SolveMath

Mathematics for South Africa’s Greatest Challenges

Climate & Just Energy Transition Mathematics Labs

Curriculum modules and solar-powered lab kits developed in partnership with the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), the CSIR, and UCT’s Energy Systems Research Group. Labs teach mathematics through South Africa’s climate and energy transition challenges.

• Solar Geometry – Trigonometry, area, optimisation (sizing solar panels for township homes/schools, Grades 10–12)
• Water by Numbers – Ratios, percentages, data handling (analysing Cape Town Day Zero crisis, Grades 6–9)
• SA Carbon Calculator – Arithmetic, percentages, unit conversion (household carbon footprints, Grades 7–9)
• Electricity & Equations – Linear equations, graphing (Eskom bills and solar payback, Grades 8–10)
• Climate & Finance – Compound interest, NPV, risk (evaluating solar investments, Grades 11–12)
• Biodiversity Data – Descriptive statistics, probability (Kruger National Park wildlife data, Grades 10–12)

SA Youth SDG Hackathons

Annual hackathons where teams of youth (16–25) apply mathematical tools — statistical modelling, optimisation, data analysis — to real South African challenges aligned with the UN SDGs (township waste management, informal settlement flood risk, agricultural yield optimisation, municipal finance analysis). Prizes include university bursaries (via NSFAS and corporate partners), research internships, and mentorship from South African mathematicians and engineers.

Applied Maths Research Grants

Small grants (R15,000 – R50,000) for youth researchers (18–25) to conduct original applied mathematics projects addressing South African community challenges. Winning projects are published open-access and presented at the annual Hisabati National Summit.