SAMF Welcomes New Executive Director: Prof Seithuti Moshokoa
The South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Prof Seithuti Moshokoa as its new Executive Director. A respected academic, enthusiastic educator, and long-serving champion of mathematics in South Africa, Prof Moshokoa brings with him a deep understanding of the role mathematical sciences plays in shaping future generations.
Prof Moshokoa’s journey began in the classrooms of Limpopo, where he taught Mathematics and Physical Science at Maolwe High School before taking on leadership responsibilities at Kgapane High School. These early years, spent inspiring young minds in under-resourced communities, laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to education. His academic path reflects a remarkable pursuit of excellence: from a Primary Teachers Diploma to a BSc with majors in Mathematics and Psychology, followed by an Honours and Masters in Mathematics from Unisa, and culminating in a PhD in Mathematics with a specialisation in topological structures at Unisa. Along the way, he also completed a Certificate in Higher Education Management at Wits University—equipping him with the strategic insight needed to lead institutions in a complex educational landscape.
Having served in various academic and leadership roles across Unisa and the Tshwane University of Technology, including as Professor and Head of Department, Prof Moshokoa has built a legacy of advancing both research and teaching. Beyond university corridors, he has contributed meaningfully to community engagement—organising winter schools, tutoring aspiring learners, and advocating for careers in mathematics through national radio platforms. For nearly a decade, he also served on SAMF’s Board of Directors, offering critical insights into the Foundation’s mission and future direction.
Now, as Executive Director, Prof Moshokoa steps into a role that aligns naturally with his vision for mathematics education in South Africa. At the heart of his leadership is a commitment to reshaping how mathematical sciences are taught and valued—both within classrooms and beyond. His priorities for the first three years are clear: to strengthen the teacher training curriculum at higher education institutions, secure the Foundation’s financial standing by welcoming new funding partners, and enhance the depth and impact of SAMF’s strategic projects.
He is particularly enthusiastic about addressing inequalities in learner support. Prof Moshokoa believes that all learners, especially those taking part in national and international Olympiads, deserve tailored help that speaks to their individual needs. By developing specialised interventions for struggling students, he hopes to see a higher calibre of participation—and with it, more young South Africans empowered to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
In taking the helm at SAMF, Prof Moshokoa is mindful of the landscape he enters. There is a need, he says, to dispel the perception that SAMF is in competition with other organisations. Rather, the Foundation serves a distinct and vital role in supporting both learners and teachers across the country. His leadership will focus on collaboration, clarity of purpose, and building bridges within the broader education ecosystem.
As we welcome Prof Seithuti Moshokoa into this new chapter, we do so with confidence in his experience, appreciation for his vision, and anticipation for the future he will help us shape.
