Thirty years ago, the advent of democracy initiated the transformation of excluding millions from mathematics learning. According to the apartheid architect, teaching Natives mathematics was absurd since they would not use it in practice. This was based on the Job Reservation Act which barred the South African Natives from mathematical professions such as engineering. Hence, the demise of apartheid came with the birth of transforming the exclusion of the masses from mathematics education which would enable provide access to professions requiring mathematical proficiency. This paper will track the progress that has been made to facilitate the transformation of mathematics education in schools. The main facilitator is the South African Constitution whose aim is to improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person. Statistics on the trends of the blatant failure to free the mathematical potential for each person in the country which is manifested in the persistent poor mathematics participation in schools. Justifying this failure, the mainstream mathematics education research has fabricated mathematics misconceptions held by learners. However, grades 7, 8 and 9 national mathematics curriculum is fraught with errors such as confusing algebraic expressions are confused with algebraic equations. Yet, distinguishing between the two is central to mastering algebra. The paper concludes based on both theory and the reality in schools that mathematics education in South Africa has failed to transform from its dark and sad history. Contemporary mathematics education research is actively and creatively sustaining the past.

Authors:
Dudu Ka Ruth Mkhize, South African Youth into Engineering Programme, South Africa

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Dudu Mkhize, went through Bantu Education, an apartheid pillar to subdue South African natives. She is currently running math clinics in rural schools. Her passion is comparative research between apartheid and post-apartheid school math.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

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