Meet Dr Mathibele Nchabeleng was appointed as Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences earlier this year.

Q: What do you do at NAS?
A: I am a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. I teach, set, and attend tutorials. I also set corresponding test questions, lab practical exercises, mark scripts and assist in the department’s administration.

Q: As a new staff member at UP, what stands out for you from UP/NAS?
A: What stands out about UP is that it is one of Africa’s top universities and the largest contact university in South Africa. It is ranked No 1 by the DHET report on SA research outputs. As an academic, I find this attractive as I know the university is indeed working towards becoming a leading research‐intensive university in Africa.

Q: What qualities do you think a good employee should have to be successful? 
A: As a lecturer, you must be easily approachable and be able to engage with people from different backgrounds. Moreover, you need to be able to engage and motivate students to learn and develop trusting relationships with your students. As a researcher, you need to have patience and resilience.

Q: What is your life philosophy? What do you believe in?
A: My philosophy in life is that it is ok to not know because to not know is an opportunity, an opportunity to learn. I believe in teamwork and collaborations, and most importantly I value respect and integrity.

Q: Who is your role model?
A: My mother – Mrs RH Nchabeleng

Q: Where did you study and what is your highest qualification?
A: I received the BEconSci, BSc Hons, MSc and PhD degrees from Wits University, South Africa, in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2020, respectively.

Q: Where were you previously employed?
A: I was employed at Wits University as a sessional lecturer for Computational Differential Equations in the School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics.