Mathematics

This chapter examines some ways Africa has been conceptualized vis-à-vis Mathematics, which is generally denoted as the abstract science of number, quantity, and space. Accordingly, the major question probed is this: How has Africa been conceptualized in terms of the academic discipline of Mathematics? Thus, and for the sake of brevity, the following three among the most discussed aspects of the nexus between Africa and the academic discipline of Mathematics are explored in the chapter: (1) Africa as the birthplace of Mathematics, (2) the state of school Mathematics education in South Africa, and (3) the best mathematics teacher in the world being Sandile Mathebula. Before examining these features, however, I begin with a brief review of how the field of Mathematics is commonly conceptualized. In the end, a conclusion is drawn and recommendations tendered.