From Classroom to World Stage: South Africa’s Maths Teams Announced

The South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) has announced the learners selected to represent South Africa at the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) in Shanghai, China, from 10 to 20 July 2026, and the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) in Côte d’Ivoire from 26 June to 4 July 2026. 

The International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) is the world's leading mathematics competition for high school learners. Each year, teams from more than 100 countries compete by solving some of the most challenging mathematics problems in the world. Each country selects a team consisting of no more than six contestants, a leader and deputy leader. 

The Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) is Africa's premier mathematics competition for secondary school learners. It brings together the continent's strongest young mathematicians and celebrates excellence in mathematical thinking and problem-solving. Each participating country team consists of six contestants (three girls and three boys), a team leader and a deputy team leader. 

Both competitions test logical reasoning, creativity, and advanced problem-solving skills rather than routine classroom methods. The problems require learners to think critically, identify patterns, and develop original solutions to complex mathematical challenges.

International Mathematics Olympiad Team

South Africa’s IMO team consists of:

• Eli Williams, Grade 12, Westerford High School, Western Cape
• Pocoyo Pun, Grade 11, Elkanah House, Western Cape
• Noah Rassou, Grade 12, South African College High School, Western Cape
• Vincent Wang, Grade 12, Deutsche Internationale Schule Pretoria, Gauteng
• Noah Greenblatt, Grade 12, King David High School, Gauteng
• Xiaoyuan Li, Grade 11, St John's College, Gauteng

Team Leader: Ms Kerry Porrill, Stellenbosch University

Deputy Team Leader: Ms Yian Xu, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Pan African Mathematics Olympiad Team

South Africa’s PAMO team consists of:

• Anni Luo, Grade 12, Durban Girls' College, KwaZulu Natal
• Zixuan Liu, Grade 10, Redhill High School, Gauteng
• Ruth Trimble, Grade 12, Pinelands High School, Western Cape
• Zhenxuan Liu, Grade 10, Redhill High School, Gauteng
• Yi Shi, Grade 10, St. Stithians Boys' College, Gauteng
• Eric Huang, Grade 12, Hout Bay International School, Western Cape

Team Leader: Mr Aidan Conradie, Stellenbosch University

Deputy Team Leader: Ms Ellen Grant-Smith, University of Cape Town

Years of Preparation 

Selection for these teams is the result of a long and highly competitive process. For many learners, the journey starts in primary school through participation in SAMF’s South African Mathematics Challenge (SAMC), which introduces learners in Grades 4 to 7 to mathematical problem-solving beyond the standard school curriculum. In high school, learners progress to the South African Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO). Strong performance in SAMO is the key pathway into SAMF’s Olympiad Training Programme. 

Mathematics Olympiads differ significantly from standard school mathematics examinations. Questions focus on logical reasoning, creativity, pattern recognition, and advanced problem-solving rather than routine classroom methods. 

The scale of the competition highlights the level of difficulty. SAMF uses the results of the SAMO and other SAMF Olympiad programmes to identify talented learners. Approximately 85 000 learners participate in the first round, of which roughly 20% qualifies for the second round. Only the top 200 learners of the second round progress to the final round. 

From this group, SAMF selects the South African Training Squad. This group of learners are further assessed through advanced training camps, assignments, tests, and ongoing participation before the final national teams are selected. 

Mr Herman Bosman, SAMO Project Manager, said international mathematics Olympiads require years of consistent work and commitment. “These learners have spent years developing advanced mathematical thinking. Reaching this level requires discipline, persistence, and the ability to solve complex problems under pressure. SAMF continues to encourage schools, teachers, parents, and learners to participate in mathematics enrichment opportunities from an early age.” 

Through learner development, teacher empowerment, advocacy, and research, SAMF aims to strengthen mathematical problem-solving skills and help develop the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators, and critical thinkers in South Africa.

IMO Team

PAMO Team