Local doctor to help learners ace mathematics

By Doreen Mokgolo

Mathematician and medical doctor Sibusiso Mahlangu has dedicated himself to turning around negative attitudes towards mathematics.

The 33-year-old from Kwa-Thema in Ekurhuleni started offering extra lessons in maths for learners while he was still in varsity. Although he runs a busy GP practice, he still finds time to help struggling learners.

“It pained me seeing many students being prepared to drop the subject,” he said.

“I dedicated myself to changing their attitude and by the end of the academic year ensured that all my students, even the struggling ones, passed with a distinction.”

He sketched out a new way of looking at mathematics. It should be treated like a new language, he said.

“When learning a new language, you start by mastering the basics. You practise daily until you are fluent and even adopt the accent.

“It is the same with mathematics. You just have to stop treating it as a subject or a problem that needs to be solved.”

He told Scrolla.Africa that after completing his master’s degree he decided to go on to do a PhD.

That challenge completed, he found a new one – solving one of 60 equations that were deemed unsolvable.

His work – he applied a method called asymptotic maths – was approved by Sciforum’s scientific committee and will be celebrated during the upcoming 1st International Online Conference on Mathematics and Applications in May.

Picture above: Sibusiso Mahlangu

Picture source: Supplied 

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