Prof Dephney Mathebula-Periola

Prof Dephney Mathebula-Periola is a Full Professor of Mathematics at the University of Fort Hare. She earned her PhD in Mathematics from the University of Venda in 2018, becoming the first South African to do so at that institution.

She holds an MSc and BSc Honours in Mathematics from Stellenbosch University, as well as a BSc Honours and BSc degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Venda. She began her career at the University of Venda as a tutor and lecturer, later becoming a Senior Lecturer. She then served as an Associate Professor at the University of South Africa before taking up her current position in 2025. Her research focuses on mathematical modelling of infectious diseases, including malaria, influenza, and COVID-19.

She is a NITheCS Associate and a Fellow of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (UK). She was named one of Africa’s Top 100 Career Women in 2024 and received the Mail & Guardian Power of Women Award in 2025. She is also passionate about mentoring young people in STEM.