JOHANNESBURG - Every year on 14 March, mathematicians, students and teachers around the world celebrate the International Day of Mathematics, a day dedicated to highlighting how numbers, patterns and logic shape modern life.
But the choice of date is far from random.
March 14 corresponds to 3/14, the first digits of the mathematical constant π (pi) -- approximately 3.14.
While π may be famous for describing the relationship between a circle’s circumference and its diameter, the day itself is meant to highlight something much bigger.
"Mathematics underpins many of the systems and technologies that shape everyday life -- from secure communications and data analysis to navigation technology and scientific modelling," said Dr Madelein Thiersen, lecturer at the School for Mathematical and Statistical Sciences.
Experts say the discipline is also central to tackling global challenges such as artificial intelligence, climate change, energy systems and sustainable development.
Maths challenges in South Africa
Despite its importance, mathematics education in South Africa still faces several hurdles.
"One of the biggest is the uneven distribution of resources across schools, which affects access to qualified teachers, quality learning materials and supportive classroom environments," Thiersen said.
Another issue is the way many learners perceive the subject.
"Many students grow up believing mathematics is only for a small group of exceptionally talented people. This belief can create anxiety and discourage learners from engaging with the subject," she said.
Universities also report that many first-year students struggle with mathematics because they have had limited exposure to deeper mathematical reasoning and problem-solving at school.
Inspiring the next generation
Thiersen said that, despite these challenges, several initiatives across the country aim to spark interest in mathematics among young people.
One of the most well-known is the South African Mathematics Olympiad, which encourages learners to tackle creative mathematical problems beyond the standard school curriculum.
Another influential institution is the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), which nurtures mathematical talent across Africa and shows how mathematics can be applied in fields such as data science, artificial intelligence and finance.
Universities and mathematical societies also host maths days, outreach programmes, puzzles and interactive workshops designed to make the subject more engaging for learners.
Changing the way children see maths
"Encouraging a love for mathematics often starts with curiosity and exploration.
"Parents and teachers can help by introducing children to puzzles, logical games and pattern-recognition activities that make mathematical thinking fun," she said.
Understanding concepts -- rather than memorising formulas -- is also key to building confidence.
Educators say it is equally important to normalise mistakes when learning mathematics, since solving problems often requires experimentation and persistence.
Breaking the myths about mathematics
One of the most common misconceptions is that mathematics is simply about numbers and calculations.
"In reality, modern mathematics is more about patterns, structures and logical reasoning, concepts that underpin fields such as computer science, engineering and artificial intelligence.
"Another myth is that people are either good at maths or not," Thiersen said.