Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
SAMF recognises and awards exceptional learners
THE South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) held its annual awards ceremony, recognising outstanding achievements in maths education.
The event was held at Emperor's Palace in Ekurhuleni and showcased the dedication of learners, teachers, and organisations.
One of the ceremony's highlights was the keynote address delivered by Professor Loyiso G Nongxa, an emeritus professor of maths at the University of the Witwatersrand. His insights were both illuminating and inspiring.
Nogxa said maths education was the foundation of innovation and progress.
“I am honoured to be part of this event celebrating excellence in mathematics,” said Nogxa.
The foundation acknowledges outstanding winners and top-performing schools in its learner development programmes for their dedication and talent in maths excellence.
Youkyum Kim, a Grade 10 learner from Reddam House, won the Old Mutual South African Mathematics Olympiad (Samo), showcasing his exceptional abilities and dedication.
Ben Maree, a Grade 9 learner from Westerford High School, won the Junior Division of the Old Mutual Samo.
Jonathan Coolen, a Somerset House Preparatory School learner, won the Senior Division of the South African Mathematics Challenge (SAMC).
Venessa Oger, representing Standard Bank, presented awards for the SA Tertiary Mathematics Olympiad, recognising top-performing learners and universities.
Jordan Heugh from UCT was named Best Undergraduate Student.
Aaron Naidu, from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, won the Best Honours Student award, and the University of Stellenbosch won the Top-Performing University award.
Oger emphasised the significance of maths in shaping future leaders and congratulated winners.
“It was a day filled with celebration, inspiration, and a collective commitment to shaping a brighter future through maths,” said Oger.
The Old Mutual Samo and SAMC competitions in South Africa were successful, with several silver medallists in the senior division and several silver medallists in the junior division.
The South African Mathematics Congress recognised the outstanding achievements of the junior division (grades 4-5) of the schools, including learners from Reddam House Durbanville and Deutsche Internationale
Schule Pretoria Ruichen Wang.
Midstream College and Sweet Valley Primary School were awarded for their commitment to maths education.
The Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA) also honoured maths excellence, with the ASSA South African Mathematics Team Competition.
The panellists featured experts including Celiwe Ross, director of Group Strategy and Group Human Capital at Old Mutual.
Ross highlighted the company's focus on big data, DevOps (development operations) engineering, data science, customer insights, artificial intelligence, and creative problem-solving.
“Were proud to support initiatives that promote maths education and excellence, skills critical to our strategy and long-term growth.
“It's inspiring to see the achievements of these young mathematicians!” said Ross.
SA Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) executive director Robert Zwane, emphasised the institute's dedication to enhancing chartered accounting through robust mathematical foundations.
“Saica recognised the importance of maths in creating access to occupations in high demand or critical skills. To this end, Saica continues to collaborate with SAMF,” said Zwane
Marc Ancillotti, Ashley Ah Goo, and Jeffrey Thomas were honoured for 10 years on the SAMC's Problem Committee.