The South African Maths Challenge works to eliminate innumeracy
BRYANSTON – The challenge was launched in Bryanston and aims to develop a love for mathematics in South Africa.
The South African Mathematics Foundation and Nestlé South Africa announced the launch of the Nestlé Nespray South African Mathematics Challenge in Bryanston to encourage a love of maths in South African learners.
The maths challenge aims to foster a love of maths but also hopes to empower learners to become independent and critical thinkers who can think outside of the box. A panel discussion was hosted at the event which included Dr Dephney Mathebula, a PhD in mathematics honouree and lecturer, Sindiswa Mcosana the chief education specialist at the Department of Basic Education Chief Education, vice chairperson of the South African Mathematics Foundation, Professor Seithuti Moshokoa, Professor Lucia Meko, lecturer at University of Free State and dietitian and Adedoja Ekeruche, the business executive officer for Dairy Nestlé South Africa.
The panel also included Kgaogelo Bopape, a Grade 11 learner and Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad gold medal recipient, who is also representing South Africa at the 2019 International Mathematical Olympiad.
The panel highlighted how a love of maths is not limited to numbers but can encourage learners to think critically to tackle a range of problems. Mcosana highlighted that maths literacy in schools is not where they want them to be and only 35.4 per cent of learners in Grade 6 obtain a maths mark of over 50 per cent.
Mathebula and Bopape discussed how great maths teachers encouraged their love of maths and has helped to them to develop many other skills. Mathebula said that maths is a powerful tool that can be used to address a variety of problems, such as the control of infectious diseases. She added that regardless of someone’s background, maths is an equal challenge for everyone.
“Maths is always the same for everyone, regardless of your religion, your culture or your gender, maths is always maths,” said Mathebula.
Ekeruche added, “We believe that mathematics is a necessary enabler in the development of conceptual understanding, problem-solving skills, reasoning skills and the ability to apply knowledge in new situations. Together with our partner, the South African Mathematics Foundation and our stakeholders, we are helping to address the critical situation of mathematics performance of our young children. By amplifying the platform, we aim to make mathematics attractive and to make a difference by giving our children the support and opportunity they need to multiply their potential.”
The South African Mathematics Challenge organised by SAMF was started in 1977 and has grown considerably and now between 80 000 and 100 000 learners from more than 1 000 schools countrywide participate annually. The challenge is a national competition for Grades 4 to 7 learners and is endorsed by the Department of Basic Education.
For more information visit www.samf.ac.za/en/sa-mathematics-challenge
Share your thoughts on the maths challenge on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page
Related Articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/191435/maths-gurus-from-redhill-school-in-sandton-in-top-50-of-maths-olympiad/
