The 5th Pan African Congress of Mathematicians PACOM'2000, will take place at the Western Cape University of Cape Town, South Africa, from January 24th to January 31st 2000.

The Pan African Congress of Mathematicians (PACOM), is hosted by an African country every four years, as a major scientific event open to all mathematicians. The main organs of the AMU are the General Assembly and the Executive Committee. Each congress begins by a General Assembly which will deliberate on the programme of activities of the AMU and  participate in the election of a new Executive Committee.

For PACOM 2000 the theme of the congress is: Africa in the World Mathematical Year 2000: Assessment and promotion of mathematics education and research at the dawn of the 3rd millennium.

The 5th Pan African Congress of Mathematicians ( PACOM) coincides with the celebrations of the World Mathematical Year 2000.The African Mathematical Union (AMU) is willing to make a major effort to encourage as many qualified African mathematicians as possible, and in particular young mathematicians, to attend this exceptional event. It is a unique opportunity for those who so often work in isolation, to make contact with members of  internatonal institutions and associations and meet eminent mathematicians from all over the world .

The congress will assess the current state of mathematics education and research in Africa at the year 2000 and formulate guidelines for reform and promotion of mathematics education and research in Africa on the basis of this assessment and in line with the IMU WMY 2000 objectives.

The 10th Pan African Mathematics Olympiads (PAMO) will take place one week before the opening of the congress. There will also be a special meeting with the International Mathematics, Scientific and Educational Communities represented at the congress to discuss and plan further cooperation between them and the AMU 

South Africa was elected by the AMU as the host country for this congress not only because of the high quality of its mathematicians,  but also because as an  example it will show that as  mathematicians are able to renew and consolidate all ties, Africa will recognise itself in the reflection of tolerance and peace.  Traditionally, mathematicians have always been  avant- garde in movements for change and progress in the world.

In order to fully meet and achieve our expected outcomes, the AMU is seeking financial support from other international associations and institutions to help meet the costs involved in the scientific congress. For example to cover travel expenses of invited speakers and guests of the congress:African and non-African. 
 

Professor Ahmed Kerkour
President,AMU

Cape Town is the parliamentary capital of South Africa and is situated in Western Cape province.
Cape Town international airport is approximately 5 km from the conference venues.

Credit Cards.  Shops, hotels and restaurants accept all major credit cards. You are likely to have
no trouble using your Diners, American Express, Visa or Mastercard. 

Banking.  The South African banking system is reliable and advanced. Banking hours are 09h00 -
15h30 Monday to Friday, and 08h30 - 11h00 on Saturdays. Banks are closed on Sundays.
Automatic Teller Machines (ATM's) are easily-accessible. They are in service at all hours. All major
airports provide commercial banking facilities. 

Travelers Cheques.  Banks and Bureaux de Change cash travelers cheques. Hotels exchange
travelers cheques, but at a premium. 

Currency.  South Africa has a decimal currency system: 100 cents = R1.00 (One Rand). Coin
denominations are 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5. Note denominations are R10 (green),
R20 (brown), R50 (red), R100 (blue) and R200 (orange). 

Duty Free Allowances 
      Cigarettes : 400 
      Cigars : 50 
      Pipe Tobacco : 250g
      Wine : 2 liters 
      Spirits : 1 liter 
      Perfume : 50ml 
      Eau de Toilette : 250ml 

Electricity.  The electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC at 50 Hertz. You will need a transformer
for US-made appliances. Plugs conform to the old British-style, large, round, three pin and two pin
sockets. You are likely to need plug adaptors if you bring along your own appliances. 

Language.  South Africa has eleven official languages, but you are certain to have no trouble
communicating in English. 

Trading Hours.  Shops are normally open from 08h30 - 17h00, Monday to Friday, and 08h30 -
12h00 on Saturdays. Most large chain stores and shopping malls are open throughout the day on
Saturdays and Sundays. 

Time.  South Africa is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). 

Climate.  January is summer in Cape Town.  During this time the daily maximum temperature is
typically around ?? degrees Celsius (?? F), and the daily minimum is around ?? degrees Celsius (??
F). Summer days are generally sunny and warm and long (Cape Town is at ?? degrees latitude). Rain is unlikely. 

Useful Tourism Pages in South Africa 

      Worldnet Africa - Tourism and Travel Page

The local organising committee consists of 
 Prof Jan Persens (University of the Western Cape, President of SAMS) (Chairman)
 Ms Karin Brodie (University of the Witwatersrand, AMESA)
 Mr Aarnout Brombacher (Westerford High School,  President of AMESA)
 Ms Marcia Daniels (University of the Western Cape, AMESA)
 Prof Johann Engelbrecht (University of Pretoria, SAMS)
 Ms Paula Ensor (University of Cape Town, AMESA) - First alternative
 Prof Roland Fray (University of the Western Cape, SAMS) 
 Dr David Holgate ( University of Stellenbosch, SAMS)
 Prof Cyril Julie (University of the Western Cape, AMESA)
 Dr Mogamad Shahiem Ganief (University of the Western Cape, SAMS)
 Prof John Webb (University of Cape Town, SAMS)
 Dr Peter Witbooi (University of the Western Cape, SAMS) 
 Ms Paula Ensor (University of Cape Town, AMESA) - First alternative

The  conference registration form is available in the following incarnations:

       html forms,
       text-only and
       on request from pacom@uwc.ac.za.
 

If you decide to use the text-only version of the registration form, then there are three possible
methods of submission:

       email          -              pacom@uwc.ac.za.
       fax             -              +27 ???????
       snail mail    -             PACOM2000
            &nbs p;    c/o The Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
            &nbs p;    University of the Western Cape
            &nbs p;    South Africa 

Hotels. 
Arrangements have been made with the following  hotels for special conference rates.
Transport between the university and these hotels will be provided. Reservations have to be made
before ???  to qualify for these special rates. Make your reservations with the hotel
directly. The current exchange rate is US$1.00 = R6.10.

Bed and Breakfast Guest houses.

University Hostels
The hostels that can be utilized are the Chris Hani (138 singles and 66 doubles) and Liberty Life
(106 singles and 66 doubles) These residence are approximately 60 metres from each other and
within 7 minutes walk from the conference centre (GH Complex). The residences are typically
multi-bedroomed apartments with lockable bedrooms and shared bathroom facilities. 

At the moment the prices are R65.00 and bedding and towels will be supplied to all delegates
staying in the residences. Bedding and towels will be changed every five days.  Items typically
supplied by hotels, shampoo, soap ect. can also be supplied. 

Each unit can also be equipped with a kettle and cups and saucers for late night coffee .  No tea
of coffee is supplied but if requested could be arranged , at an extra charge.

Rooms and apartments do not have refrigerators but all residences have refrigeration located in
a common room. 

These hostels, mentioned above, are the more elite type of accommodation on campus and ideal
for professionals but they should however keep in mind that it is student  residences and not 5 star
hotel accommodation.

No students will be housed in the hostel while a conference is in progress.
 

  31 August 1999 - Final cutoff for special session organisers
  30 October 1999 - Deadline for titles to special session organisers
  7 November 1999 - Deadline for SS organisers to give their programme to local organisers
  7 November 1999 - Early registration at reduced rate
  15 November 1999 - Deadline for abstracts to special session organisers
  15 December 1999 - Cancellation of registration with 90% refund

The campus of the University of the Western Cape is as safe as any campus in the world.

It is, however, not advisable to venture into the downtown area of Cape Town and some other areas at night unless you are accompanied by a local person who knows where not to go.

The time of the meeting is in the summer recess with almost no students around, in case you are
worried about student protests. ).