Workshop and Conference on Computational Mathematics and Modelling

About the Workshop

The Annual Workshop and Conference on Computational Mathematics and Modelling (WOCCOM2026) is designed as a five-day event. It includes a three-day workshop session that will give a review of climate modelling and the numerical modelling of climate problems and a two-day conference where attendees present research findings.

The event aims to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications, especially for postgraduate students and early-career academics. The event will be hosted at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and includes distinguished members of the scientific committee from various institutions.

Key Themes

• Large Language Models (LLMs)
• Climate Models
• Block-Hybrid Method

Conference and Workshop Flyer

Workshop Facilitators

Prof. Sandile Motsa

Professor Sandile Motsa is the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Eswatini, with over 20 years of distinguished research and teaching experience. After working at the University of Swaziland for about 10 years, Professor Motsa joined the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in November 2011 as Associate Professor of Applied Mathematics. He served five years at UKZN before returning to the University of Swaziland in December 2016, where he led the Mathematics Department as the Head of the Department. In January 2019, he was elected Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, a role he continues to hold.
Professor Motsa also maintains visiting professorship positions at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Wits University. His research projects primarily focus on developing innovative numerical methods to solve intricate mathematical models originating in various scientific and engineering disciplines. He is particularly passionate about employing technology to tackle mathematical problems modeled as differential equations. With an extensive publishing record, Professor Motsa has authored over 200 research articles in esteemed academic journals and contributed to more than 10 book chapters in applied mathematics, physics, and engineering.
Beyond his academic commitments, Professor Motsa played an instrumental role in the Southern Africa Mathematical Sciences Association (SAMSA), serving as Vice-President from 2014 to 2018, and President from 2019 to 2022. He is also a founding member of the Kingdom of Eswatini Academy of Science (KEAS).
Professor Motsa's dedication to expanding mathematical sciences is not confined to the kingdom of Eswatini. He has conducted over 20 workshops on Computational Methods in countries including Angola, Kenya, India, Mozambique, and South Africa. With the advent of generative AI, offering infinite possibilities in teaching and research, Professor Motsa's current research is venturing into the thrilling domains of artificial intelligence tools and large language models. These explorations aim at enhancing mathematical modeling and numerical analysis research, reflecting his continuous zeal to integrate technology into education and research.

Dr. Nosipho Zwane

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Mr. Siyabonga Nozwane

Siyanbonga Nozwane is a Climate Change and Variability Scientist at the South African Weather Service (SAWS) and an MSc candidate in Interdisciplinary Global Change Studies at the Wits Global Change Institute. His research focuses on regional climate change projections for South Africa using CMIP6 multi-model ensemble analysis, with a particular interest in temperature and precipitation extremes under future warming scenarios. He specializes in climate modelling, the development of Python-based analytical pipelines for large-scale climate model outputs, and the translation of complex climate science into actionable information for policy and planning across sectors. Alongside his technical work, Siyabonga is committed to bridging the gap between climate science and the policy and planning decisions that shape how South Africa adapts to a changing climate.

Dr. Shina Daniel Oloniiju

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Plenary Speakers

Prof. Thando Ndarana

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Prof. Montaz Ali

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Dr. Olumuyiwa Otegbeye

Dr. Otegbeye is a senior lecturer in the school of computer science and applied mathematics, at the University of the Witwatersrand. He holds a PhD in applied mathematics with a focus on spectral-based numerical methods for solving boundary layer fluid flow problems. His research interest is focused on the development and modification of computational and numerical methods for solving complex nonlinear systems of differential equations (ordinary, partial, fractional) that model several real-world processes. He is also interested in the modelling and analysis of epidemiological models, and the application of optimization in real-world problems that involve scarce resources. His work has been published in several reputable journals and international conference proceedings.