Dr. Mantepu MaseTshaba

Acting Executive Dean, College of Economic and Management Sciences
University of South Africa (UNISA)

Dr. Mantepu MaseTshaba currently serves as the Acting Executive Dean of the College of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of South Africa (UNISA). She brings a dynamic and multidisciplinary professional background that spans academia, data science, banking, and leadership.

Originating from a small village near Polokwane, Dr. MaseTshaba’s academic journey has been shaped by a deep and enduring passion for mathematics. This foundation evolved into a strong specialization in decision sciences, where she has consistently applied quantitative and analytical methods to address complex real-world challenges.

Her career trajectory reflects both resilience and versatility. She began in the hospitality sector at UNISA’s Good Hope Cafeteria, transitioned into the fast-paced world of investment banking, and ultimately returned to academia, where she found her true calling. Across these roles, a unifying theme defines her work: a commitment to leveraging quantitative tools and data-driven methods to solve practical societal and economic problems.

As a data scientist and educator, Dr. MaseTshaba is driven by a profound belief in Africa’s potential for transformation. She is particularly committed to advancing food self-sufficiency and contributing to the eradication of hunger within our lifetime. By applying mathematical and statistical techniques to optimize business systems, educational frameworks, and governance structures, she seeks to create measurable societal impact.

Her leadership philosophy encourages students and colleagues to harness data analytics as instruments of positive change. She emphasizes the practical application of mathematical skills in tackling economic and social challenges, bridging the gap between theoretical rigor and tangible development outcomes. Her broader vision extends beyond academia, aiming to contribute to a more equitable, sustainable, and analytically informed future for Africa and the global community.