Siyakhula: Growing Mathematics in Africa

From March 17 to 22, 2024, AIMS South Africa hosted the Siyakhula Festival, a week-long celebration in Muizenberg, Cape Town. Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of AIMS, this event also marked the 12th anniversary of the German Research Chairs Program and the 10th anniversary of the Centre of Excellence in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (CoE-MaSS).
„Siyakhula,“ translated as „we grow“ in Zulu, symbolizes the significant growth and impact of AIMS and its partners on mathematical sciences across Africa and beyond, promoting international scientific collaboration. 

The agenda included workshops on mathematical optimization, sessions on artificial intelligence for climate change mitigation, and dialogues on women in mathematics, all aimed at fostering engagement and discussions. The opening ceremony welcomed members of AIMS, including students, alumni, and delegates from partner universities, institutions, and politicians, to celebrate AIMS‘ significant progress over the past two decades. 

Prof. Neil Turok, founder of AIMS, inaugurated the festival with a speech about the origins of AIMS. He recalled how he acquired the building in Muizenberg and the idea of establishing an institute for mathematics arose while teaching in Lesotho. There, he noticed that the most talented student was the poorest. Turok emphasized the importance of mathematical sciences to modern society, as they form the foundation for areas such as health, education, and technology. He highlighted that mathematical methods play a universal and culturally transcendent role, supporting planning and problem-solving in all areas of life. For Turok, mathematical sciences are the key to our future. 

AIMS was introduced as a pan-African institution that attracts a diverse student body from across Africa. The outstanding international lectures at AIMS were described as challenging yet rewarding, with students, tutors, and lecturers living together and creating a 24-hour learning environment. Currently, over 74% of AIMS alumni are employed in Africa. AIMS aims for gender equality with a 50/50 ratio of women and men and plans to build new campuses in AIMS Senegal and AIMS Rwanda. 

On Thursday, Human Rights Day, the celebration of the German Research Chairs (GRC) Program took place at AIMS. It included keynote addresses from distinguished guests. Prof. Sabine Döring, State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in Germany, emphasized the pride and commitment of the German community to the development of AIMS across Africa, as education is also a human right. Minister Dr. B.E. Nzimande, South Africa’s Minister of Education and Science, addressed „Government Policy Requirements for Mathematical Science and Transformation Agenda in South Africa,“ emphasizing the role of mathematical sciences in innovation and national development and praising the work of AIMS. 

The event included the presentation of each GRC, where they shared their stories and explained their reasons for studying mathematics. A panel discussion with Dr. Marcia Socikwa and Prof. Sabine Döring delved into how such international collaborations could further enhance the research landscape. 

A poster session allowed for the presentation of the research areas of each GRC and their collaborative partners. The scholarship recipients of the SyOSu Africa project between AIMS Rwanda and TU Ilmenau presented their research findings using their posters, thus practicing the presentation of scientific contributions and experiencing a scientific exchange. 

The celebration is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), implemented by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

Please visit the Event Homepage  for more information.

Posters of the SyOSu Africa project: