South Africa’s Young Maths Stars Head to Botswana and Australia

The South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) is proud to announce the learners selected to represent South Africa at this year’s International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) in Australia (10–20 July) and the Pan‑African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) in Botswana (11–18 June). 

Selection for these prestigious teams reflects the culmination of a decade‑long journey, beginning as early as Grade 4 with the South African Mathematics Challenge (also organised by the SAMF). Learners who achieve 50% or higher in Old Mutual South Africa Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO) Round 1 advance to Round 2; the top 100 Juniors (Grades 8–10) and top 100 Seniors (Grades 11–12) then compete in a final round. From these 200, the SAMF invites the highest‑scoring participants to intensive training camps, where only the most mathematically advanced are chosen for our international teams. 

“Mathematical excellence is built over years of dedication, curiosity and rigorous training,” said Prof Seithuthi Moshokoa, Executive Director of SAMF. “Our 2025 IMO and PAMO teams exemplify SAMF’s mission to empower learners, advance research and advocate for mathematics across South Africa. We congratulate each learner and trust their achievements will inspire others to pursue the beauty of mathematics.” 

The IMO is the World Championship Mathematics Competition for High School students and is held annually in a different country. The first IMO was held in 1959 in Romania, with seven countries taking part. It has gradually expanded to over 100 countries from five continents. Each country selects a team consisting of no more than six contestants, a leader and deputy leader. The South African team for the International Mathematics Olympiad includes six exceptional learners, each selected for their outstanding performance and dedication. These students will carry our nation’s hopes to Australia, where they will compete against the world’s brightest mathematical minds. They are:  

(* These learners represented South Africa in the IMO in 2024) 

(** These learners represented South African at the PAMO in 2024) 

(+ Overall winner of the Old Mutual South African Mathematics Olympiad in 2024) 

(^ Overall winner of the Old Mutual South African Mathematics Olympiad in 2023) 

(- Overall winner of the South African Mathematics Challenge 2019) 

(∞ Silver medallist at the South African Mathematics Challenge 2019) 

(£ Silver medallist at the Old Mutual South African Mathematics Olympiad 2022, 2023, 2024) 

(≠ Silver medallist at the Old Mutual South African Mathematics Olympiad 2023, 2024) 

(≤ Silver medallist at the Old Mutual South African Mathematics Olympiad 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) 

(≥n Silver medallist at the Old Mutual South African Mathematics Olympiad 2022,2024) 

Team Leaders: Dylan Nelson; Kerry Porrill (Deputy) 

PAMO is an annual event organised by the African Mathematical Union (AMU). Each participating country team consists of six contestants (three girls and three boys), a team leader and a deputy team leader.  For 2025, the South African team is:  

(** These learners represented South African at the PAMO in 2024) 

(# Gold medal winner in the South African Mathematics Challenge 2022) 

(% Overall winner of the South African Mathematics Challenge 2021) 

(± Silver medallist at the Old Mutual South African Mathematics Olympiad 2024) 

(@ Gold medal winner in the South African Mathematics Challenge Junior division 2019) 

Team Leaders: Jared Slater; Hugo Bruwer (Deputy) 

As these talented learners prepare to compete on the continental and global stages, SAMF extends its gratitude to the network of teachers, coaches and corporate sponsors whose support makes advanced mathematics training possible. 

We especially extend our sincere thanks to Old Mutual for their generous sponsorship of the South African Mathematics Olympiad and its associated training programmes. Their support has been instrumental in preparing our learners for the rigours of international competition, enabling our PAMO and IMO teams to perform at their absolute best on the continental and global stages. 

The 2025 IMO Team. Top from left to right: Youkyum Kim, Pocoyo Pun, and Ellen Grant‑Smith. Bottom from left to right: Yian Xu, Moied Baleg, and Eli Williams. 

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.