National Mathematics Week

The Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Mosibudi Mangena, fully supports the declaration of 13-17 September 004 as National Mathematics Week by the South African National Committee for the International Mathematical Union (IMU) and its member organisations, the Association for Mathematics Education of South Africa (AMESA) and the South African Mathematical Society (SAMS).

The main purpose of the National Mathematics Week is to highlight the beauty, utility and applicability of Mathematics and also dispel the myth that this subject is difficult, cold, abstract and only accessible to a few super-intelligent human beings.

This challenges the educators to make Mathematics more interesting, attractive, relevant, challenging, rewarding and engaging to the learners and the community at large. This could be achieved through highlighting the impact of Mathematics on our daily lives, and stressing its importance as a foundation subject for careers in science, engineering, technology and managerial jobs. In this way, Mathematics is a gateway subject that is a primary science in unlocking all the secrets of both natural and scientific discoveries.

One way in which we can attack the twin scourges of unemployment and poverty is by increasing the participation of our learners in Mathematics. This will help us as a country to develop a critical mass of innovative, multi-skilled and adaptable workforce that can deal with the challenges of developing a growing and sustainable economy.

The learner is at the centre of our efforts to radically increase scientific literacy. That is why the learner must realise that his or her successful performance is a reward for days and nights of hard work, dedication, commitment and sacrifice.

Issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology.