NRF Youth Month 2025: Dr Siphokazi Gatyeni

The NRF supports the growth of the next generation of researchers and scholars to sustain South Africa’s knowledge enterprise. June is Youth Month, and this year the NRF is celebrating the youth who are shaping tomorrow through research today. We thank all participants for sharing their stories with us.

Dr Siphokazi Gatyeni is a lecturer in the Mathematics and Applied Mathematics Department at the University of Johannesburg. She received funding from the NRF for her Master’s and PhD studies.

How did your journey start?

Growing up in the rural village of eMachubeni in Lady Frere, Eastern Cape, I was always curious and driven by a desire to understand how the world works, especially through real-life challenges. That curiosity, combined with the hardships I faced after losing my father at the age of eight and being raised by a single mother, shaped my academic path early on.

At Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), I studied toward a National Diploma in Mathematical Technology. It was there that I was introduced to applied mathematics and modelling, which sparked a deeper passion for the field. That experience broadened my perspective and pushed me toward mathematical modelling and its applications in biology and public health.

Later, I pursued my postgraduate studies at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)/Stellenbosch University, where I earned a BSc Honours in Mathematics, followed by an MSc in Mathematics. I chose these institutions because of their strong academic support, research-driven environment, and their commitment to training African scientists to tackle complex challenges.

Eventually, I pursued a PhD in Applied Mathematics at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), despite having to leave a full-time job in the IT industry to do so. With the support of my husband and supervisors, I focused on mathematical modelling of disease dynamics, particularly in epidemiology.

Was this the plan growing up? Not exactly. As a child growing up in a resource-limited environment, I didn’t fully envision this path because it didn’t seem possible. But I always knew I wanted to make a difference. Over time, that vision took shape through my experiences, resilience, and the encouragement of mentors who believed in me.

Today, I am proud to be the first Black South African female to graduate with a PhD from the Department of Applied Mathematics at UJ (May 2023). I am deeply passionate about using mathematics to address public health issues and about mentoring students from disadvantaged backgrounds. My journey wasn’t linear, but every step taught me something that brought me closer to meaningful and impactful work.

How has your affiliation with the NRF impacted your studies/career?

The National Research Foundation (NRF) has played a significant role in shaping my academic journey. I was fortunate to receive NRF funding support during my postgraduate studies. In particular, I was supported by the DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (CoE Mass) for my PhD in Applied Mathematics, and a grant holder-linked scholarship through my supervisor, Prof Farai Nyabadza, for my MSc.

The NRF postgraduate scholarships were more than just financial assistance, they were enablers of possibility. Coming from a financially disadvantaged background, I relied heavily on bursaries and funding to pursue higher education. The NRF support allowed me to focus fully on my research without the burden of financial insecurity, especially after resigning from my full-time job to undertake Doctoral studies.

Academically, the NRF funding gave me the freedom and stability to deeply engage with complex research problems in mathematical modelling and disease dynamics. It also allowed me to attend academic conferences, collaborate with leading researchers, and publish my work, opportunities that would have been out of reach without that support.

On a personal level, the scholarship relieved significant financial pressure. It meant I could afford basic living expenses, continue supporting my family where possible, and dedicate myself to my studies without compromising my well-being.

Being a recipient of NRF funding has not only propelled my academic progress but has also affirmed that students from underrepresented communities deserve and can thrive with equal opportunities in science. I remain deeply grateful to the NRF for investing in my potential. Their support contributed directly to my achievement as the first Black South African female to graduate with a PhD from the Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Johannesburg. I hope to continue collaborating with NRF-driven initiatives and give back by mentoring the next generation of scholars.

What is your research focus/area of expertise?

My current research is in the field of mathematical epidemiology, with a specific focus on disease modelling and the analysis of infectious disease dynamics. I work primarily on developing and analysing compartmental models that simulate the spread, control, and long-term behaviour of infectious diseases within populations.

My goal is to produce models that inform effective public health interventions and policy, particularly in African contexts where disease burdens remain high and resources limited. I am passionate about using mathematics as a tool to address real-world challenges and to contribute meaningfully to the improvement of healthcare systems through evidence-based modelling.

As I continue my research journey, I remain committed to building interdisciplinary collaborations and mentoring upcoming researchers in the field of biomathematics.

How is your research helping to shape a better future?

My research aims to help shape a healthier and more resilient future by providing scientific tools to better understand, predict, and control infectious diseases, particularly in vulnerable and under-resourced communities.

Infectious diseases like meningitis, which continue to affect many people across Africa, pose serious public health challenges. My work develops mathematical models that simulate how such diseases spread and how interventions like vaccination campaigns, public awareness, or health policies can slow or stop that spread.

The main problems I hope to address are:

• Delays in outbreak response due to lack of data-driven decision-making
• Limited resources in healthcare systems, which require targeted and effective interventions
• Insufficient planning tools to anticipate the long-term impact of epidemics

By fitting these models to real-world data, I aim to give policymakers and health professionals a clearer picture of what’s working and what needs to change. Ultimately, this research supports smarter, evidence-based public health decisions that save lives.

Beyond the technical outcomes, I also hope my journey inspires more young people, especially women and those from disadvantaged backgrounds to see mathematics not just as a subject, but as a powerful tool for social change.

Being a young researcher often means juggling numerous responsibilities and expectations. How do you stay motivated and/or balanced?

Being a young researcher definitely comes with its fair share of challenges, balancing academic responsibilities, personal life, financial pressures, and high expectations can feel overwhelming at times. But what keeps me going is a strong sense of purpose and gratitude for how far I’ve come.

I stay motivated by constantly reminding myself why I started to use mathematics to make a difference in the world, to create opportunities for my family, and to inspire others from similar backgrounds. Knowing that my work could improve lives and inform real-world health solutions gives me the energy to keep pushing forward.

I also draw strength from my support system—my husband, Ephraim Dube; family; and mentors, Prof Farai Nyabadza and Prof Farai Chirove, who encourage me during the tough times. Their belief in me has helped me through many moments of doubt.

To maintain balance, I make time for rest and reflection. I try not to see self-care as a reward, but as a necessary part of sustaining success. Whether it’s taking a quiet walk, journaling, or spending time with loved ones, these small practices help me stay grounded.

Most importantly, I remind myself that progress doesn’t have to be perfect. Some days are better than others, and that’s okay. What matters is consistency, resilience, and being kind to yourself along the way.

What has been your proudest achievement to date?

My proudest achievement to date is becoming the first Black South African female to graduate with a PhD from the Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Johannesburg. This milestone is deeply meaningful not only because of the personal and academic challenges I overcame but also because of what it represents for future generations.

Coming from a rural village in the Eastern Cape, raised by a single mother with limited resources, this achievement symbolises breaking barriers and defying the odds. It reflects years of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering support from my family, husband, and mentors.

More than a personal triumph, it’s a beacon of hope — showing young women, especially those from underrepresented and disadvantaged communities, that such goals are attainable. This achievement fuels my commitment to inspire and mentor others so that more voices can be heard and more talents nurtured in the field of mathematics and science.

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