The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Condemns Recent Xenophobic Violence in South Africa

21 April 2015
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African Media Agency (New York)
press release

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, 21 April 2015,-/African Media Agency (AMA)/-The African Institute for Mathematical Science (AIMS) joined South African corporations, non-government organisations and various stakeholders in the public and private sector across the world in speaking out against the recent xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals residing in South Africa. The first pan-African network of centres of excellence, which established its first centre in 2003 in Cape Town, provides innovative training and research opportunities in mathematical sciences to brilliant students from across the continent.

"On behalf of AIMS, I am deeply shocked and saddened by the recent xenophobic violence against foreign nationals in South Africa." said Professor Neil Turok, Founder of AIMS, who was born in South Africa. "It is clear that there are deeper socio-economic catalysts that have brought South Africa to this point. A motivating factor for the foundation of AIMS was to address these issues by creating an environment in which Africa's brightest students can become innovators who propel scientific, education and economic self-sufficiency. If we focus on the solutions, we can move not only South Africa but the continent forward towards sustainable prosperity and avoid conflict that leads to irreparable damage such as loss of life."

AIMS expressed its support of the South African Department of Science and Technology's statement, in which Minister Naledi Pandor stated: "Without the experience and expertise of these esteemed colleagues (from other African countries), who also fulfil the valuable role of mentors and guides to young South Africans, science and technology in our country would be very much the poorer. Let us also not forget that during their exile from South Africa, due to the denial of access to education opportunities by the apartheid regime, many South African scientists benefited from training and education in other African states."

The ongoing xenophobic violence in South Africa erupted in certain parts of Durban two weeks ago, and then spread to other parts of the country, including the Johannesburg CBD. Six people are reported to have been killed. The cause of the violence has been attributed to various historical, social and economic factors- with key drivers being poverty, unemployment and poor access to education, leaving migrants and the poorest South Africans competing for scarce jobs to make a menial living.

Since its inception, AIMS' objective has been to enable Africa's youth to shape the continent's future through Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) education. The organisation, which has centres in South Africa, Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon and Tanzania, offers Master's coursework in mathematical sciences and is focused on scientific training, cutting-edge research and public engagement. "We believe that many of the socio-economic stress factors that lead to conflict in Africa stem from insufficient investment in education and skills training," said Thierry Zomahoun, President and CEO of AIMS. "At AIMS, we embrace a spirit of pan-Africanism, where students from across Africa work together in a 24-hour live-work environment focused on applied solutions to development and global challenges. In this environment, our students also embrace tolerance, which curbs any stereotypical misconceptions the students may have about each other, and fosters friendship and collaboration- key elements for individual, national and continental growth."

AIMS has produced 748 mathematical scientists from 42 African countries including 240 women.

Distributed by African Media Agency on behalf of The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS).

About AIMS

Established in 2003, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is a network of innovative Pan-African centres for post-graduate education, research and educational outreach. The first AIMS centre opened in South Africa in 2003. The organisation currently operates additional centres in Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon and Tanzania, and is making a major contribution to the growth of scientific and technical capacity in Africa. The vision of AIMS is to lead the transformation of Africa through innovative scientific training, technical advances and breakthrough discoveries, which benefit the whole of society. The organisation works to grow independent thinkers, problem solvers and innovators capable of future scientific, educational and economic self- sufficiency.

Enquiries

Mimi Kalinda

E: mkalinda@nexteinstein.org

T: +27726881250

Source: The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)

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