Celebrating South Africa's Mathematics Champions: highlights from the SAMF Awards ceremony

The South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) held its highly anticipated annual awards ceremony, where the nation's mathematics champions were celebrated for their remarkable achievements across various educational levels. The event served as a testament not only to the academic prowess of the students but also to the vital role of mentorship and family support in shaping the mathematicians of tomorrow.

The highlight of the ceremony was the crowning of the overall winner of the South African Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO), an accolade that has become emblematic of excellence in high school mathematics. This year, Moied Baleg, a talented Grade 12 learner from The Settlers High School in the Western Cape, stood out among the country’s top 115 contestants from grades 10-12, laying claim to the prestigious gold Dirk van Rooy medal.

While individual achievements sparkled brightly, the event also recognised the educational institutions that foster talent. The Top Performing School Award was awarded to Bishops Diocesan College in the Western Cape, affirming its status as a leading institution for mathematics education.

Affirming the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing young mathematicians at all levels, the achievements from the South African Mathematics Challenge (SAMC), supported by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), were equally celebrated. Ivy Williams, a Grade 7 learner at Sweet Valley Primary School in the Western Cape, emerged as the overall winner among 271 competitors in grades 6-7, receiving the gold Alwyn Olivier medal. The acclaim continued as Sweet Valley Primary School also secured the Top Performing School Award.

The accolades extended to the university echelon with awards for the Standard Bank South African Tertiary Mathematics Olympiad (SATMO). High-achieving undergraduates Noah Jacobsen and Aidan Conradie from the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University respectively, along with Benjamin Kleyn from Stellenbosch University, were recognised as the top performers, while Jaedon Naidu from the University of KwaZulu-Natal emerged as the best honours student. It was a particularly special achievement for Stellenbosch University, which has now been awarded best performing institution for an impressive fifth consecutive year.

The event also celebrated teamwork and collaboration showcased in the ASSA South African Mathematics Team Competition (SAMTC), sponsored by the Actuarial Society of South Africa. The Boland 1 team topped the Junior Division, while Western Province 1 triumphed in the Senior Division, with team captains receiving accolades on behalf of their respective teams.

A particularly inspiring moment arose during the ceremony, as long-standing contributors to SAMF were honoured. Dr Liam Baker of Stellenbosch University received the Long-Service SAMO award for his unwavering commitment and support towards mathematics education in South Africa, underscoring the importance of guidance in nurturing academic talent.

Adding depth to the day, Jivana Bisetty, a Grade 4 learner from Crawford International School in La Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal, made history by being the first blind learner to enter the Top 10 of the South African Mathematics Challenge. Her creativity was on display when she envisioned a magic calculator that could feature a braille display — a reminder that innovation and inclusion must go hand in hand.

Another notable achievement was that of Rebotile Ramalebana, a Grade 5 learner at Maijane Primary School in Limpopo, whose success among the top 10 is a rare win for the province in the South African Mathematics Challenge. Patrick Rasehwete, the SAMC’s project manager, acknowledged the impact of teacher empowerment programmes that have led to such success stories.

In her closing remarks, Prof Seithuti Moshokoa, Executive Director of SAMF, reflected on the day’s celebration, stating: “Today we celebrate not only the talent and hard work of our young mathematicians but also the teachers, families, and sponsors who support them. Their dedication inspires excellence and strengthens the culture of mathematics education across our country. The achievements we have recognised today show the bright future ahead for South Africa in mathematics, science, and innovation.”