On 2 August 2025, a group of AIMS Master’s Students and Alumni joined over 100 exhibitors from universities, research councils, science centres, government departments and industry partners at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) to celebrate the launch of this year’s National Science Week (NSW).
NSW is an annual flagship initiative of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation, designed to bridge the gap between science and society and foster innovation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) across South Africa. The NSW 2025 theme was “Science, technology and innovation are for everyone”.
Representing AIMS were current students and Africa Scientifique programme 2023 & 2025 Alumni Ms Sophy Kgoahla, Ms Morongwa Ralefeta, Ms Tsiry Meva Sisih Rakotondratoetra, Ms Marry Thekhwe, alongside alumni Mr Ndivhuwo Mphephu and Ms Promise Mathebula (both now working at Standard Bank). The AIMS exhibition was unique, as it was the sole stand dedicated to mathematics.
High school learners were especially drawn to a hands-on geometry activity, where they created paper cubes without glue or sticks ensuring the structures stood independently. The simple yet challenging exercise illustrated the creative and practical side of mathematics. The activity showed students that mathematics is not only about theory and equations but it can also be hands-on, fun, and creative.”
Beyond activities, the AIMS team shared insights into the organisation’s history, vision, and training programmes, highlighting career pathways in mathematics. They also announced the January 2026 intake call for applications, which inspired learners upon hearing that AIMS degrees are conferred in partnership with UWC, UCT, or Stellenbosch University.
Students and learners engaged deeply, some curious about research opportunities, others about career prospects in mathematics. AIMS Alumni Mr. Mphephu and Ms. Mathebula served as real-life examples of how mathematical training can open doors to diverse careers, including finance and industry.
Some learners and university students expressed interest in exploring job prospects available to them upon obtaining a degree in mathematics. AIMS alumni, Mr. Mphephu and Ms. Mathebula, examplified how a mathematics qualification can lead to diverse career paths in academia and industry.
For the AIMS team, the event was not only about inspiring the next generation but also about strengthening their own public engagement and science communication skills.
As Tsiry Meva Sisih Rakotondratoetra reflected:
“This experience was meaningful because I felt confident in presenting an opportunity that had truly helped me, with the hope that it could also become a remarkable step in other students’ journeys. It was both a way to give back to AIMS and an opportunity for me to strengthen my science communication skills. I noticed different types of students: some were passionate about mathematics and eager to continue studying it, some shared their future goals, and others were particularly interested in hands-on activities, such as making a cube. At the same time, there were students who, upon simply seeing the word Mathematical, quickly turned away. Of course, everyone is free to pursue the field that interests them most, and not necessarily mathematics. However, it was clear to me that the common fear of mathematics remains very strong among many students.”
For Sophy Kgoahla, the day provided personal growth:
“This event gave me an opportunity to engage with people from different sectors and institutions, and it required me to reflect a lot on the lessons that I learnt during the African-Scientifique workshop, especially on utilizing my science communication skills. Most of the people that I met who are in the academia space were curious about my AIMS research, which required me to be explain complex concepts and make them simple while maintaining their original meaning. As someone who has always had a stage fright, at first I was stressed about being in the public space for too long, but as time went by I gained my confidence, this experience boosted my self confidence in public engagement.”
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