Meet The First Female South African To Obtain A Ph.D. In Mathematics At The University Of Venda

 GIYANI– `Dr. Daphney Mathebula, 37, the first woman to obtain a doctorate in Mathematics at the University of Venda, is involved in outreach activities that aim to contribute to the uplifting of young girls to pursue careers in Science.

She inspires young girls from rural areas around the area to study Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

In September 2018, Daphney made history by becoming the first female South African to get a Ph.D. in Maths at the institution since its founding in 1982. Her experience of failing Mathematics while doing Grade 12 in 2000, did not damper her dream of making a career in Mathematics.

“I had to repeat as I had passed with a not convincing mark of GG and then I passed all my subjects. That is because of determination and perseverance that helped me in achieving what I needed,” said Daphney

Born in Giyani, Muyexe village, the Mathematics lecture said that after she passed matric, she enrolled for a BSc degree in Computer Science and Mathematics at the university.” said Daphney

“I did not perform well and was forced to change the course to BSc. in Mathematics and Statistics. That took me five years to complete a three-year degree and I never allowed that to let me down. I took the challenge as a motivation and I worked harder and eventually obtained my honours with support from my Professor Winston Garira and Dr. Simiso Moyo. It was in 2009 when I obtained my BSc Honours,” Daphney said.

“I recall that while I was doing my honours degree, I got an opportunity to attend a workshop at the African Institute of Mathematical Science in Cape Town, where applications of Maths in real life, Biomathematics, were introduced. I was then awarded a National Research Foundation (NRF) bursary to pursue a second honours degree and an MSc degree from the University of Stellenbosch.”

Daphney said her research interest was in the Mathematical modelling of infectious diseases such as Malaria, Schistosomiasis, and Influenza. In 2012 her Ph.D. research paper was published in Mathematical Bioscience Journal, a Peer Review Magazine,

“It was rated number three among the 25 hottest articles in the whole world in 2014 and that was when I started lecturing at Univen. Two more articles are still under preparation,” said Daphney.

In 2017, Daphney had an opportunity to present at the Sixth International Conference on Infectious Diseases Dynamics held in Spain. She encouraged parents to support their children in whatever ventures they wanted.

“My parents Daniel and Dainah trained me and made the environment conducive for my education and I thank them for all their financial support in the past and now,” said Doctor Mathebula.

“My advice to young people out there, know who you are and what you want to achieve in life. Work hard, be consistent while working towards your goal, do what you love most, be honest to yourself and people around you, and do not be ashamed of your failures take them as motivation. Also, find a support system and never allow people to take away their confidence. And remember, people are capable of taking away your confidence, but it is your responsibility to regain it” she said in an interview with NSESA foundation

What to Expect on Our Epic Trips

 Uncork ancient wine-making and baking traditions as you travel around rural Georgia, the cradle of woozy vinous pleasures (its history of wine production goes back 8,000 years). You’ll discover a taste for the Tbilisi of yesterday as you explore the capital’s Old Quarter – its fourth-century fortress, dreamy sulphur baths and colourful farmers market. With full bellies, you’ll earn a refill of wine as you hike into the Caucasus Mountains and through Lagodekhi National Park. With cheeks as red as the drink and the wild Georgian country before you, it’ll be difficult not to fall in love with this romantic land. 

Why Cuba Has the Best Doctors in the World

 

Every Cuban has access to healthcare

An important difference between the healthcare system in Cuba and that of other countries is that medical care on the island is regarded as a fundamental right of its citizens and is written into the Cuban constitution. In contrast, the healthcare system in the US treats patients as paying customers and not as people in need of its services. This ideological difference goes a long way in explaining the quality of Cuban medical care.

Statistics show quality of doctors

It’s already obvious that the healthcare on this island is great, but statistics also reflect how Cuba compares with developed countries: Cuban citizens have a life expectancy of 77 years for men and 81 years for women, which closely matches the United Kingdom’s 79 years for men and 83 years for women. The country is able to provide one doctor for every 150 Cuban citizens, which is an outstanding ratio that surpasses that of many developed nations. However, critics argue that this ratio exists at the cost of Cuban doctors earning low salaries of approximately $60 a month.