For University of Fort Hare (UFH) mathematics scholar Prof Dephney Mathebula-Periola, the real measure of success isn’t just in the data she models or the papers she publishes; it is also reflected in the deliberate steps she takes to inspire and mentor young African scientists.
Her dedication to nurturing talent and breaking barriers in STEM has recently earned her national recognition, as she was named a winner in the Mail & Guardian Women of Power Awards 2025 in the STEMi category.
For two decades, the M&G Power of Women awards have honoured women making remarkable contributions across South Africa in areas such as science, governance, education, health, law, and the arts. The winners are selected through a public nomination process that evaluates their leadership, community impact, and commitment to driving transformation.
The STEMi category celebrates women making significant achievements in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation.
Path of Empowerment
The recognition came at a meaningful moment for Prof Mathebula-Periola. She is actively redesigning her mentorship strategies to better support young people pursuing STEM across Africa. “Winning this award reaffirmed that I am on the right path. It is a victory not just for me, but for every young African scientist who dares to dream beyond limitations.”
Prof Mathebula-Periola joined UFH earlier this year as a professor in the Department of Computational Sciences (Pure and Applied Mathematics). She holds a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Venda. Her qualifications also include a Master of Science in Mathematics from Stellenbosch University, BSc Honours degree from the University of Venda, BSc Honours in Mathematics from the Stellenbosch University and BSc in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Venda.
Her academic work spans teaching undergraduate and postgraduate modules, conducting research, supervising doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows, and providing academic leadership. But it is her commitment to mentorship that she describes as her greatest reward. “A typical day for me is a delicate balance of lectures, research collaborations, and mentorship. Yet, I find my greatest joy in witnessing my students’ ‘lightbulb moments’ when complex problems suddenly click,” she said.
A Lifelong Passion for Maths
These moments, she explained, reflect her lifelong love for mathematics, a passion sparked by her sister, Constance Mabunda, whose own joy in solving mathematical problems inspired her journey.
Her research lies at the intersection of Applied Mathematics and complex systems, particularly infectious disease dynamics. She focuses on the mathematical modelling of infectious diseases such as malaria, schistosomiasis, influenza, HIV, and COVID-19.
She also integrates artificial intelligence into her work, developing intelligent, epidemiology-focused web crawlers that automatically collect and analyses public health data. “The goal is to enhance how epidemiological information is gathered and used, especially in developing country contexts, by combining artificial intelligence with data-driven analytical approaches to support better decision-making in disease surveillance and control,” she explained.
Prof Mathebula-Periola serves as an elected member of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), a prestigious UK membership awarded to mathematicians of senior professional standing.
She was recognised as one of the Top 100 Career Women in Africa in 2024, and has received numerous nominations and awards, including the Inspirational Influencer Award by the International Association of Women, the Inspiring Fifty South Africa nomination, and recognition as one of the 10 phenomenal women in Limpopo Province by WODSA.
Her guiding principle is clear: “Be honest with yourself and those around you, treat setbacks as motivation, and invite God into every journey of your life.”