SAMS Subject Classification Number: 16

The first university in Southern Africa, the University of the Cape of Good Hope, was established in the Cape Colony in 1873, which offered only examinations and not tuition. After the formation of the Union of South Africa, two teaching universities were established. Many other universities were later established during this period, and thus marked the beginning of formal higher education in South Africa. We trace the development of mathematics and mathematical activities at the universities in the Union of South Africa.