AIMS South Africa

➗ Can mathematics help us protect ourselves from scams, make healthier decisions, understand artificial intelligence and prepare for the future of work?

These questions were at the heart of Maths for Life, a community engagement event hosted by AIMS South Africa in partnership with Sonrise Assembly of God at the Ubuntu Centre in Muizenberg as part of South Africa’s inaugural National Science Month.

Through interactive exhibitions, posters and conversations, Mastercard Foundation Scholars at AIMS South Africa demonstrated how mathematics connects to everyday challenges — from financial planning and cybersecurity to health, water conservation, African art, surfing and artificial intelligence.

The event also featured a keynote address by Dr Michael Kateregga, Specialist Data Scientist at Old Mutual and an AIMS South Africa Alumnus, who explored the mathematics behind AI, the lessons of previous technological revolutions and how communities can prepare for the future of work.

Reflecting on his Anti-Scam Maths project, Daniel Boateng shared:

“My project, Anti-Scam Maths, set out to show ordinary community members in Muizenberg that basic mathematics is not just something you learn in school, but it is a practical tool that can protect you from losing your money to scammers.”

He added that one of the most memorable moments came when an older community member told him she had never imagined mathematics could protect her family from scammers.

The impact was also reflected in feedback from community participant Mrs Sakeenah Kankwende:

“I was touched and inspired by the students’ passion in their various fields. So moved by the wonderful work AIMS is doing for these young people... I definitely left having a different perspective on Maths.”

The outreach formed part of the scholars’ Science Communication Projects following their participation in the Africa Scientifique programme, delivered by the AIMS South Africa House of Science in partnership with African Gong.

AIMS South Africa’s impact is built through partnership.

We work with universities, funders, government, industry, schools, foundations, research institutions and community organisations to strengthen mathematical sciences, AI capacity, education and public engagement.

Partnerships help us expand access, support students, strengthen research, develop teachers, communicate science and build the skills Africa needs for the future.

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁. 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽.

Partner with us: https://aims.ac.za/partners/

🎓 Relive the AIMS South Africa 2025–2026 Recognition of Achievement Ceremony.

Watch highlights from a special celebration of 60 students from our AI for Science and Structured Master’s streams, with reflections from students, faculty and guest speakers.

We gratefully acknowledge the support of Google DeepMind and the Mastercard Foundation, as well as our university partners: the University of Cape Town, the The University of the Western Cape and Stellenbosch University.

▶️ Watch the video: https://youtu.be/N4HEyx1CuS0

AIMS South Africa Recognition of Achievement Ceremony July 2026 AIMS South Africa celebrated the achievements of its 2025–2026 Mast...

🔢 South Africa’s inaugural National Science Month was an opportunity to show just how relevant mathematics is to everyday life.

From 1–31 July 2026, National Science Month took place under the theme “Science, Technology and Innovation are for Everyone”, bringing together institutions across the country to make science more accessible, engaging and relevant.

AIMS South Africa launched its public outreach activities on 4 July at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) in Sebokeng, where more than 100 exhibitors from universities, research councils, science centres, government departments and industry came together to celebrate science and innovation.

Representing AIMS South Africa were Africa Scientifique alumni Lavender Ayako, Marry Thekhwe and Ruth Abbey, who hosted the only exhibition dedicated exclusively to the mathematical sciences. Through maths puzzles, logic games, presentations and interactive activities, they demonstrated how mathematics underpins science, technology and innovation and can help address real-world challenges.

Lavender Ayako reflected: “At the AIMS South Africa exhibition stand, we had the opportunity to introduce visitors to AIMS, the postgraduate programmes it offers, and the diverse career paths available after graduation. I also had the opportunity to present my Africa Scientifique project, explaining in simple terms how mathematics can be used to model and help mitigate flooding, one of the challenges affecting many communities today.”

She added: “It was exciting to demonstrate how mathematical sciences can contribute to solving real-world problems. NSM is an excellent initiative to inspire more young people to pursue careers in science, technology and innovation.”

Ruth Abbey also shared how the experience strengthened her as an emerging researcher: “Participating in the NSM Launch strengthened my confidence in communicating mathematics to diverse audiences. As an emerging researcher, I realised that effective science communication is just as important as conducting research.”

She added: “One lasting insight is that people become more interested in science when they are actively involved rather than simply listening.”

Together, we are making mathematics more accessible, relevant and inspiring while empowering the next generation of African scientists to communicate mathematical sciences beyond academia and engage meaningfully with society.

