Background and Rationale

Our country faces many challenges, the main focus being that of economic development. An accelerated economic development should be spearheaded by appropriate technological innovations and advancement. For this to happen there is general consensus that the quality of teaching and learning mathematics is central to any curriculum. 

Conscious that the future prosperity of South Africa depends on increased numbers of mathematically qualified personnel, the two professional societies for mathematics in the country, the South African Mathematical Society (SAMS) and the Association for Mathematics Education of South Africa (AMESA), together representing the entire mathematics community in South Africa, acknowledge that there are common areas of operation in terms of mathematics development and education in this country and hence the need to pool the resources of the two organisations to meet the challenges. 

In respect of mathematics the issues such as equity, redress, transformation and access will be one of the main focus areas of the Foundation in the short term. Furthermore in the light of the current demand for job creation and the challenge to be globally competitive the Foundation will strive to create an environment that will promote cutting edge technological competitiveness.  The Foundation has identified areas of focus and challenges:

·         Few learners do mathematics at FET level.
·         The need for mathematical literacy.
·         Poor public image of the state of mathematics.
·         Shortage of appropriately equipped teachers of mathematics.
·         Lack of appreciation and acknowledgement of mathematics as the basis for scientific and technological advancement.
·         The concern of stakeholders of the competency level of our learners in mathematics     

Both these two societies have so far been run by mathematicians or mathematics educators in their spare time; university and other tertiary educators as well as secondary and primary school educators doing this job for the love of it.  With these limited resources the two societies have so far been remarkably successful in their efforts, but it has now become clear that both these societies have reached a point where no further significant contribution towards a solution to the problem can be made in their current capacity. 

For an efficient coordination and administration of the listed activities an administrative support structure is needed.  This will ensure that the combined skills, know-how and professional capabilities of the members of these two societies can be utilised in a professional manner. 

Through a national office for mathematics in the country, it will be possible to exploit the infrastructure and know‑how of both AMESA and SAMS and incorporate and extend a number of existing programmes. 

Participation in extramural activities will provide educators with the experience and confidence to approach curriculum changes with a positive attitude.  It is likely that enrichment material will in turn develop into topics suitable for inclusion in school syllabuses.

The central target market will be the mathematics educators and future users of mathematics. 

The autonomy of each organisation SAMS and AMESA is acknowledged and respected.  The aim is to provide administrative and other logistical support where needed and to further develop the activities in which both organisations are involved.

Aims and Objectives

1.    To create a mathematically enabling environment which provides opportunities for all learners to develop to their fullest potential.
2.    To inculcate a culture of mathematics.
3.    To appreciate and acknowledge the critical role of mathematics in the technological environment.
4.    To create a broad base for mathematics participation by all stakeholders specifically including the learners and mathematics educators.
5.    To create opportunities for global interaction and competitiveness.
6.    To popularise mathematics among all South Africans and to assist in improving the public image of mathematics in South Africa, acknowledging the critical role of mathematics in the technological environment.
7.    To develop programmes that will contribute to the mathematical development of all South Africans.
8.    To impact positively on the standard of mathematics teaching and learning.
9.    To promote research in mathematics and mathematics Education.
10.    To enable educators to participate in co-curricular programmes in order to provide them with the necessary skills and confidence to meet the challenges of curriculum changes.
11.    To provide administrative and logistical support to AMESA and SAMS and to develop a central focus for the societies.
12.    To liase with organisations and stakeholders with similar aims and objectives.