Mathematics boffins are few and far between. The education sector is prepared to break the bank to secure people with these scarce and valuable skills. Mmatladi Khembo is one such rare gem.
Even as a youngster she always loved maths. In fact, she’s always been passionate about it. She excelled at maths throughout her school days and she was instrumental in setting up a number of maths structures around Soweto and later provincially.
So it came as no surprise when Mmatladi Khembo was recently elected president of the Association for Mathematics Education for South Africa (Amesa), an organisation formed to develop and nurture a love for maths within the teaching fraternity. “Every maths teacher is an Amesa member,” she says.
Khembo is the ideal person to lead the organisation. Not only has she been a “maths activist”, but she also boasts a string of qualifications that bear testimony to her love of and passion for maths. At present she works at Wits University where she teaches maths teachers to upgrade their qualifications.
How do you earn your living?
I work at Radmaste Centre as a mathematics research and development officer, where I teach a class of mathematics advanced certificate in education students at Wits University. The centre is funded by the Gauteng department of education.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and bred in Meadowlands zone two in Soweto.
What primary and secondary school did you go to? And tertiary?
I started my grade one at Tshireletso Primary School in Meadowlands zone one from 1971 to 1974, after which I moved to Tswelelang Primary School, also in Meadowlands, to continue to grade five. I obtained my grade seven in 1978 and went to Anchor Comprehensive Secondary School in Mzimhlophe in Soweto in 1979. I completed my matric in 1984.
I trained as a teacher at Soweto College of Education and obtained a senior primary teacher’s diploma between 1987 and 1989. I obtained a higher diploma in education at Potchefstroom University in 1996, specialising in secondary school mathematics, physics and chemistry.
Then I studied further and obtained my BEd honours (curriculum studies) at Wits University in 2002. I completed my MEd (curriculum studies), coursework at Wits University in 2003 and am currently writing my master’s research report in mathematics education and hope to finish before the end of the year.
Did you have a favourite teacher/s?
Yes, my favourite teacher in high school was my English teacher, Van Vuuren. And my favourite lecturer at Soweto College was my English lecturer, Penny Vinjevold, who is a deputy director general in the department of education today.
Why were you so fond of those teachers?
Ms Van Vuuren taught me discipline, punctuality and diligence. She had a motto we all adhered to: “Strive for perfection.” You would not enter her class without being fully prepared — homework neatly done and on time. Thanks to her I am always punctual and have developed a culture of working hard and with diligence.
At the college, especially in the second and third years, Vinjevold was my favourite and she taught me how to write creatively and to develop critical thinking skills. I also developed my love for African writers, such as Chinua Achebe and Bessie Head, because of her passion for African authors.
What were your favourite subjects and why?
My favourite subject was mathematics because it’s easy to calculate and work with numbers. I enjoyed reading, so naturally English was also a favourite.
From your point of view, what are the qualities of a good teacher?
Dedication, diligence, punctuality and a passion for reading. A teacher who knows more is in a position to make good choices regarding her work which will benefit her learners. A good teacher should be passionate about her subject and always be on the lookout for more ways to make her subject interesting and accessible to her learners. A love for the kids will definitely make the work more enjoyable.
What message do you have for teachers in South Africa?
First, anything is possible if you can put your mind to it. Second, professional development is a personal thing — you have to go out there and look for relevant information that will enhance your content knowledge to improve your teaching skills and get better learner performance. Third, be a lifelong learner — always look out for opportunities to learn new things about your subject and human relations.