Big Numbers For Maths Event

25 June, 2009

By Gugu Mdlalose and Ken Mchunu

Durban is gearing up to host a world schools mathematics competition next month. The Mathematics Intercity Competition, a partnership between the Mathematics Association of South Africa and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, will attract hundreds of Grade 9 pupils from around the world, including Africa and South Africa, to Durban. They will take part in an acclaimed programme endorsed by the Office of the Presidency.

Deputy City Manager for Procurement and Infrastructure, Derek Naidoo, said the event was part of a wider programme aimed at tackling national skills shortages by sparking an interest in mathematics and science among youngsters. “South Africa needs scientists, doctors and engineers. It is for this reason that the City has started to build awareness around maths programmes so that pupils can develop an interest in the subject,” Naidoo said.

Ronel Mitchel, of the City’s Special Projects Office, which is organising the competition, said winners would receive bursaries and other exciting prizes. Naidoo said more than 500 delegates would visit eThekwini, including pupils, professors and academics from around the world. The Municipality would foot the bill, including meals and accommodation for participating teams. Local businesses have been invited to participate and contribute to the success of this programme. Mitchel said: “In past years, South African teams have been hosted by China, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Taiwan. “The economic downturn has made sponsorship difficult. This is why we are urging all KwaZulu-Natal businesses, big and small, to show the international academic community the hospitality and enthusiasm for which Durban is renowned.”

Meanwhile, maths whizz kid Arlton Gilbert, of Star College received a camera from Deputy Mayor Logie Naidoo last week, as a token of appreciation for representing the City well over the years. Chatsworth-born Gilbert has won a string of medals at international schools competitions, including the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad in Benin and other world schools’ olympiads. Naidoo said supporting promising pupils like Gilbert was an investment in the country’s future. Mitchel said Gilbert would represent the country at the prestigious International Mathematics Olympiad in Bremen, Germany, later this year.

mdlaloseg@durban.gov.za and mchunuk@durban.gov.za

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