[2] Dr Johann van der Mark from the Mathematics Division, National Physics Research Laboratory, Institute of Physics of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria, was a key figure in setting up and launching the South African Mathematical Association.

From the moment the SAMS was launched in 1957, its Constitution, membership, election and office-holder rules were non-discriminatory and did not contain any racially restrictive language.

[7] The SAMS annual Distinguished Visitor program experienced a high rate of declined invitations and postponed visits due to concerns of the international mathematical community about the apartheid.

[8] Generally, membership in SAMS requires holding a bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, in a mathematical discipline.

Admission to membership requires nomination by two current members of the Society and must be approved by the SAMS Council.