Join us in celebrating a remarkable academic achievement by Dr Ndivhuwo Ndou, a Lecturer in Applied Mathematics at the University of Venda, who recently graduated with a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Johannesburg (UJ).
Dr Ndou’s doctoral journey resulted in the publication of three research papers in peer-reviewed journals and the presentation of his work at both local and international conferences, solidifying his place in the global scientific community.
Born and raised in Tshiombo village, Dr Ndou’s story is one of resilience, determination, and academic excellence. He began his schooling at Tshiombo Primary School, proceeded to Mphalaleni Secondary School for Grade 8, and completed his matric at Lunwanngwe Secondary School. His academic path, rooted in rural beginnings, has blossomed into a distinguished scholarly career.
His PhD research, supervised by Prof Byron Jacobs and Dr Dlamini Phumlani at UJ, focused on solving the Advection Diffusion Reaction Equations, which models the exponential travelling waves, biofilm growth on a medical implant, and pattern formation in chemical and biological systems. He developed and applied Enhanced Higher Order Unconditionally Positive Finite Difference Methods—advanced numerical tools that underpin this significant work.
“I never would have believed a PhD was possible for someone from my rural upbringing, but hard work, perseverance, and crucial support made it a reality,” Dr. Ndou shared. “This journey deepened my appreciation for the power of Mathematics in tackling real-world challenges. I’m truly privileged to have gained such specialised skills in this cutting-edge field.”
Dr Ndou holds additional qualifications, including an MSc and BSc Honours in Applied Mathematics, and a BSc in Mathematics and Physics, all obtained from the University of Venda.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his supervisors for their exceptional guidance and unwavering support throughout the PhD journey. “The profound mentorship I received was truly invaluable, serving as the bedrock for achieving this significant academic milestone.”
To those considering postgraduate studies, he advised: “A PhD requires a lot of effort, dedication, and time.”
Prof Natasha Potgieter, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture at UNIVEN, commended Dr Ndou’s achievement:
“We are immensely proud of Dr Ndou’s accomplishment. His journey reflects the excellence, resilience, and intellectual potential within our faculty. His work not only elevates the reputation of the University of Venda but also serves as a powerful inspiration to young scientists across the country, especially those from underrepresented rural communities.”
Let us all extend our warmest congratulations to Dr Ndou on this outstanding accomplishment and wish him continued success as he advances both his academic career and the field of Applied Mathematics.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
