Dr Oratilwe Penwell Mokoena’s journey from the rural village of Kgabalatsane to achieving his PhD in Statistics at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is a testament to both personal perseverance and SMU’s role as a supportive environment for academic excellence. Growing up in challenging circumstances in North West South Africa, Mokoena’s story demonstrates the transformative power of education and the impact of an enabling institution that nurtures students to realise their potential.
Dr Oratilwe Penwell Mokoena
Raised by his grandmother and later by his mother, Mokoena faced early academic struggles, particularly in mathematics—a subject he would one day master. His early high school grades in mathematics were far from promising, but his passion for learning and numbers endured. Despite obstacles, he improved his grades in Grade 12, which opened the door to tertiary education. His journey led him through trials and transformations, from briefly enrolling in Mechatronics at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) to finding his true academic path at the University of Limpopo, where he excelled in Mathematical Sciences. Graduating cum laude with both his BSc and Honours degrees, Mokoena’s journey embodies the resilience SMU encourages in all its students.
His time at SMU has been marked by opportunities that expanded his academic horizons. SMU’s commitment to fostering research is evident in the support Mokoena received, including the National Research Foundation (NRF) – Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) travel funding, which enabled him to conduct research in Russia. Such experiences ignited his passion for research and ultimately led him to embrace the field of statistics, guided by Professor Solly Seeletse, who saw his potential and mentored him through the complexities of statistical analysis.
SMU has become the perfect platform for Mokoena to blend his passion for theoretical mathematics with the practical application of statistics. His PhD research, which focused on improving the livelihoods of small-scale dairy farmers through statistical insights, is a prime example of how SMU enables research that advances academia and addresses community needs. His work proposed innovative solutions for challenges in small-scale farming, such as feed costs and disease management, underscoring SMU’s emphasis on socially impactful research.
As a Lecturer at SMU, Mokoena is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of statisticians. He teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including Time Series Analysis and Multivariate Statistical Methods. In addition to teaching, he serves as the Research Coordinator in the Department of Statistics, supervising honours and master’s students with a student-centric approach that reflects SMU’s values. His commitment to holistic education equips students with both theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing them for meaningful careers.
His work at SMU extends beyond the lecture hall. In one notable project, he collaborated with a psychiatrist to study mental health issues in high schools, showcasing the wide-reaching applications of statistical analysis in fields such as healthcare. His research pushes boundaries, contributing to academia and industry while reinforcing SMU’s standing as a leader in health sciences and interdisciplinary research.
Reflecting on his journey, Mokoena envisions a future where statistics plays a pivotal role in addressing social and scientific challenges. Through SMU’s nurturing environment and his commitment to academic excellence, he aims to produce graduates who can contribute significantly to society in fields ranging from health and education to arts and culture.
Mokoena’s story is more than one of personal triumph; it exemplifies SMU’s mission as a university that educates and inspires. His rise from struggling student to esteemed lecturer and researcher is a beacon for aspiring scholars, showing that with determination, guidance, and an enabling environment, success is within reach for all.
