Unisa’s Department of Mathematics Education in the College of Education is committed to advancing mathematics teaching, research and education.

At the forefront of this initiative is the Acting Chair of Department, Prof Masilo France Machaba (C2 NRF-rated), a national leader in mathematics education, known for his pioneering work in contextualised learning and teaching of mathematics, teacher development and educational equity.

Witnessing first-hand how learners struggle, not because of a lack of ability but because of how mathematics is taught and assessed, Machaba’s research focus has been on mathematics teaching and learning, with particular emphasis on conceptual understanding.

With a direct impact on classroom practice, teacher professional development and curriculum implementation, his research has focused on how teachers engage learners, thereby improving learners' understanding, participation and confidence in mathematics.

It also informs teacher training programmes, supports evidence-based curriculum reform, and contributes to national conversations on equity and quality in education. "Ultimately, the goal is to improve mathematics outcomes and expand opportunities for learners, particularly those from disadvantaged communities," says Machaba.

His academic journey began in a rural village in Limpopo, where he attended an under-resourced multigrade primary school. These early experiences profoundly shaped his commitment to educational equity, access and quality.

Recognised for advancing high-quality, transformative research

Over the years, Machaba has worked as a schoolteacher, curriculum specialist and academic, and he has supervised and mentored many postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows and emerging researchers in mathematics education.

Today, as a full professor, his research interest in how classroom pedagogy can be transformed to support learners from historically marginalised and under-resourced contexts has earned him a prestigious accolade at Unisa: the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Research.

"Receiving the award is a deeply humbling and affirming experience," says Machaba. "It represents recognition not only of my personal research journey, but also of the collective work done with students, colleagues and collaborators over many years."

Machaba says the award affirms the value of research grounded in social justice, relevance and impact, and motivates him to continue advancing high-quality, transformative research that responds to societal needs.

Mentoring through practice

"Mentorship is central to my academic work," says Machaba. "I actively supervise and mentor postgraduate students, postdoctoral research fellows and early-career academics through structured supervision, collaborative publishing, grant writing support and conference participation."

His belief in mentoring through practice has led him to work alongside emerging researchers on real research projects and scholarly activities. "My approach is developmental, supportive and grounded in building long-term research capacity," says Machaba.

He notes the publication of multiple articles in high-impact international journals – including Q1 and Q2 journals in mathematics and education – as some of his most recent highlights. As an agile mentor, he has successfully supervised several PhD and master’s students to completion, many of whom are now contributing to academia and education systems locally and internationally; this is another key highlight for him.

Machaba is currently involved in several ongoing research projects focusing on pedagogical content knowledge, mathematical proficiency, teacher questioning in mathematics education, and curriculum articulation. These align with Unisa’s Catalytic Niche Area of Student Support and Co-Curricular Activities, with strong intersections with social justice and transformation of knowledge and pedagogy.

To equip the next generation of researchers, Machaba continues to supervise and co-supervise postgraduate and doctoral students, mentor postdoctoral fellows and contribute to collaborative research projects and special journal issues. He is also involved in departmental and institutional initiatives to strengthen research capacity and student success.

* By Mpho Moloele, PR and Communications, Department of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation