Mathematics is traditionally known as a challenging subject, and there are different layers of stigma around it. One of which is the saying that “mathematics does not have jobs”, and this, on its own, discourages learners from pursuing mathematics as a career option. A natural way of dealing with this specific problem is to “show and tell”.

CIMSI focuses mainly on educating learners (and the public) about the different careers that a mathematical science degree has to offer. Typically, we invite schools to a central location (or do school visits) and bring professional mathematicians from across the country, ranging from data scientists, academics, business strategists, software developers, data analysts, etc. to educate learners, parents, and the public about what they do in their different areas of work and what their profession entails. All of this is done in the spirit of promoting mathematics as a career. This program has been happening on a yearly basis since 2020, when we collaborated with the EThekwini Municipality to host it at UMlazi, KZN. UMlalazi Municipality was the next to host it at Eshowe (supported by the KZN DoE). It has been hosted in various other parts of KZN, with the most recent one (2024) at The Royal Hotel  (Durban Central), attended by over 10 schools. CIMSI used to be an annual event, but it has
grown to be hosted in many parts of the country in one year.