Students and lecturers at Sol Plaatje University (SPU) recently marked the International Day of Mathematics on Friday, 13 March, through a series of interactive activities that brought together participants from across academic programmes.
The celebration, organised by the Mathematics Education discipline within the Department of Mathematics, Natural Science and Technology Teaching in the Faculty of Education, included students from the Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase, Senior Phase and Further Education and Training (FET) programmes, as well as Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) students. Participants from the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences also joined the event, creating an interdisciplinary space for collaborative engagement around mathematics and STEM learning.
Observed globally on 14 March and widely known as Pi Day, the International Day of Mathematics recognises the important role mathematics plays in education, science, technology and everyday life. The global initiative promotes greater awareness of how mathematical thinking contributes to innovation, scientific discovery and technological advancement.
The programme opened with welcoming remarks by Professor Moloi Tshele, Associate Professor in Mathematics Education, who encouraged students to appreciate mathematics not only as an academic discipline but also as a powerful tool for innovation and problem solving in modern society.
Throughout the afternoon, students presented a range of interactive mathematics activities and demonstrations designed to showcase creative approaches to teaching and learning. Foundation Phase students introduced a Family Mathematics activity that demonstrated how mathematical concepts can be taught through engaging and accessible learning experiences for young learners.
A problem-solving session facilitated by Dr Thomas Jeffrey, Lecturer in Mathematics Teaching, challenged participants to apply critical thinking and mathematical reasoning to practical problems, reinforcing the importance of analytical thinking in mathematics education.
One of the highlights of the programme was a robotics and technology demonstration presented by Mrs Eva Mamabolo, Lecturer in Information Technology and campaign leader of Hackathon initiatives at SPU, together with her team. Mrs Mamabolo and her team recently gained recognition after winning a major technology competition in Gauteng, reflecting the growing integration of mathematics, coding and robotics in addressing real-world challenges.
Through the “Tanks Activity”, the team demonstrated how mathematical principles underpin robotics programming and automated systems. The activity illustrated how mathematics supports the development of modern technologies, inspiring students to explore innovation within STEM-related fields.
The programme also provided an opportunity for pre-service teachers to develop their teaching practice by designing and presenting mathematics activities aligned with their respective teaching phases. These practical experiences strengthen pedagogical knowledge and encourage creative approaches to teaching mathematics in the classroom.
By bringing together students, educators and innovators, the International Day of Mathematics celebration emphasised the continued importance of mathematics in shaping education, technological advancement and future career pathways.
Through initiatives that promote mathematical thinking and STEM engagement, Sol Plaatje University contributes to the development of analytical and problem-solving skills needed to address regional and national challenges. The university’s strategic priorities emphasise research, innovation and technological advancement as key drivers of knowledge production and socio-economic development.
