Originally from Zimbabwe, Hakata completed his BSc and honours degrees at Bindura University of Science Education, earning eight academic awards during his studies, including the prestigious Overall Best Graduating Student Award, while achieving distinctions in almost all his modules. He graduated with a Master’s in Applied Mathematics with distinction from Rhodes University in 2021.

His interest in applied mathematics developed during his honours studies when a time series analysis revealed hidden trends in data. Hakata was amazed to witness how predictions from his mathematical model aligned with actual observations, revealing the power of mathematics to decipher and explain real-world phenomena. The bridging of theory with observation in applied mathematics provided the vehicle for Hakata’s growing fascination with the subject.

UKZN’s strong reputation in mathematical sciences led Hakata to the Institution, especially as he was interested in astrophysics. The vibrant environment, access to excellent supervision and the University’s commitment to postgraduate research made his experience positive. Hakata appreciated the supportive academic community, diverse campus and opportunities to engage in high-level research with real-world relevance.

His research involved the 1+1+2 covariant formalism in spherically symmetric spacetimes, with a particular interest in gravitational energy dynamics. Applying this formalism enabled Hakata to analyse the transfer and evolution of gravitational energy, mirroring classical concepts of energy flow in electromagnetism.

This research helps simplify the complex Einstein Field Equations under spherical symmetry and the analysis of gravitational systems. His investigations contribute to understanding energy transfer mechanisms in isolated systems such as stars, black holes and other compact astrophysical objects. They bridge theoretical physics with observational cosmology by providing a clearer picture of how gravitational energy behaves in the universe.

He answered a long-standing research question: What makes a shear-free spherical perfect fluid inhomogeneous with tidal effects, providing insight into how specific geometric and physical properties interact in curved spacetime? He also provided a clear and rigorous description of the process of gravitational induction, a challenging concept in physics, offering a novel and intuitive way to interpret this phenomenon using the 1+1+2 formalism.

These findings have been peer-reviewed and published in highly-rated scientific journals.

The support of his supervisors, Professor Rituparno Goswami and Professor Sunil Maharaj, helped Hakata secure National Research Foundation funding to support his studies, and UKZN’s fee remission initiative for postgraduate students significantly eased his financial burdens.

Adjusting to a new university was another challenge that was helped by his supervisors’ open-door policy and the support of staff in the discipline that ensured he remained on track.

Hakata balanced family life with his studies, working from home in the company of his wife, Carolene, and four children Jennifer, Evelyn, Elton and Elvin, while also being an ad hoc lecturer at UKZN. Excellent time management, clear boundaries, and structured schedules ensured Hakata’s success.

He also factored in running a YouTube channel to support and motivate undergraduate students.

Hakata is now pursuing postdoctoral studies at UKZN to broaden his astrophysics knowledge under Professor Subharthi Ray’s supervision. He plans a career in academia, hoping to lecture full-time to inspire the next generation of students while continuing his research.

Hakata thanked his wife and children for their unwavering support and understanding, saying their love and encouragement motivated him; Goswami and Maharaj for their guidance, mentorship and patience which shaped his research and academic growth; and Ray for the opportunity to pursue postdoctoral research.

He is also grateful to his mother and brother, Jasper, for their spiritual support, and acknowledged UKZN and the National Research Foundation for their academic and financial support as well as his friends, colleagues and discipline staff for their moral support and for creating a collaborative atmosphere.

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini