Hlamulo Wiseman Mbhiza is an Associate Professor of Mathematics Education in South Africa and a recipient of the UNISA 2023 Principal’s Award for Research Excellence. Mbhiza became the youngest and, at that time, the only Associate Professor in his field to be awarded a Y2 researcher rating (2024–2029) from the National Research Foundation (NRF). Prof Mbhiza’s academic journey in mathematics education is deeply rooted in personal reflection on his own experiences of learning mathematics, shaped by challenges and transformative insights.

UNISA 2023 Principal’s Award for Research Excellence

Growing up in Jimmy Jones village in Malamulele, rural Limpopo, he developed a strong commitment to amplifying rural learners’ and teachers’ voices in mathematics education. This passion defines his identity as a Scholar of Mathematics Education and Rurality.

The recognition of Prof. Hlamulo Mbhiza's research endeavours as having the potential to catalyse transformative changes in mathematics education within South African rural areas underscores the significance of his work in advancing educational equity and excellence. Through his pioneering research and commitment to empowering rural communities through education, Prof. Mbhiza embodies the spirit of driving positive change and innovation in the realm of mathematics education.

He has an impressive research footprint, with over 30 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings. Mbhiza’s scholarly contributions also extends to books editing. Mbhiza plays a pivotal role in academic publishing as Deputy Editor and Academic Editor for Africa Education Review (Taylor & Francis and UNISA). Additionally, he serves as guest editor for special issues in accredited journals, including Journal of Educational Studies (2023) and Interdisciplinary Journal of Sociality Studies (2024).

Beyond his is notable masters and doctoral supervision, Mbhiza actively contributes to peer review for leading journals such as Educational Studies in Mathematics, Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education and Discover Education to name a few. He has presented his research nationally and internationally, including a plenary address at the 1st AMSTEN Biennial Conference on 21 November 2025 at the University of Namibia, Rundu Campus. His leadership in the global mathematics education community is evident in his role as Co-Chair for Topic Study Group 2.6 at the International Congress on Mathematics Education (ICME).

In addition to research and leadership, Mbhiza serves on the Virtual and Physical Peer Review Panels for the NRF Emerging Researcher Programme (Mathematics and ICT), a role that continues until June 2026. He also sits on the review committee for NRF Postdoctoral Fellowships (freestanding) funding in Mathematics, Statistics, and ICT.

Professor Mbhiza’s trajectory reflects a rare combination of scholarly excellence, leadership, and mentorship. From rural beginnings to international recognition, he has established himself as a transformative figure in mathematics education and is committed advancing research, empowering students, and amplifying voices from underserved setting.