Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has celebrated the outstanding academic achievement of Thapelo Motsetse (29), who graduated with a BSc in Mathematical Science summa cum laude and was recognised as the Overall Top Achiever among BSc undergraduates.
Motsetse’s achievement is the culmination of three consecutive years of academic excellence, having been recognised as a top achiever from 2023 to 2025. For him, the accomplishment represents far more than academic recognition. “It means everything to me,” he said. “It represents three consecutive years of being a top achiever. It shows consistency, growth and dedication.”
Raised in Kutlwanong (Odendaalsrus), in the Free State, Motsetse attended JC Motumi High School. Growing up under the care of a single mother, Lisebonyane Annacleta Motsetse, he says his childhood instilled in him discipline, self-reliance and a strong belief in education. “As a child, I was curious and quiet, always drawn to problem-solving,” he said. “I learned early that education was the one thing that could change my future.”
His natural aptitude for mathematics became evident from an early age. While other subjects demanded considerable effort, mathematics consistently came naturally to him, eventually shaping his decision to pursue it as a career.
His transition to university-level mathematics, however, presented significant challenges. Modules such as Advanced Calculus, Abstract Algebra, and Mathematical Analysis demanded a higher level of critical thinking, while financial pressures compounded the difficulties of undergraduate study. Motsetse credits disciplined study groups, consultations with lecturers, early-morning revision and regular exercise for helping him remain focused.
“Discipline, intensive and early morning studying while exercising and training my body at the gym every day” were central to his routine, he said. “I believe a healthy body supports a healthy mind.”
His experience at SMU also extended beyond academic achievement. As a Statistics Tutor, Motsetse has developed his leadership, communication and mentoring skills while supporting fellow students. He believes tutoring has strengthened his own understanding of mathematics and statistics. “Many students are not bad at mathematics; they just need it explained differently,” he said.
Motsetse’s academic interests span mathematics, statistics, modelling, and programming. With skills in Python, R, Stata and Excel, he sees the integration of these disciplines as essential to solving complex real-world problems. “Mathematics gives us the theory, statistics gives us the method to interpret data, modelling helps us predict, and programming makes it practical,” he said.
Now pursuing a BSc Honours in Statistics at SMU, Motsetse has already achieved distinctions in Probability Theory, Sampling Theory, Biostatistics, Multivariate Analysis and Categorical Data Analysis. His postgraduate ambitions include developing expertise in machine learning and statistical inference in preparation for a career in data science and statistical research.
Ultimately, Motsetse hopes to use his expertise to address economic and health challenges while inspiring young people from communities such as Kutlwanong to pursue demanding academic careers. “I want to contribute to a South Africa where numeracy and statistical literacy are improved, and where we use data not just for profit, but to uplift communities, create jobs and solve real problems.”
Through academic excellence, research potential and a commitment to mentorship, Motsetse’s journey reflects SMU’s contribution to developing skilled mathematical scientists equipped to advance innovation, evidence-based decision-making and healthcare and societal development in South Africa and beyond.
By Tumelo Moila
