President Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi officially opened the Southern African Mathematical Sciences Association, (SAMSA) Monday in Palapye, based on the theme, “Mathematical Sciences: A catalyst in driving a knowledge based economy,” saying spectacular advances in Mathematics, especially in the theory of
dynamical systems and stochastic analysis will continue to drive technological innovation and economic transformation.
With the influence of advances in computing technology, Mathematics is expected to continue playing an increasing role in the development of the physical and life sciences, as well as in technology.
“Mathematics however, is more than just peculiar theorems and occasional popular achievements. The fact of the matter is that because of its precision and rigour, it is an indispensable tool for all the sciences, engineering and technology,” Masisi.
He said, “There are many examples in history from which the development of Mathematical methods, or an ingenious application of existing tools, led to the realization of revolutionary conceptual breakthroughs.”
Masisi observed that the Fifth Industrial Revolution is beckoning and that it was important for this conference to be part of the bigger plan of transforming and repositioning African economies in readiness for the new economic dynamics. The conference therefore aims amongst other issues to –
- Develop skills in the areas of Mathematics including Financial Mathematics, Statistics, Actuarial Sciences, etc., that are vital to our emerging stock markets, Banks and Insurance Companies in the SADC region;
- Address problems in Biomathematics such as wildlife control, disease control, for both Humans and Animals, and to make recommendations that will assist in arriving at informed policies;
- Engage teachers at both Primary and Secondary levels in order to arrest declining standards in Mathematics in our region; and
- To find ways of increasing the numbers of female Mathematicians in our region particularly in the tertiary level.
The value of Mathematics in various sectors of national economies has been demonstrated, decision makers and researchers have yet to take full advantage of its potential.
“The power of Mathematics and computing science in providing modelling and analytical tools is all too often overlooked, yet these provide the critical platforms for innovation,” said Masisi.
The SADC Region was encouraged to introduce new programmes of study at undergraduate and graduate levels, in areas such as Industrial Mathematics and Mathematical Modelling.
“I therefore, challenge our institutions of higher learning to rise to the task, including through deepening and broadening collaboration and partnerships between and among institutions in the region, and beyond,” said Masisi.
He said, “Let me also point out that while we advocate for increased research in Mathematics, it is imperative that we direct some of this research towards addressing the root causes of weaknesses in the subject of Mathematics in our schools. We have to examine how a combination of content, methodology, learning environment, physical resources, and the calibre of teachers, impact on the total delivery system of Mathematical competence.”
The SAMSA 2018 Conference is the 37th such conference of the association, and the 5th time that this annual conference is held in Botswana. In fact, by hosting this conference, Botswana has hosted more SAMSA conferences than any other SAMSA member state.
This conference brings together international experts on Mathematical Sciences. It includes 1 keynote speaker, 9 plenary sessions and 4 parallel workshops.
In addressing the conference theme, the expectation is that mathematical scientists will consider closely how both theoretical and applied mathematical sciences can be leveraged to transform Botswana’s economy from being resource-based to being knowledge-based.
Allow me, once again, to welcome you to this campus, to the SAMSA 2018 Conference, and to Botswana, with the hope and expectation that the interactions, deliberations and resolutions of this conference will be helpful in achieving the theme of this conference.
