The Military Academy, the Faculty of Military Science at the Stellenbosch University has announced the formal appointment of Professor Maasutha Samuel Tshehla as the new dean with effect from 01 January 2012.
Professor Tshehla takes over the reigns from Prof Edna van Harte who resigned at the end of 2011 after reaching her retirement age.
Academically, Prof Tshehla possesses a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree in Mathematical Science obtained from the then University of the North in 1997, BSc Honours Degree in Applied Mathematics in 1999 and a Master of Science Degree in Applied Mathematics in 2001.
He further graduated from the University of Cape Town (UCT) with a PhD degree in Industrial Mathematics in 2009. His research interest is in Fluid dynamics in the field of Industrial Mathematics.
Prof Tshehla (41) brings with him a load of experience to his new responsibilities, the highest post in the institution since 2002, when he joined the Military Academy as a Mathematics Lecturer.
He first cut his teeth into the academic world as a junior lecturer in Applied Mathematics, lecturing in Classical Mathematics at the University of the North until 2001 when he joined the Department of Water Affairs, where he worked as a flood frequency analyst, at the Flood Studies Directorate.
As he continues to distinguish himself and rise to the greater heights in the academy, his hard work was noticed in 2005 by the top management, when he was elected the Secundus Dean, the position he held until the end of 2011.
Prof Sam Tshehla, as he is affectionately known to his colleagues at the academy, has also been promoted to the rank of an Associate Professor in Mathematics. He will work closely with Col M. Vena, the acting Commandant after the departure of Maj Gen Lindile Yam who was appointed the General Officer Commanding SA Army Infantry Formation.
The appointment of the New Dean for the Military Academy, Faculty Military Science in Saldanha
