Dr Rose Maluleka has made history at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) by becoming the first female PhD graduate in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, marking a significant milestone for the university and an important achievement for women in the mathematical sciences.
Born and raised in Hammanskraal, Maluleka’s academic journey reflects perseverance, discipline and a sustained commitment to learning. She began her education at Motshegofadiwa Primary School, then attended Tsebe-Ntlha, and completed her basic education at Makgetse Secondary School. Her journey eventually brought her to SMU, where her academic excellence earned her recognition as Best Honours Student in 2016.
A decade later, Maluleka reached another historic milestone by completing her PhD, becoming the first female doctoral graduate in her department. Her achievement reflects years of study and research and sets an important precedent for women pursuing advanced qualifications in the mathematical sciences.
Her doctoral research, titled “Inertial approximation methods for solving some variational and fixed-point problems in linear spaces”, examines mathematical methods for addressing complex problems involving variational inequalities and fixed-point theory. The research demonstrates the advanced mathematical analysis required at the doctoral level and contributes to scholarship in mathematical sciences.
Dr Godwin Chidi Ugwunnadi, a Research Associate at SMU, and Professor Maggie Aphane, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, supported Maluleka’s research journey. Their academic relationship extended beyond supervision, and the researchers collaborated on scholarly work in variational inequalities, fixed-point theory, and mathematical analysis.
For Maluleka, however, the path to a doctorate was not without challenges. She reflects candidly on her learning process and the persistence required to complete her studies. “I consider myself one of the slowest learners I know,” she says.
Rather than allowing this perception to define her academic journey, Maluleka turned it into a testament to perseverance. Her experience shows that academic achievement depends not only on how quickly one learns, but also on the ability to stay disciplined, consistent, and committed to a goal.
Her supervisors’ support played a central role in helping her navigate the demands of doctoral research. Their academic guidance, combined with their own expertise and scholarship, contributed to her development as a researcher. Her family also remained an important source of encouragement and strength throughout the demanding periods of her studies.
For Maluleka, mathematics extends beyond equations and theoretical concepts. She sees the discipline as closely connected to everyday life. “Mathematics is not just numbers — it is also our everyday language,” she says.
This perspective informs her desire to make mathematics accessible, meaningful and relevant. It also adds significance to her achievement as the first female PhD graduate in her department, particularly in a discipline that requires advanced analytical thinking, abstract reasoning, and sustained intellectual engagement.
From Hammanskraal to making history at SMU, Maluleka’s journey reflects resilience and academic excellence. Her story demonstrates the transformative power of persistence and challenges the notion that progress must be measured by speed.
Her doctoral achievement leaves more than a qualification. It establishes a legacy of possibility for aspiring researchers, particularly women seeking to advance in the mathematical sciences. Through milestones such as Maluleka’s, SMU continues to demonstrate the value of excellence in teaching, learning and innovative research, while contributing to the development of future scholars and knowledge in the broader academic community.
By Dimakatso Modise
