A Day in the Life: Postsecondary Mathematical Science Teacher in South Africa
Stepping into the world of higher education as a mathematics lecturer in South Africa is as much about people as it is about numbers. While the market currently shows limited active vacancies, those within the system navigate a complex, rewarding, and intellectually stimulating environment. Here is what a typical day looks like through a conversational lens.
So, does your day start with a coffee and a complex equation?
Pretty much! I usually arrive on campus around 07:30 to beat the worst of the traffic. My first port of call is the departmental office to check for any urgent notices, and then it’s straight to my desk. I spend the first hour reviewing my lecture notes for the 09:00 Advanced Calculus session. In South Africa, our lecture halls are diverse, and you have to be prepared to explain abstract concepts in ways that resonate with students from vastly different educational backgrounds. I make sure my slides are clear and my chalk—yes, many of us still prefer the old-school chalkboard—is ready to go.
What does the actual teaching environment feel like?
It’s vibrant but can be quite intense. When I walk into a large lecture theatre at a university like Wits or UP, there’s a specific energy. You aren't just a teacher; you’re a performer and a mentor. I might spend 45 minutes deriving a theorem, stopping frequently to ask questions. After the lecture, there’s usually a "tail" of students following me back to my office. This is where the real work happens—helping a student realise where they went wrong in a proof or discussing how mathematical modelling applies to local economic issues.
Is it all just lecturing, or is there more to the "postsecondary" part?
Lecturing is actually only about 40% of the job. The rest of my day is split between research, administration, and marking. By mid-morning, I’m usually deep into my own research papers. To stay relevant and secure funding from the National Research Foundation (NRF), I have to publish. I might spend two hours trying to solve a problem that has been bothering me for weeks. Then, there’s the "admin" side—organising tutorials, moderating exam papers, and attending departmental meetings to discuss curriculum changes or student throughput rates.
What are the biggest challenges you face in South Africa right now?
The "maths gap" is a significant hurdle. Many students enter university with high marks but struggle with the logical rigour required at a tertiary level. Bridging that gap requires a lot of emotional labour and extra consultation hours. Then there is the job market itself. You might notice there are currently very few active job postings. The sector is quite stable but highly competitive; permanent posts are like gold dust, and many younger mathematicians start as contract lecturers or post-doctoral fellows while waiting for a vacancy to open up.
The average salary is cited at around R40,577 per month. Does that feel accurate for the workload?
It’s a fair reflection of a mid-level lecturer’s take-home pay. While it’s a comfortable middle-class salary in South Africa, especially when you factor in university benefits like medical aid, a pension fund, and sometimes even tuition waivers for your children, it can feel modest compared to what a mathematician could earn in data science or finance. However, most of us stay for the intellectual freedom and the lifestyle. You aren't chained to a corporate desk from 8 to 5; if you want to work on a proof at a coffee shop on a Tuesday afternoon, you generally can, provided your marking is done!
What is the most rewarding part of the job?
It’s definitely that "aha!" moment. There is nothing quite like seeing a student who has been struggling with a concept finally grasp it. Also, seeing my Honours or Masters students graduate and go on to do incredible things in South African industry—be it in cryptography, astronomy, or logistics—is immensely satisfying. We are training the problem-solvers that our country desperately needs.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to join this field?
Firstly, you need to love research as much as you love teaching. You won’t survive in academia without a PhD and a desire to contribute new knowledge. Secondly, be prepared to be patient. With the current market being so tight, you need to make yourself indispensable. Network at local conferences, get your work published in international journals, and develop a thick skin for peer reviews. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Do you think this is a sustainable career path for the future?
Absolutely. Even with the rise of AI, the need for people who deeply understand the underlying structures of mathematics is growing. We need experts to teach the next generation how to build and audit those very algorithms. It’s a career for the curious and the dedicated. If you love the elegance of a perfect proof and the buzz of a university campus, there’s no better place to be.
Wondering if your analytical mind is a match for academia?
The path to becoming a postsecondary mathematics teacher is rigorous, but the rewards are lifelong. Discover if your strengths align with this career or explore other high-level mathematical paths in the South African market.