The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Postgraduate Studies at the University of Venda, Prof Nosisi Feza was honoured by the Nelson Mandela University as one of the selected few of the Nelson Mandela University’s most successful graduates. Prof Feza was honoured at a ceremony that was held on Thursday, 23 March 2023 at the Madibaz Sport Centre, South Campus of Nelson Mandela University. The Nelson Mandela University presented eight awards in three categories for alumni from a wide spectrum of disciplines including sport, law, psychology, and academic.
Professor Nosisi Feza
During this ceremony, a Mathematician, Professor Nosisi Feza, University of Venda’s (UNIVEN) Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Postgraduate Studies received the Alumni Achievers award.
From being a farm teacher to formidable mathematician, Prof Feza’s contribution has made impact in the lives of academics and South African education. She has impacted thousands of lives with her career that is dedicated to empowering others.
Prof Feza is a prolific researcher and a publisher who holds among other qualifications, a PhD in Mathematics Education (State University of New York) and an MA in Education from the former Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
She started working as a School Teacher on a farm, specialising in science and mathematics. In 1991, she received a British Commonwealth Scholarship and later joined an NGO as a rural coordinator for Mathematics teacher training in the Eastern Cape.
She began her tertiary teaching career at the then University of Port Elizabeth as a Mathematics Lecturer. In 2006 she was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship for a United States PhD programme.
Prof Feza became a sought-after academic in the USA, receiving a scholarship for both research and her PhD and a research fellowship post at the University of Northern Lowa. Back home, she was associated with several top institutions before joining the University of Venda in 2021.
She has published extensively in mathematics education and early childhood mathematics and supervised more than ten (10) PhD and master’s theses.
She has served numerous organisations, including the Tshikululu Foundation, Chairs for NRF academic funding, is a committee member of the community of practice for Postgraduate Studies in South African Higher Education, an active member of Female International Research (FIRE) and made a significant contribution to the Human Sciences Research Council’s illustrated English-IsiXhosa mathematics for Grade R – 9.
An NRF C-rated professor in mathematics education, she has balanced an iconic Academic career with a dedicated focus on community development initiatives.
Prof Nosisi Feza (middle)
Prof Nosisi Feza (Seated – 2nd from left) posing for a photo with other award recipients
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding & Communication
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525 /8710
Date: 27 March 2023
