AIMS South Africa was delighted to celebrate the graduation of its January 2024 intake from the Master of Science in Mathematical Sciences programme. The Recognition of Achievement Ceremony, held on 28 November 2024, honoured the hard work and outstanding achievements of these dedicated students.

This latest cohort consists of 29 students, including 7 women, hailing from 9 African countries, with 11 students from South Africa. This brings the total number of AIMS South Africa graduates to 1,089, of whom 35% are women. The students on the AI for Science Stream, totaling 11 in this cohort, were funded by Google DeepMind, underscoring the programme’s commitment to developing cutting-edge AI talent in Africa.

Under the guidance of Academic Directors Prof. Claire David and Prof. Karin-Therese Howell, students have thrived, tackling complex scientific challenges and preparing to contribute to the global scientific community. 

The ceremony featured the conferring of Recognition of Achievement Certificates by the directors and an inspiring commencement address by Prof. Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research of Stellenbosch University, who noted, “African designs and African traditions itself  is embedded in mathematics itself, in the Ndebele art you can see the work of Mathematic behind it, Africa is rich in culture, rich in mathematics so it shouldn’t be a foreign language it is a language that we use to define what we are doing”

Highlighting the ceremony were performances by the AIMS choir and compelling student addresses delivered by: 

Ms Ingrid Thandeka Kabinde who said, “Before I joined AIMS, I was told it was an institution of minimal sleep, and my experience has certainly confirmed that. However, this minimal sleep has led to maximum success, which is why we are all here today. AIMS is more than just an institution; it’s a community that thrives on teamwork. It has taught me that to truly succeed, one cannot stand alone.”

Reflecting on his journey at AIMS and offering advice to future cohorts, Mr Esau Moyoweshumba shares a powerful message on resilience and perspective: “Be prepared for challenges. Embrace them with the attitude of a lion. In the jungle, despite many animals being bigger, faster, and stronger, the lion reigns as king because of its mindset. Every challenge it encounters is seen not just as an obstacle, but as an opportunity to grow.” 

“As he reflected on the transformative educational journey at AIMS and looked forward to future aspirations, Mr Herman Franclin Tesso Tassang emphasised the unique opportunity provided to the students: “You were selected amongst thousands of students across Africa for this programme, and it was not because we were the smartest, but because AIMS believed in our potential and gave us the opportunity.'”

The event recognised top achievers for their outstanding performance. In the Structured Master’s Stream, the top achievers were Ms Comfort Sunday Jones, Mr Lindokuhle Nhlakanipho Manana, and Mr Siyanda Kabelo Maswanganye. In the AI for Science Stream, the accolades went to Mr Pelumi Victor Aderinto, Mr Isaac Temiloluwa Omolayo, and Mr Herman Franclin Tesso Tassang.

Prof. Ulrich Paquet, Director of AIMS, expressed how proud he and the entire AIMS staff team are of graduates: “These brilliant minds are not just the future of science in Africa. They are poised to make significant impacts worldwide. Today, AIMS celebrates the end of a year of incredibly hard work with them. We are immensely proud of each of our graduates!”