Understanding Diseases Through Mathematics and Immunology – Azwindini Delinah Maphiri

Azwindini is a mathematics lecturer and researcher whose work focuses on modeling infectious diseases and immunological processes. She uses mathematical modeling to study how diseases spread, interact with the body, and evolve, contributing to a clearer understanding of complex health challenges:

Hello, Azwindini! We are excited to have you join us today. You are welcome to Words That Count
Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity. I am happy to share my STEM journey. And thanks to Prof. Dephney Mathebula-Periola for the nomination.

Please give a brief introduction about yourself
My name is Azwindini Delinah Maphiri, a South African, currently living in Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province. I am a Mathematics lecturer at the University of Venda in South Africa.

I am also a researcher affiliated with the University of Venda, specifically within the Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences. My research focuses on mathematical modeling, particularly in immunology and infectious diseases. I have previously worked on mathematical modeling of cholera immunology and multiscale modeling of norovirus and foodborne diseases.

Can you explain, in simple terms, how mathematics helps us to understand infectious diseases?
Mathematics gives us a way to understand how diseases spread and how the body responds to infection. We build mathematical models, which can be used to simulate different scenarios. For example, how quickly an outbreak might grow, how a disease spreads through a population, or how the immune system reacts to an infection. These models help researchers to test ideas, identify patterns, and make predictions without relying solely on real-world experiments.

The main goal of my research is to contribute to a better understanding of infectious diseases and support evidence-based public health research.

Walk us through your journey into using mathematics and immunology to understand disease patterns
I come from a polygamous family of four wives, with my mother being the youngest. I am the third of six children, with one sibling deceased. My primary education started at Sapekoe Primary School in Mashau Village, Limpopo Province. At the age of ten, I relocated to my maternal grandmother’s home at Ha-Mashamba Village, where I was raised within an extended family.

I completed my primary education at Tshitangule Primary School and continued to Tshiitwa Junior School, then later to Raluombe Secondary School, where I did Grade 12.

Academically, I faced serious challenges that led to my failing some of the subjects. My only strength was Mathematics. It was the only subject that made sense to me. I truly enjoyed it.

Because of that, I strategically selected Mathematics, Agriculture, and Geography for my Grades 11 and 12. With hard work, I passed my Grade 12 with high honors, which opened the door to the University of Venda for my bachelor’s degree.

My initial dream was to become a midwife; however, this path was no longer feasible without Physical Science. I then considered pursuing Social Work, but I had missed the deadline to sit for the selection test. As an alternative, I was advised to enroll in a Bachelor of Arts (BA) program and take courses aligned with Social Work, with the intention of transferring the following year. I was also encouraged to include Mathematics, as students were permitted to select any teaching subject within the BA.

The following year presented a difficult decision: whether to transfer to Social Work, which offered clearer prospects for employment and stability, or to continue with a BA and pursue Mathematics despite the uncertainty of that path. At home, expectations were clear that, after graduation, one should secure employment and support the family. At the same time, there was a strong sense of being drawn toward a more meaningful path.

I remember walking around the university with my enrollment form for weeks before the closing date, unable to decide. I knew that if I chose Social Work, I would find a job and end the poverty cycle. However, I also knew that I would lose the chance to do what I truly love, which is working with numbers. I made my decision just a day or two before registration closed. My choice was to stay in the Bachelor of Arts with Mathematics as one of the major courses.

From that moment, my journey became one of faith and resilience. I often felt like I didn’t belong, especially whenever science students came to math class with their lab coats after practicals. Sometimes Mathematics classes were canceled because science students had tests. Different companies would visit the campus looking specifically for Science students, and I was often overlooked because I was classified as a Humanities student. It didn’t matter that I performed better than many science students in Math. But that did not discourage me.

I completed my degree majoring in Mathematics and Psychology, and I registered for an honors degree. I was appointed as a tutor in the Math department, an opportunity that eased my financial burden. Later, I became a part-time junior lecturer while studying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education.

After I was appointed a full-time Junior Lecturer at the University of Venda in 2009, I registered for a Master’s degree by research. This was another challenging period, which led to my changing supervisors, close to my defense. Because of this change, I had to start over in 2013 and graduated in 2016 with my MSc in Mathematics. In 2019, I enrolled in my PhD, which I successfully finished in 2024, with my research focusing on modeling Infectious Diseases.

Looking back, my life has been a journey of perseverance, prayer, and purpose. I faced poverty, rejection, and uncertainty, but I never gave up. Every obstacle strengthened me. Every delay redirected me.

Wow! You have surely defied all odds and made it to contributing to the Mathematics knowledge base.

You have mentioned some of the challenges you faced along your career journey. Would you like to throw more light on these?
Growing up with my grandmother in an extended family was not easy. My uncles were working far away in Gauteng, and life at home was full of struggle. Some days we went to school without a lunchbox or pocket money. I often relied on a friend for a lunchbox. At night, we often studied by the dim light of a paraffin lamp or candle, when we could afford one. Most homes around us had no electricity, and hardship became our daily companion.

In high school, my friends and I underestimated Grades 11 and 12 and failed both initially. However, in the following year, we changed our mindset, worked hard, and passed. During matric, I often went to bed around 8 PM without studying because there was no light to read by. To make up for it, I studied at school during the day whenever I could.

