The University of Pretoria (UP) is celebrating six impactful years of Professor Vukosi Marivate’s tenure as the ABSA Chair of Data Science.
A leader in his field, Marivate has dedicated his career to advancing machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) methods, with a unique focus on integrating local African languages into cutting-edge technology.
He is an associate professor of Computer Science in UP’s Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT) and leads the Data Science for Social Impact Research Group within the department.
His research focuses on leveraging ML and AI to tackle societal challenges, with an emphasis on improving models and methods as well as the availability and utility of data for low-resource languages.
As the ABSA Chair of Data Science, Marivate’s contributions extend beyond academic excellence: he has laid a foundation for sustainable growth in data science, providing young researchers with the tools and opportunities to excel while addressing real-world challenges.
Gavin Cope, chief data and analytics officer, said of Marivate: “His advancements in
ML, and specifically AI and African language integration, reflect our shared vision of using data science to drive innovation, empower communities and create meaningful societal impact. We look forward to continuing this collaboration, advancing new breakthroughs and thought leadership that further empower Africa’s unique voices and shape transformative solutions for the future.”
Marivate’s research covers various fields, including science, energy, public safety and utilities, always seeking innovative solutions to pressing social issues. His work is based on the development of natural language processing (NLP) technologies for African languages.
As the chief investigator and co-founder of the Masakhane Research Foundation, Marivate collaborates with researchers to create tools and datasets that enable AI systems to support languages such as isiZulu, Sepedi and Setswana.
Through these initiatives, he contributes to preserving African linguistic heritage and ensuring that AI technologies meet the continent’s unique needs.
“Over the years, my work has focused on creating data and AI tools that can have a positive impact on lives and that advance the use of local African languages in technology,” Marivate said.
He added that the importance of local language data cannot be overstated. “It allows us to build inclusive systems that truly represent and serve diverse communities.”
The collaboration between UP and ABSA has been pivotal in promoting transformative research under Marivate’s leadership. This partnership has enabled the establishment of programmes that train the next generation of African data scientists, fund innovative research, and bring together academia, industry and government to address societal concerns.
“The support provided through this partnership has been instrumental in creating opportunities for students, fostering innovation, and driving impactful research,” Marivate said.
His dedication to advancing knowledge and innovation has earned him numerous accolades, including UP’s EBIT Exceptional Young Researcher Award.
“This recognition reflected not just my efforts but also the support of the incredible teams I’ve worked with,” he said.
Marivate is also a co-founder of Lelapa AI, an African start-up committed to developing AI solutions for Africans by Africans. Through this initiative, he fosters local innovation and ensures that African voices and needs are at the forefront of AI advancements.
Additionally, as a co-founder of the Deep Learning Indaba, he plays a key role in empowering and supporting African researchers and practitioners in ML and AI. This conference is now the leading platform on the continent for advancing knowledge and collaboration in the field.
Looking ahead, he hopes for a future where collaboration and innovation generate strategies to address global issues.
“The challenges we face require collective effort. By working together, we can create solutions that drive sustainable development and equity,” he said.