Final Call for SAMO and SAMC Registrations – First Round to Coincide with International Day of Mathematics

The South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) is calling on schools and teachers to register their learners for its flagship competitions – the South African Mathematics Challenge (SAMC) and the South African Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO) – before entries close on 20 February 2026. As in previous years, the first round of both competitions will be written in the same week as the International Day of Mathematics on 14 March, celebrating the global theme “Mathematics and Hope”.

“Mathematics equips learners with the skills to think clearly, solve problems, and embrace opportunities,” says Prof Seithuti Moshokoa, Executive Director of SAMF. “It’s especially exciting that learners will write the first round so close to the IDM, joining a worldwide celebration of mathematics while taking their first step toward new achievements.”

SAMF’s competitions provide a platform for learners to develop confidence and problem-solving skills. The SAMC, sponsored by the South African Institute for Chartered Accountants (SAICA) encourages curiosity among Grade 4–7 learners, while SAMO challenges high-school learners to discover their potential and excel in mathematics. Both competitions also support teachers and schools in creating a strong mathematics culture.

Schools can register at www.samf.ac.za before 20 February 2026. Entry fees start from R45, while Quintile 1 and 2 schools may enter free of charge.

The impact of these competitions is clear. In 2025, the SAMC reached 77 357 learners from 911 schools across all nine South African provinces, as well as learners in Botswana, eSwatini, Malawi, and Namibia. Participation by black learners increased by 70%, and the number of girls competing rose by 49.4%. A historic milestone was achieved when Jivana Bissetty from Crawford College-La Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal became the first blind learner to reach the SAMC Top Ten.

Similarly, SAMO engaged 87 769 learners from 1 288 schools across South Africa and six countries beyond its borders. The first-round participation saw 21 115 more learners (31.7%) and 301 more schools (30.5%) compared to 2024. Importantly, 64.9% of participants came from Quintile 1–3 schools, reflecting the competition’s growing reach into under-resourced communities.

“Every learner who takes part in SAMO or SAMC experiences a moment of hope – a moment when they see what they are capable of achieving,” adds Prof Moshokoa. “By registering now, schools, teachers, and learners can be part of this national celebration and take that first step on 14 March.”