Sonwabile Mafunda received his PhD in Mathematics from the University of Johannesburg in South Africa, where his research focuses on graph theory, particularly the study of distance measures and graph automorphisms in graphs and digraphs. His research also includes aspects of algebra and cryptography, building on his MSc thesis from the University of KwaZulu-Natal that explored the applications of algebraic graph theory to cryptography.
Prior to joining Soka University of America, he was a full-time faculty at the University of Johannesburg, involved in lecturing, supervising (advising), research and service in mathematics. He has advised graduate students in graph theory and cryptography ranging from Honours to PhD.
He is also actively involved in projects that empower young researchers and enrich communities. One of his key contributions is the Winter School for STEM subjects, a program designed to inspire and support high school learners from underprivileged or underserved areas, where information dissemination is limited. More about these initiatives can be found on the School on Graph Theory website, also, TikTok and YouTube.
At Soka University, he has facilitated a learning cluster on Mathematics and Security, examining the impact of mathematics and cryptography on international relations and modern warfare.