Because of financial constraints, I couldn’t afford to attend career guidance at the beginning of my undergraduate degree. This affected my course selection, as mentioned before.

Another challenging moment was when I became a mother to Murendeni, my firstborn daughter, at the age of 20. It was hard to balance motherhood and building a career, but I eventually found a way out. This was only because my uncle didn’t give up on me.

I also faced challenges in my postgraduate studies. The first time I registered for my master’s degree, I dropped out because I needed to continue working to sustain myself. Balancing those two demanding spaces was hard. The second time I registered, I faced challenges with my supervisor, who ultimately stepped down. My only option was to start the third time under another professor’s supervision.

How were you able to stay motivated throughout these challenges and stay focused on building your career in Mathematics?
During my time at Tshiitwa Junior Secondary School, I formed a connection with Ms. Tiny Mashamba. Among her close group of friends was Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, now the Premier of Limpopo Province. The school encouraged a strong culture of academic excellence, where the top three learners in each class were recognised during assembly and commended by the teachers and principal. Ms. Mashamba and Dr. Ramathuba were consistently among those recognised. These moments left a lasting impression on me. They became an early source of inspiration.

Even after matric, Ms. Tiny Mashamba continued to write me letters while she was at university. Imagine being called out in class to receive a letter, in front of everyone! That was such a special moment for me, and I cherished it deeply. I kept following their progress: Ms. Tiny Mashamba is now a deputy principal, and Dr. Phophi Ramathuba is the Premier. With such examples before me, I knew I was bound to succeed too.

Another person who inspired me deeply is Prof. Depheney Mathebula, the first female to graduate with a PhD in Mathematics at the University of Venda. I have always looked up to her and admired her greatly. I chose her to be one of my co-supervisors because I knew how knowledgeable she is, and her story truly inspired me. She held my hand and walked with me throughout my PhD journey, and she continues to support me to this day.

When Prof. Mamokgethi Phakeng visited the University of Venda in 2018, she took some time to share her journey with the women in the Department of Computational and Mathematical Sciences. I had the opportunity to ask her how she managed to achieve so much as a woman in Mathematics. She spoke about the importance of time and consistency, saying that she always made sure to be in her office by the early hours of the day and knock off around the late hours, for her personal growth. From that moment, I learned that starting your day earlier than expected allows you to achieve more. It was such an inspiring experience in my journey.

My uncle, Mr. Samuel Ramatshekgisa, often told me that he had been one of the best students during his school days. However, because of poverty, he had to drop out and find a job. He always encouraged me to go further than he did in education. After my BA, he encouraged me to go for my honours, then my master’s, and eventually my PhD. He believed I was capable. I carried his words in my heart and was determined to fulfill his wishes. My uncle, along with my paternal half-siblings, encouraged me in ways I can’t even explain; they were truly a source of inspiration. I’m just grateful that I took their words to heart and ran with them.

Besides my family members who were happy with my progress, there were a lot of people who saw the best in me. I am forever grateful to these people, whom I can’t list exhaustively.

What are some of the most prestigious moments you have experienced while building your career in Mathematics?
Today, when I look at my PhD certificate, I don’t just see a qualification. I see the story of a girl who refused to let her circumstances define her. A girl who once studied by candlelight, who failed and tried again, who walked around campus holding an enrollment form in confusion but chose courage, purpose, and faith. My story is proof that you can rise from any background and that God’s timing is never late. Dreams may take long, but if you stay focused, humble, and faithful, the impossible becomes possible.

How do you enjoy spending your time outside of the walls of mathematics?
Outside of work, I am a proud mother of two daughters, Murendeni and Mufunwa, and a grandmother to Renda. I am a spiritual person who loves spending time with God and sometimes participating in prayer meetings, most of which are now held online. I have seen God in my life, in ways I fail to explain. He has been so good to me. I also enjoy encouraging and uplifting others. Whenever I have the opportunity, I visit schools to motivate and inspire learners.

What is your favorite quote?
I have put this passage in my thesis: “Though the path was filled with sunshine, shadows, storms, steep mountains, rocky terrains, and slippery slopes, I completed this journey with perseverance and hope. To those who walk their own challenging paths, may you find the strength to reach your destination, just as I have found mine.”

The following verse I put on my WhatsApp status almost every day: Luke 1:37 (NIV): “For with God nothing will be impossible.”

What is your word of encouragement for a young girl who is interested in using Mathematics to model diseases?
To the young girl out there, never let your background, gender, or circumstances convince you that your dreams are too big. The world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics needs your voice, your curiosity, and your courage. You may not always have all the resources, but you do have something far greater: your determination.

Remember, it’s not where you start that matters, but how far you’re willing to go and how hard you’re willing to try. Mathematics, and STEM in general, is not just about numbers or formulas. It is about solving problems, building solutions, and shaping the future. Every time you push through doubt or failure, you become stronger, wiser, and closer to your purpose. Don’t be afraid of being different. In fact, let your difference be your power. You can be both brilliant and humble, both analytical and compassionate. You can serve God, your community, and your dreams, all at once. Believe in yourself even when no one else does.

Keep learning, keep asking, keep believing, because you belong in STEM, and your journey could be the light that guides another girl tomorrow.

Thank you, Azwindini, for sharing your STEM journey with the world. We wish you more success in your career and look forward to celebrating you more.