Two new office bearers elected to lead Universities South Africa’s TLM CoP from 1 January 2025
At its last sitting for 2025, on 13 November, the Community of Practice for the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics (TLM CoP) elected a new Chairperson and Deputy to succeed Professor Pragashni Padayachee, Head of the Mathematics Academic Support Programme for Engineering (ASPECT) at the University of Cape Town (UCT), and Professor Kabelo Chuene, Senior Lecturer: Mathematics at the University of Limpopo, respectively.
Dr Jacob Elgin Maritz (left), Associate Professor of Mathematics at Nelson Mandela University, was elected the new Chair of the TLM CoP for a two-year tenure effective 1 January 2025.
Affectionately known as Jakes, Dr Maritz is a distinguished South African academic and visionary leader with over three decades of dedication to Mathematics education, research, and institutional advancement. Born on January 11, 1966, in Gqeberha, South Africa, Dr Maritz has built a remarkable career rooted in a passion for cultivating independent mathematical thinking and addressing the complexities of higher education.
With a Ph.D. in Mathematics specialising in Graph Theory from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Maritz exemplifies lifelong learning. His academic journey includes completing the prestigious Advanced Future Leadership Programme at Nelson Mandela University, where he graduated as the top student in his cohort.
Dr Maritz’s career spans roles as a mathematics educator at the school and university levels. His leadership abilities shone early as Head of Department at both Chatty Secondary School and Hilton College. In 2011, he transitioned to Nelson Mandela University, where he has served as Senior Lecturer, Head of the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, and now Interim Director of Strategy for the Mathematical and Computational Sciences Cluster. His leadership style is marked by a collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking approach.
As a member of Universities South Africa’s TLM CoP, Dr Maritz has made significant contributions to mathematics education reform, participating in national projects like the First-Year Mathematics initiative, which addresses student retention and success. His involvement extends to national committees and his service on the management team of the Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre, underscoring his commitment to societal impact and sustainability.
Currently, Dr Maritz drives strategic innovation at Nelson Mandela University, focusing on curriculum development, cutting-edge research, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. His career embodies a deep commitment to advancing educational excellence and empowering the next generation of mathematicians.
Professor Judah P Makonye is Dr Maritz’s Deputy
Working very closely with Dr Maritz will be Professor Judah P Makonye (right), Associate Professor and Head of Division of Mathematics Education at the University of the Witwatersrand. He will also serve as the Deputy Chair of the TLM CoP for the next two years, effective 1 January 2025.
Professor Makonye is an National Research Foundation rated researcher. He obtained his PhD in Mathematics Education at the University of Johannesburg in 2012. He taught at every level of the educational spectrum. In Zimbabwe he taught at primary school, high school and teachers’ college; and at universities in both Zimbabwe and South Africa. He is widely published and has participated in mathematics education conferences in the Southern African Development Community, the wider continent and around the world. He has supervised dozens of graduated masters and PhD students.
His research areas include Professional Noticing of Learner Mathematical Thinking, Transdisciplinary STEM education, ICT Integration in Teacher Education Pedagogies.
The TLM CoP convenor, Ms Janet van Rhyn, says she had excellent working relationships with the outgoing and previous office bearers in this Community of Practice, and expects nothing but collegial continuity with the new incumbents. “We look forward to these two leaders taking the TLM CoP to greater heights in the coming two years of their tenure.”
‘Mateboho Green is Manager: Corporate Communication at Universities South Africa.
