South Africa’s young mathematicians secured fourth place in Africa after winning six medals, showcasing exceptional talent and inspiring future generations to pursue STEM excellence. (26 words)
South Africa has finished fourth overall at the 33rd Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO), with the national team earning two Silver medals and four Bronze medals against 159 of Africa’s top mathematics learners from 26 countries.
Hosted in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, the competition is regarded as Africa’s premier mathematics contest for secondary school learners. Contestants tackle six challenging proof-based problems across algebra, geometry, combinatorics and number theory over two days.
The achievement placed South Africa among the continent’s top-performing nations, behind Algeria, Morocco and host nation Ivory Coast.
South Africa also celebrated an impressive performance in the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad for Girls (PAMOG), where the country’s three female contestants secured two Silver medals and one Bronze medal, highlighting the growing success of young women in mathematics.
South Africa’s medal winners are:
Silver Medals
- Zhenxuan Liu (Grade 10), Redhill High School, Gauteng
- Ruth Trimble (Grade 12), Pinelands High School, Western Cape
Bronze Medals
- Shangjing Huang (Grade 12), Hout Bay International School, Western Cape
- Anni Luo (Grade 12), Durban Girls’ College, KwaZulu-Natal
- Yi Shi (Grade 10), St Stithians Boys’ College, Gauteng
- Zixuan Liu (Grade 10), Redhill High School, Gauteng
The South African team was led by Aidan Conradie of Stellenbosch University, with Ellen Grant-Smith of the University of Cape Town serving as Deputy Team Leader.
Professor Seithuti Moshokoa, Chairperson of the South African Mathematics Foundation, congratulated the learners, saying their achievements reflect dedication, resilience and the support of coaches, schools and families.
He said representing South Africa at the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad is an exceptional achievement and that returning home with six medals demonstrates the depth of mathematical talent being developed across the country.
The South African Mathematics Foundation said the team’s success is an inspiration to young South Africans and highlights the importance of encouraging excellence in mathematics and STEM education.
