Dr Temba Shonhiwa

Temba Shonhiwa (25 May 1958 – 24 October 2009) was a Zimbabwean mathematician and educator known for his contributions to number theory and mathematical education in Africa.
==Early Life and Education==
Temba Shonhiwa was born in Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe, the third son of Mawire N. and Jessica Shonhiwa. He attended Moleli Secondary School in Zimbabwe and later pursued further education at Oxford College for Further Education, United Kingdom. In 1981, he earned his B.Sc. with Honors in Mathematics from the University of Zimbabwe, followed by an M.Sc. in Applied Mathematics from Bristol University, United Kingdom, in 1984. In 1996, he completed his Ph.D. in Pure Mathematics from West Virginia University, USA, under the supervision of Professor Henry W. Gould.
==Career==
Dr. Shonhiwa's academic career began in 1986 as a lecturer in the Mathematics Department at the University of Zimbabwe. He held various teaching positions, including roles at West Virginia University, Chowan College in North Carolina, USA, University of Swaziland, and Senior Lecturer at Wits University in Johannesburg, South Africa. He served as Chair of Mathematics at the University of Zimbabwe and was actively involved in mathematical research and education throughout his career.
==Academic Contributions==
Dr. Shonhiwa's research primarily focused on number theoretic functions and he published extensively in peer-reviewed journals. His notable works include "A Catalogue of Interesting Dirichlet Series" and "Generalised LCM Product Functions." He was recognized for his intellectual contributions with numerous academic awards and fellowships.
==Professional Affiliations==
Dr. Shonhiwa was deeply engaged in the mathematical community, serving as President of the Southern Africa Mathematical Sciences Association (SAMSA) in 2008. He was also a prominent member of Mathematicians of the African Diaspora, advocating for the advancement of mathematics in Africa.
==Personal Life and Legacy==
Dr. Shonhiwa married Fortune on 18 June 1990, and they had a son named Tatenda. He was known not only for his scholarly achievements but also for his advocacy for freedom and good governance in Zimbabwe. He actively participated in political commentary and was a poet, contributing to both scholarly and cultural communities.
==Later Years and Legacy==
In his later years, Dr. Shonhiwa battled colon cancer. Despite undergoing extensive treatments, the cancer returned, and he passed away on 24 October 2009. He was buried in Zimbabwe and left behind his wife, son, father, three brothers, a sister, and several nieces and nephews. His death marked a significant loss to the global mathematical community.
==Publications==
Dr. Shonhiwa authored several influential publications in his field, including articles in journals such as the Rocky Mountain Journal, Quaestiones Mathematicae, and the Fibonacci Quarterly. His dissertation, "Investigations in Number Theoretic Functions," remains a cornerstone of his academic legacy.
==Recognition and Tributes==
Throughout his career, Dr. Shonhiwa received recognition for his outstanding contributions to mathematics in Africa and beyond. His colleagues and students remember him not only for his mathematical prowess but also for his kindness and mentorship.
Category:1958 births
Category:2009 deaths
Category:Zimbabwean mathematicians
Category:Zimbabwean people