TimesLIVE Premium reports that one of SA’s top academics, Prof Loyiso Nongxa, has expressed concerns about the dearth of “rated” female mathematicians in the country.
During a recent workshop, he pointed out that there had been only one A-rated female mathematician since the ratings were introduced in 1983 and fewer than 10 ‘B-rated’ female mathematicians and statisticians. According to the rating system by the National Research Foundation (NRF), A-rated refers to leading international researchers, B-rated academics are internationally acclaimed and C-rated are established researchers. Prof Jill Adler from Wits University is the only A-rated woman researcher in maths in the country, while there are five B-rated female researchers in maths and statistics. In comparison, there are eight males who are A-rated researchers in maths and statistics and 25 B-rated researchers. Nongxa indicated that one of his priority projects was providing women with opportunities for international exposure. Prof Karin-Therese Howell of Stellenbosch University said the low number of women in mathematical sciences was not just a concern in SA but worldwide. She said role models and mentors were central to attracting more female learners and supporting female academics. Prof Rajendran Govender of the University of the Western Cape said higher education institutions “were not doing enough in developing the next generation of young academics who can take on the responsibility to teach mathematics at undergraduate level”.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Prega Govender at TimesLIVE Premium
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