AIMS South Africa is pleased to announce that Dr Cerene Rathilal will join the institution as Academic Director on 1 December 2026.

Dr Rathilal is a mathematician specialising in Pointfree Topology, with broader interests in Algebra and Topology. She is currently a Senior Lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is also actively involved in initiatives that support emerging mathematicians and women in STEM.

We look forward to welcoming her to AIMS South Africa later this year.

Dr Jacques Rabie will serve as Acting Academic Director until 1 December 2026.

Read more: https://aims.ac.za/events/2026-new-academic-director/

Many students hesitate because they are unsure whether their background is suitable.

You do not need to have studied mathematics only. If you have completed an Honours degree or a 4-year degree with a strong mathematics component, you may be eligible to apply to the AIMS South Africa Master’s in Mathematical Sciences.

Students from mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, physics, computer science, engineering, data science, quantitative finance and related fields are encouraged to review the requirements.

Do not self-select out too early. If you are South African and have the mathematical foundation and the ambition to take your training further, submit your application before the deadline.

Applications close 𝟯𝟭 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.

Apply now: https://shorturl.at/yXf0s

AIMS South Africa’s work is strengthened by partners who share a commitment to African scientific talent, innovation and opportunity.

We are grateful for partnerships with organisations such as the Mastercard Foundation and Google DeepMind, whose support helps expand access, build future-facing skills, and create opportunities in areas such as mathematics, artificial intelligence, science education and public engagement.

We also acknowledge the importance of government support and public-sector collaboration in strengthening the wider science, education and innovation ecosystem.

AIMS South Africa’s impact is not built alone. It is built through shared vision, long-term commitment and partnership.

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁. 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽.

Learn more: https://aims.ac.za/partners/

📢 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮!

This National Women’s Month, we honour the remarkable South African women who have paved the way for our generation and reaffirm our commitment to addressing profound ongoing gender inequalities in South Africa’s science, technology, and innovation (STI) sectors, shaped by various sociocultural, policy, and systemic factors. Bridging this gap is crucial not only for transformation and equity but also for delivering the Sustainable Development Goals across the African continent.

AIMS South Africa, in partnership with Gong, proudly presents the 2026 WAFIRA Capacity-Building Programme (Women’s Advancement Forum: International Exchanges, Research & Academia), empowering women in mathematical sciences through leadership training, skills development, mentorship, networks and strategic support for successful academic, research, and industry career progression pathways.
Don’t miss the upcoming workshop: “Advancing Women in Mathematical Sciences”!
📅 Date: 27 - 29 October 2026
📍 Location: AIMS South Africa, Muizenberg, Cape Town
🕗 Daily Time: 08:30 - 17:30

🌟 Only 20 spots left for external participants!
External participants (non-AIMS South Africa) must be female postgraduate (Hons’, Masters’ and PhD’s) students in mathematical sciences (mathematics, physics, computer science & statistics) registered at Higher Education and Research Institutions in South Africa.

Applications from external participants must be endorsed by their Head of Department (or an equivalent institutional authority). Participation in the 2026 WAFIRA Workshop is subject to institutional endorsement and any relevant collaborative agreements between the applicant's institution and the workshop organisers.

Applications from external participants based outside South Africa unfortunately will not be considered for this Workshop due to logistical constraints.

AIMS will provide accommodation in Muizenberg and all meals during the duration of the workshop for the external participants.
📜 Participants will receive certificates upon completion.
👉 Register here: ➡️https://forms.gle/nAtarvDjkJrcn3pb6⬅️
Deadline for the submission of the application: 31st August 2026
Registration is free of charge for this workshop, but space is limited!! We will allocate space on a first-come, first-served basis.

AIMS House of Science

AIMS South Africa welcomes opportunities to connect mathematics and science with society.

Through AIMSSEC and the AIMS House of Science, we support mathematics education, teacher development, science communication, outreach, exhibitions and public engagement.

Whether your focus is schools, learners, teachers, communities or science-and-society activities, we invite you to connect with us.

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁. 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽.

Explore more: https://aims.ac.za/science-and-society

The AIMS House of Science also helps students develop as science communicators.

Through training and public engagement opportunities, students learn to explain complex mathematical and scientific ideas clearly, confidently and creatively to different audiences.

This is an important part of developing future scientists: not only producing knowledge, but helping society understand, question and use it.

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁. 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽.

Learn more: https://aims.ac.za/science-and-society/house-of-science/