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13 January 2025 | Story Dr Nitha Ramnath | Photo Sonia Small
Prof Brownhilder Neneh
Prof Brownhilder Neneh stands out as an inspiring force for students and aspiring entrepreneurs.

In the dynamic intersection of tradition and innovation within academia, Prof Brownhilder Neneh, Vice-Dean: Research, Engagement and Internationalisation in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS), stands out as an inspiring force for students and aspiring entrepreneurs. Her remarkable career trajectory – ascending rapidly through the ranks from senior lecturer to head of department, and ultimately to full professor – has been marked not only by professional accolades, but by a deep, personal impact on the lives of her students and the broader entrepreneurial community. 

Personal moments of student connection  

Reflecting on her career, Prof Neneh’s achievements are impressive. “The best moment of my career is twofold,” she explains. “Professionally, I am incredibly grateful for the success I’ve achieved in less than a decade. Being promoted to professor, launching my book this year, and being consistently recognised as one of the top-cited researchers in the world over the past two years – it’s all been surreal.” 

However, it is the personal connections with her students that leave the most lasting impression. One student shared a heartfelt message, recalling how Prof Neneh’s encouragement helped her persevere through academic challenges. “You have everything it takes to succeed,” Prof Neneh had told her, transforming her outlook on her studies. Another student credited Prof Neneh’s words of encouragement with sparking a journey of self-acceptance, reminding her that “the best is yet to come.” These experiences highlight the profound influence of mentorship and the power of positive reinforcement. 

Building entrepreneurial competencies 

Prof Neneh’s research centres on fostering entrepreneurial skills, with a particular focus on youth and women. “I wish people knew that my work is about making a real, tangible difference,” she notes. Her research addresses the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, including the complexities of work-life balance and societal pressures. By providing evidence-based strategies drawn from her extensive experience, Prof Neneh seeks to empower those navigating the intersection of family and business obligations. 

She also emphasises the obstacles facing young entrepreneurs, such as limited access to resources and a fear of failure. “These challenges can deter aspiring entrepreneurs from taking risks and pursuing their dreams,” Prof Nene says. Her approach to teaching entrepreneurship is rooted in practical, evidence based advice, encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their passions, employ ‘effectual reasoning’ in building their ventures with available resources – and commit to lifelong learning. “Training doesn’t stop at obtaining a degree. It’s about continually seeking knowledge and adapting to the market,” she asserts. 

Prof Neneh also advocates collaboration through a concept she calls ‘coopetition’ – where competition fosters cooperation, particularly in overcoming resource constraints. This mindset has been especially valuable during times of crisis, such as the recent pandemic, when industries banded together for collective growth. 

For budding entrepreneurs, Prof Neneh offers a wealth of practical advice. She stresses the importance of validating the market before launching a business, while cautioning against entering fields devoid of passion or thorough preparation. Her guiding principle? “Invest wisely and understand the needs of your target market.” 

Creating ripples of positive impact 

Looking ahead, Prof Neneh embodies resilience. “I wouldn’t change anything in my life. Every challenge has been a lesson,” she reflects. Her experiences have not only shaped her career, but also strengthened her sense of purpose. “Stay true to your values and purpose,” is the advice she follows, ensuring her life’s work continues to create ripples of positive impact. 

Prof Neneh is not only an academic; she is a champion for change, dedicated to uplifting others through her research, mentorship, and community initiatives such as ‘She Believe’, a peer support group focused on empowering women. As she continues to inspire future generations, her story serves as a powerful reminder that the entrepreneurial journey is not merely about financial success – it is about transformative impact and demonstrating resilience. 

The belief that “the best is yet to come” resonates not only in Prof Neneh’s life, but also with everyone who has the privilege of learning from her.

News Archive

Africa the birthplace of mathematics, says Prof Atangana
2017-11-17


 Description: Prof Abdon Atangana, African Award of Applied Mathematics  Tags: Prof Abdon Atangana, African Award of Applied Mathematics

Prof Abdon Atangana from the UFS Institute for Groundwater Studies.
Photo: Supplied

 

Prof Abdon Atangana from the Institute for Groundwater Studies at the University of the Free State recently received the African Award of Applied Mathematics during the International conference "African’s Days of Applied Mathematics" that was held in Errachidia, Morocco. Prof Atangana delivered the opening speech with the title "Africa was a temple of knowledge before: What happened?” The focus of the conference was to offer a forum for the promotion of mathematics and its applications in African countries.

When Europeans first came to Africa, they considered the architecture to be disorganised and thus primitive. It never occurred to them that Africans might have been using a form of mathematics that they hadn’t even discovered yet.

Africa is home to the world’s earliest known use of measuring and calculation. Thousands of years ago Africans were using numerals, algebra and geometry in daily life. “Our continent is the birthplace of both basic and advanced mathematics,” said Prof Atangana. 

Africa attracted a series of immigrants who spread knowledge from this continent to the rest of the world.

Measuring and counting
In one of his examples of African mathematics knowledge Prof Atangana referred to the oldest mathematical instrument as the Lebombo bone, a baboon fibula used as a measuring instrument, which was named after the Lebombo Mountains of Swaziland. The world’s oldest evidence of advanced mathematics was also a baboon fibula that was discovered in present-day Democratic Republic of Congo.

Another example he used is the manuscripts in the libraries of the Sankoré University, one of the world’s oldest tertiary institutions. This university in Timbuktu, Mali, is full of manuscripts mainly written in Ajami in the 1200s AD. “When Europeans and Western Asians began visiting and colonising Mali between the 1300s and 1800s, Malians hid the manuscripts in basements, attics and underground, fearing destruction or theft by foreigners. This was certainly a good idea, given the Europeans' history of destroying texts in Kemet and other areas of the continent. Many of the scripts were mathematical and astronomical in nature. In recent years, as many as 700 000 scripts have been rediscovered and attest to the continuous knowledge of advanced mathematics and science in Africa well before European colonisation. 

Fractal geometry

“One of Africa’s major achievements was the advanced knowledge of fractal geometry. This knowledge is found in a wide aspect of Africa life: from art, social design structures, architecture, to games, trade and divination systems. 

“The binary numeral system was also widely known through Africa before it was known throughout much of the world. There is a theory that it could have influenced Western geometry, which led to the development of digital computers,” he said. 

“Can Africa rise again?” Prof Atangana believes it can.

He concluded with a plea to fellow African researchers to do research that will build towards a new Africa.

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