SA Learners Shine at Pan African Mathematics Olympiad

South Africa’s team delivered an exceptional showing at the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) 2025, securing top individual medals and the overall first-place ranking. Hosted by the Mathematical Association of Botswana from 8 to 18 June at the University of Botswana, this year’s competition tested the continent’s finest young minds across six problems in algebra, geometry, number theory and combinatorics.

Prof Karam Aloui, Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of Tunis El Manar and Executive Secretary of the PAMO Committee, opened the award ceremony on 17 June by outlining the Olympiad’s unique structure. He described how a Problems Committee compiles a list of potential mathematical problems, from which a Jury shortlists twelve problems. The Supervising Committee then selects the final six problems, ensuring that each covers key areas of pre-university mathematics without adhering to a fixed syllabus. “Our aim is to challenge creativity and rigorous reasoning in equal measure,” Prof Aloui explained. Medals are awarded in a 1:2:3 ratio for Gold, Silver and Bronze, and the leading female scorer receives the title “African Mathematics Queen.”

Team South Africa excelled with three Gold Medallists—Erik Senekal (Grade 11, Hoërskool Menlopark), James Prins (Grade 12, South African College High School) and Noah Greenblatt (Grade 11, King David High School). Silver Medals were claimed by Olivia Castleden (Grade 9, Somerset College) and Ruth Trimble (Grade 11, Pinelands High School), while WanRu Zhou (Grade 11, Parklands College) took home Bronze. In the Girls’ Division, Ruth Trimble earned Gold, Olivia Castleden Silver and WanRu Zhou Bronze.

Reflecting on their experiences, three team members offered advice to aspiring students:

Olivia Castleden: “To people who want to participate, I suggest that they just go for it. By just writing the first round, they have already gained valuable experience, even if they don’t progress to the next round.”

Erik Senekal: “Always see an opportunity to learn – approach each problem as a chance to discover something new. Write the maths Olympiad not just to compete, but also to learn and grow through the process.”

Noah Greenblatt: “Curiosity can be very powerful. I encourage young learners to explore ideas and concepts in which they show interest to the fullest extent. Enjoying this exploration is not only fulfilling but can also strengthen creativity and problem-solving ability. Additionally, there is truly no substitute for hard work when it comes to improvement.”

Countries were ranked by the combined scores of their six contestants. South Africa claimed the top spot, followed by Tunisia in second place and Côte d’Ivoire in third.

Prof Seithuthi Moshokoa, Executive Director of the South African Mathematics Foundation, said:

“I am very proud of Team South Africa’s achievements. Their dedication, resilience and innovative thinking exemplify our mission to nurture mathematical talent and empower our educators and learners.”

The team’s participation in international competitions is part of SAMF’s high school learner development programme which is sponsored by Old Mutual South Africa.

The 2025 PAMO Team. Top from left to right: Ruth Trimble, WanRu Zhou, and Olivia Castleden. 

Bottom from left to right: James Prins, Noah Greenblatt, and Eric Senekal.