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Two Decades of Advancing Mathematics

Thursday, 16 May 2024

The South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) is proud to announce its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of dedication to promoting mathematics excellence in South Africa. Founded in 2004 by members of the South African Mathematical Society (SAMS) and the Association for Mathematics Education of South Africa (AMESA), SAMF has been instrumental in advancing mathematics education in the country. 

Key milestones in SAMF's history include:

  • 2005: SAMF took over the administration of the annual South African Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO), which was founded in 1966 by the SA Akademie.
  • 2011: SAMF took over the administration of the annual South African Mathematics Challenge (SAMC), originally founded in 1977 by Mona Leeuwenburg.
  • 2012: SAMF established the Advisory Committee on Mathematics (ACM) to provide guidance to the SAMF Board and other stakeholders on the development of mathematics and mathematics education research.
  • 2014: SAMF hosted the International Mathematical Olympiad for the first time on African soil at the University of Cape Town.
  • 2019: SAMF hosted the Psychology of Mathematics Education International Conference at the University of Pretoria.
  • 2020: Kgoagelo Bopape became the first Black South African learner to win a medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). Bopape was identified through the SA Maths Olympiad and received extensive training by SAMF.
  • 2021: SAMF became a member of the Kangourou sans Frontiè
  • 2022: In response to the COVID-19 crisis, SAMF presented its first-ever fully online training programme for primary school teachers in partnership with Limina Education Services.

Prof Kerstin Jordaan, Executive Director of the SAMF, expressed her appreciation for SAMF's journey over the past two decades, stating, "SAMF has been a cornerstone in advancing mathematics education in South Africa. We are proud of our achievements over the last 20 years and look forward to continuing our mission of promoting mathematics excellence in our country."

SAMF continues to play a vital role in nurturing mathematical talent, fostering a love for mathematics, and promoting excellence in the subject across South Africa.

The SAMF’s current projects include:

  • The South African Mathematics Challenge for primary school learners from Grade 4 to 7.
    • SAMC is not your typical maths competition. It's designed to push the limits of Grade 4 to 7 learners, encouraging them to explore beyond the confines of the standard curriculum. SAMC not only focuses on mathematical prowess but also nurtures essential soft skills. Learners acquire valuable skills such as time management, effective preparation strategies, and a positive mental attitude towards competitions.

  • The Old Mutual South African Mathematics Olympiad for high school learners from Grade 8 to 12.
    • SAMO introduces challenging math problems designed to stretch the limits of even the brightest minds. Participants face thought-provoking questions that go beyond the conventional, fostering a unique and intellectually stimulating experience. Success in SAMO opens doors not only to universities but also to future employers. The competition emphasises problem-solving skills, a key requirement in the 21st-century job market. SAMO participants stand out for their ability to think critically and creatively. Participate in SAMO and unlock a spectrum of benefits that go beyond academics, shaping well-rounded individuals ready for the challenges of the future.

  • Participation in the International Kangaroo Mathematics Competition (Kangourou sans Frontières ) for learners from Grade 3 to 12.

  • The South African Mathematics Olympiad training programme which consists of the following components:
    • Mathematics Talent Search targeting all Second-Round qualifiers
    • Olympiad camps targeting Third-Round participants
    • Bi-weekly face-to-face classes, known as the Siyanqoba Maths Olympiad Training Programme, targeting talented learners identified through the SAMO.
    • International participation in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) and Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO).

  • The Standard Bank South African Tertiary Mathematics Olympiad (SATMO)
    • The competition is open to all undergraduate students, i.e., students enrolled at a university without having already received a degree, who have not been studying for more than four years. There is no strict syllabus for the SATMO; we aim for ingenuity rather than subject knowledge.

  • The Mathematics Problem Solving Course for Teachers
    • The Mathematical problem-solving course aims to improve teachers’ skills in solving non-routine mathematical/Olympiad-type problems. In turn, this will result in an improved appreciation for solving mathematical problems on the part of the teachers which will ultimately trickle to learners as teachers engage them in problem-solving activities. The short course is hosted face-to-face or fully online in partnership with Limina Education Services.

  • AIMSSEC Teacher Training
    • Developed by the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Schools Enrichment Centre (AIMSSEC) and coordinated by the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) the training course has been a beacon of transformation in mathematics education. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, the training empowers educators to transcend traditional teaching approaches and embrace dynamic, engaging methods that ignite students' curiosity and enthusiasm for mathematics.

  • The My Maths Buddy Campaign
    • In 2016 SAMF signed a partnership agreement with Palanga Publishers to present learner and teacher workshops at primary and secondary schools. The aim is to improve learners’ maths terminology which in turn will improve their conceptual understanding. The campaign has achieved at least a 5% increase in maths results in most schools since its inception in 2013.

  • Komatsu Adopted Schools Mathematics Programme
    • Komatsu came on board as a new sponsor this year. They are supporting science education through SAASTA and contracted SAMF to focus on mathematics education in areas where they have operations. The program will include two components, namely the Mathematics Problem Solving Course for high school teachers and a Learner Development Programme, targeting the grade 10 to 12 learners from the same schools whose educators will be trained. Continued support to improve learners' and teachers’ confidence in mathematics will include monitoring visits, workshops, and award ceremonies at the targeted schools.

For more information about SAMF and its initiatives, please visit the SAMF website.

The SAMF team from left to right: Angeline Mashaba, Jacob Mosehle, Kagiso Monyela, Patrick Rasehwete, Ellie Olivier, Merriam Mokoane, Prof Kerstin Jordaan, David Ramaboka, Herman Bosman, and Thabo Ramaboea.

 

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