SA pupils grab first place at Pan African Mathematics Olympiad
South Africa's team of six pupils impressed at the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) this year.
The event was hosted by the Mathematical Association of Botswana at the University of Botswana.
The South African team claimed top individual medals and the overall first-place.
This year's competition focused on testing the young minds across six problems. These included algebra, geometry, number theory and combinatorics.
SA bags gold, silver and bronze at maths olympiad
Countries were ranked by the combined scores of their six contestants. South Africa claimed first place, followed by Tunisia and Côte d'Ivoire.
Team South Africa excelled with three gold medalists. They were 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 bonze.
In the Girls' Division of the Math Olympiad, Ruth Trimble earned gold. Olivia Castleden took silver and WanRu Zhou got bronze.
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.'
ALSO READ: Not adding up: More than 400 schools don't teach Mathematics
How it works
The award ceremony on 17 June was opened by Professor Karam Aloui, the Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of Tunis EI Manar and Executive Secretary of the PAMO committee.
'Our aim is to challenge creativity and rigorous reasoning in equal measure,' Prof Aloui said.
Wise words from the winning team
Three members of the South African team shared encouraging advice to students who want to take part in the Mathematics Olympiad.
Olivia Castleden: 'To people who want to participate in the maths olympiad, 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 math 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.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
37 minutes ago
- IOL News
From Old Crossroads to the World Stage: 14-year-old Imkhitha Joya's chess journey
The very talented Imkhitha Joya Image: Flashlight Pictures At just 14-years old, Imkhitha Joya from Old Crossroads, Nyanga, is quietly redefining what's possible for young South African girls with big dreams and the discipline to match. A rising star on the national chess circuit, Imkhitha has earned top honours at home and the attention of international federations — but the next step in her journey hinges on financial support. Earlier this year, she was crowned South African U14 Girls Chess Champion after an undefeated run at the Junior Closed Chess Championships. She also dominated the Western Cape High Schools U15 Girls section, winning all six of her games. Her current CHESSA rating of 1811 places her as the highest-ranked U14 girl in the country and sixth overall among South Africa's female players. But even brilliance can come up against barriers. In 2025 alone, Imkhitha qualified for three prestigious tournaments — the African Individual Chess Championships, the African Schools Championships, and the FIDE Youth Olympiad. But in each case, she was forced to sit out — not because she didn't make the cut, but because there wasn't enough funding to get her there. 'She worked so hard to qualify, but without funding, we couldn't make it happen. Watching her miss out on experiences she earned was heartbreaking,' said her coach and mentor, Thando Hlakula. Now, a new window has opened. Imkhitha has received two major invitations: the World Youth Chess Championships in Albania this October and the African Youth Chess Championships in Algeria in December. These events could mark a turning point in her career, offering crucial international experience as she works toward becoming a Woman International Master — and eventually, a grandmaster. To make the trip to Albania, Imkhitha needs to raise R94,100 — covering return flights, visa costs, tournament fees, accommodation, and daily expenses for both her and her coach, who will also serve as her guardian. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Imkhitha Joya Image: Flashlight Images 'So far, we've raised just over R19,000 from 8 incredible donors,' said Hlakula. 'It's been so moving to see people stepping up for her. Every bit of support, no matter the size, shows her that her hard work is seen and valued.' Imkhitha's journey began at iSigcawu Primary in 2020 through a school chess programme. Her early days weren't filled with victory — far from it. 'She lost every single game in her first tournament,' Hlakula recalled. 'But what stood out wasn't the loss — it was how she responded. She didn't cry. She didn't complain. She asked when the next tournament was.' Since then, she's built a reputation not just for her chess intelligence, but for her work ethic and humility. Some days she trains for up to eight hours. 'She has a hunger to learn that I've rarely seen. She doesn't want to just be the best — she wants to keep getting better.' Her breakthrough moment came earlier this year when she returned to the SA Junior Closed Championships determined to take the title. 'Last year, she came second and was crushed by it,' her mother said. 'She learned from that. This year, she came back stronger, beat the defending champion, and walked away undefeated. It was a proud moment — one we'll never forget.' But Imkhitha's goals go far beyond trophies. For her, representing South Africa is about more than personal achievement — it's about shifting perceptions. 'Her story challenges what people think is possible for young girls in townships like Crossroads. She's showing that brilliance, discipline, and greatness can come from anywhere — all they need is a chance,' said Hlakula. Travelling overseas won't be easy for a 14-year-old, which is why Hlakula plans to accompany her. 'She needs someone she trusts by her side,' she said. 'Not just for logistics, but for emotional support. Someone to help her stay grounded, strategise between rounds, and remind her why she belongs on that stage.' Right now, their focus is on fundraising — and on ensuring that financial constraints don't stall the progress of a young star who's already proven she belongs among the world's best. 'Any contribution, big or small, ensures that a young girl from a disadvantaged background isn't held back by lack of fund. She's done the work. She's earned the opportunity. Now we just need the support to help her take that next step.' To support Imkhitha Joya, visit her BackaBuddy campaign: Weekend Argus
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Liverpool star dies in car crash just days after wedding
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died in a tragic car accident along with his brother Andre, according to local reports in Spain. The 28-year-old Portuguese forward died in a crash near Zamora, in northwestern Spain, according to the Spanish news agency EFE. The agency reports his brother, Andre (26), was also killed in the crash early on Thursday morning in a traffic accident on the Rias Bajas Highway near Palacios de Sanabria. The news comes just days after the Portugal international got married to his long-term girlfriend Rute Cardoso, with whom he has two children. Pedro Proenca, the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, has since confirmed that both Jota brothers perished in the accident. He said: 'The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva, this morning, in Spain. 'Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 internationalizations for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself. 'On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, lined up the players. 'The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA for a minute's silence, this Thursday, before the match of our national team with Spain, in the women's European Championship. 'The disappearance of Diogo and Andre Silva represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything to, daily, honor their legacy.' Emergency services in the Castilla and Leon region confirmed the crash with a statement which read: 'A car was reported to have been involved in an accident and the vehicle was on fire. 'The Zamora Traffic Police, the Zamora Provincial Council Fire Brigade, and the Sacyl Emergency Coordination Center were all notified of the accident. 'From there, a Medical Emergency Unit and the Primary Care Medical Staff from the Mombuey Health Center were sent, who confirmed the death of two people on the scene.' Jota signed for Liverpool in September 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a fee of more than £40million. SEND YOU MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCES BY Leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Liverpool star Diogo Jota killed in car crash
Liverpool star Diogo Jota has died in a car crash, according to local reports in Spain. He was 28. The Portuguese forward died in a crash near Zamora, in northwestern Spain, according to the Spanish news agency EFE. Jota signed for Liverpool in September 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a fee of more than £40 million. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. Post your condolences below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
