SAMF Honours the Next Generation of Maths Champions
The South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) acknowledged gifted young mathematicians at its annual awards ceremony. The Foundation handed medals and certificates to top achievers of its various primary, secondary, and tertiary mathematics competitions at the Sun International Cape Sun in Cape Town earlier today.
The awards ceremony’s highlight was the announcement of this year's Overall Winner in the Old Mutual South African Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO) for high school learners, co-sponsored by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). Shamila Hendricks, Human Capital Executive of Old Mutual and Thomas Hagspihl, Chairperson of the Olympiad’s Problem Committee, handed the gold Dirk van Rooy medal to Moied Baleg, a Grade 11 learner at The Settlers High School in the Western Cape. The top performing school’s award went to Midstream College in Gauteng.
The other prestigious award is for performance in the South African Mathematics Challenge (SAMC) for primary school learners. Earning the prestigious gold Alwyn Olivier medal for the overall winner of the Challenge was Imra Adam, a Grade 7 learner at Edgemead Primary School in the Western Cape. The top performing school’s award went to Sweet Valley Primary School in the Western Cape.
The Foundation further paid tribute to two SAMO Committee members by awarding them with Long Service Awards. Prof Johan Meyer received his 20-year service award, while Hendrik de Kock received recognition for 30 years of service to the Foundation. Alwyn Olivier, the former Academic Coordinator of the SAMC, received a special recognition for almost four decades of unwavering commitment to the SAMC.
The winners of the various categories in the Standard Bank South African Tertiary Mathematics Olympiad (SATMO) are Danielle Kleyn (Top Honours Student) and Benjamin Kleyn (Top Undergraduate Student). They are both students at the University of Stellenbosch, which received the award for the Top Performing University in the Tertiary Olympiad.
The Award Ceremony also served as a platform for celebrating the Foundation’s 20th anniversary with the premier of a documentary short-film that captures the history of the Foundation – a non-profitable company that has been a beacon of hope and opportunity, transforming lives through mathematics. From inspiring young minds in classrooms to fostering competition on international stages, the Foundation’s impact underscores its ongoing commitment to mathematics.
“I would also like to take this moment to extend our sincere appreciation to the individuals and organisations whose contributions made this event possible,” said Prof Kerstin Jordaan, a full-time mathematics lecturer and researcher, and the executive director of the SAMF. “First and foremost, our sponsors, whose generosity and commitment to the cause of mathematics education have been instrumental to our projects. The dedicated teachers who have tirelessly nurtured and guided these young minds. The parents and families of our participants, whose support, encouragement, and belief in their children's potential have played a crucial role in their success. To the participants themselves, the stars of today's show. Your passion for mathematics, your determination to excel, and your unwavering pursuit of knowledge have inspired us all. You are the future mathematicians, scientists, and problem solvers who will shape the world.”