UKZN Hosts Inaugural Topology Indaba Conference
The School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science hosted the first-ever Topology Indaba Conference (TIC2025) at the Science and Technology Education Centre (STEC) at UKZN.
The two-day event brought together more than 40 international and local academics and researchers from Portugal (Universidade de Coimbra) and various institutions across South Africa, including the University of the Western Cape, North-West University, University of Limpopo, the University of Cape Town, Sol Plaatje University, the University of the Witwatersrand, Stellenbosch University, Rhodes University, the University of South Africa, the University of Zululand, and UKZN.
The conference provided a platform for experts to share new developments in topology and related areas. The theme, aptly captured by the term “Indaba”, fostered a spirit of collaboration and sharing of “new” ideas in topology among participants.
Renowned topology experts, including Professor Jorge Picado (Universidade de Coimbra), Professor David Holgate (the University of the Western Cape), Professor Anneliese Schauerte (the University of Cape Town), Dr Graham Manuell (Stellenbosch University), Professor Inderasan Naidoo (the University of South Africa), and Dr Anna Laura Suarez (the University of the Western Cape), presented talks spanning point-free topology, point-set topology and categorical topology.
The Dean of Research in the College of Agriculture, Engineering, and Science at UKZN, Professor Rituparno Goswami, emphasised the significance of the conference, citing pure mathematics as a ‘scarce skills area that the University is committed to strengthening.’
Professor Serestina Viriri, Dean and Head of the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science (SMSC) at UKZN, echoed this sentiment, calling for the conference to become a regular event, ideally held annually or biennially. He reaffirmed UKZN’s commitment to supporting the event until it gains prominent international recognition and acclaim.
The Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of the Western Cape, Professor David Holgate praised the initiative stating that it is ‘good’ to see UKZN support a gathering of this kind, where academics share new research adventures, improve old mathematical ideas and collaborate on ideas of similar interest.
Picado is currently visiting SMSC to collaborate with conference organiser Dr Simo Mthethwa on research ideas, and plans to visit South Africa frequently, expressing his commitment to supporting mathematical activities at UKZN.
Mthethwa thanked participants, sponsors (the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science and the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science), his team (Dr Sinenhlanhla Precious Sikhosana, Ms Onesipho Ntombela, Mr Edward Seodi, and Ms Sbahle Mthethwa) for their hard work and dedication, and the STEC team (Mr Malusi Masondo, Ms Simphiwe Mkhasibe, and Ms Thembelihle Gumede) for their support.
Through UKZN’s steadfast commitment to fostering academic excellence, the inaugural conference marked a significant milestone in advancing mathematical research and strengthening collaboration within the academic community in South Africa.
Words: Nqobile Mthuli
Photograph: Siphesihle Shezi
