SIG: History of OR in SA webinar

The early years of operations research in South Africa – a personal perspective

Activities in operations research in various fields in South Africa from 1950 until 1974, fifty years ago, are discussed. This includes descriptions of applications of operations research and information regarding the establishment in 1963 of a section for operations research in the National Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences at the CSIR in Pretoria. Gradually courses in operations research in various forms were introduced at some universities. Discussion groups on operations research were active in Johannesburg and Cape Town in the late 1960s. A National Co-ordinating Committee for Operations Research was elected in 1968 and through their efforts the founding conference of the Operations Research Society of South Africa (ORSSA) was held in Johannesburg in 1969. Three early ORSSA chapters were formed in Johannesburg (1970), Pretoria (1970) and Cape Town (1972). The contributions of several individuals in those early years are mentioned, also with reference to positions which they held and awards that they received in later years.

Prof. Gerhard Geldenhuys is an Emeritus Professor of Applied Mathematics at Stellenbosch University. He has made significant contributions to the field of operations research in South Africa and is a key figure in ORSSA. Prof Geldenhuys has been instrumental in mentoring numerous students and professionals, advancing the discipline through both academic and practical applications. Prof Geldenhuys' leadership and expertise have helped shape the direction of operations research in the country and he is recognised as an honorary life member of the Society. In addition to his contributions to operations research, prof Geldenhuys is an award-winning genealogical researcher. His research has been crucial in uncovering the molecular causes of inherited diseases, earning him the Huguenot Society and DF-du-Toit-Malherbe Prize for Genealogical Research.”