presence at such prominent conferences, SMU underscores its dedication to fostering high-impact research and maintaining a competitive edge in the higher education landscape.
As SMU’s mathematicians return to campus, they bring with them enhanced knowledge and the inspiration and connections that enrich SMU’s academic environment, helping build a foundation for future advancements in South Africa’s science and technology sectors.
