Simon Chili: new nGAP lecturer in mathematics

Simon Chili found a passion for mathematics in the latter years of primary school. He became fascinated by the subject and read every textbook that he could find. He particularly liked solving mathematical problems. Thus began an interest that has brought him into academia as a Phase 6 New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP) lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics.

For Chili, mathematics is a world filled with beautiful stories. It is when these stories connect and are seen with greater clarity and simplicity that one’s mind is illuminated.

Chili was born and raised in Waterval B (near Siyabuswa), Mpumalanga. He began first grade in 2002 at Mantwani Primary School and moved to KwaNdebele Science School in 2008, matriculating in 2013 with a final mark of 100% in both mathematics and physical sciences.

Coming to UCT

In 2014 Chili began studies at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in the mechanical engineering programme. He started taking extra mathematics courses from his second year and sat for the honours mathematics courses in 2017 – a key year for Chili as his interest in mathematics grew. He recalls skipping the final-year mechanical engineering class photo so that he could attend the differential geometry honours class.

In 2019 Chili announced his change of direction by formally registering for an MSc in mathematics with research in category theory and categorical algebra. In 2020 the degree was upgraded to a PhD.

“I have received inspiration from many mathematicians who taught me in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at UCT. My appreciation especially goes to Dr Kenneth Hughes for his informal reading sessions and modules, and to Professor George Janelidze for his great influence and several inspiring mathematical discussions and seminars.”

“I really appreciate the reaction and questions from the students, and I use these to shape and influence the lectures.”

Independent of his studies and research work, Chili was given the opportunity to teach mathematics courses for the department as a contract lecturer from 2018 to 2020. This included giving lectures for the first-year Pure Mathematics and Engineering Mathematics courses, and lectures to a second-year Pure Mathematics Real Analysis module. Chili found the face-to-face lectures (as opposed to online learning) to be very enjoyable.

“I really appreciate the reaction and questions from the students, and I use these to shape and influence the lectures.”

Being part of nGAP

Chili joined nGAP in October 2020, and he attended his first nGAP writing retreat at Mont Fleur in March 2021.

“It was interesting to meet and get to know other nGAP members, especially as they come from so many different faculties and have such varying interests. I am looking forward to attending future writing retreats,” he said.

“I am glad to also have made very good friends from my birthplace and far from home.”

Apart from support within UCT, Chili appreciates the love and support of family.

“I am grateful to be part of a lovely family, with me being the first born. I have two siblings. My mom is our true hero. After my dad passed away in 2008, she raised us alone. She has given me freedom to pursue my interests and supported my decision to do postgraduate [studies] in mathematics. The world is a mysterious place, and I am glad to also have made very good friends from my birthplace and far from home.”

Apart from his academic life, Chili enjoys listening to music, playing soccer and a few chess games.