Peregrine Capital expands its CSI maths initiative to over 300 schools, strengthening numeracy confidence, developing problem-solving skills and supporting future innovators through accessible education opportunities.
On World Maths Day, Peregrine Capital launched the 24SumMore Maths Competition nationally, expanding a Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative designed to energise mathematics learning in primary schools across South Africa.
Following the success of a pilot programme in 54 Gauteng schools in 2025, the competition is now being introduced in more than 300 schools nationwide, focusing on learners in Grades 4 to 6 – a critical stage in building numeracy confidence and problem-solving ability.
Making maths engaging and accessible
The 24SumMore competition introduces an interactive mental maths format that encourages learners to think quickly, creatively and confidently. By transforming mathematics into an engaging and competitive activity, the initiative helps learners overcome anxiety around the subject and recognise numeracy as a valuable life skill.
By shifting perceptions of mathematics from a difficult subject to an empowering capability, the programme aims to support improved academic outcomes and open pathways to careers in science, technology, engineering, finance and entrepreneurship.
Jacques Conradie, CEO of Peregrine Capital and a former national maths champion, emphasised the importance of building confidence through early exposure to numeracy skills.
“Mathematical excellence doesn’t happen by accident — it is nurtured. This competition reflects our continued commitment to developing confident learners who see maths as a skill worth celebrating. The problem-solvers we support in our schools today are the leaders and innovators of tomorrow,” said Conradie.
Linking education to financial literacy
The competition structure recognises achievement across learners, schools and teachers, reinforcing the importance of collaborative learning environments.
Top-performing learners receive investment accounts designed to introduce basic financial literacy principles such as saving, long-term planning and wealth creation. Schools also receive financial awards, while teachers demonstrating dedication to mathematics education are recognised for their contribution to learner development.
Prizes include:
Learner prizes:
1st place – R25 000 investment account
2nd place – R15 000 investment account
3rd place – R10 000 investment account
School prizes:
Winning learners’ schools receive R25 000, R15 000 and R10 000 respectively.
Teacher prize:
An iPad is awarded to a teacher demonstrating exceptional commitment to mathematics education.
By linking maths achievement with financial literacy tools, the initiative introduces learners to practical concepts that support long-term economic participation and responsible financial decision-making.
Education as a social impact driver
From a social impact and ESG perspective, improving numeracy skills contributes to stronger education outcomes, improved employability prospects and enhanced innovation capacity.
South Africa continues to face challenges in mathematics performance across many schools, particularly where access to resources is limited. Initiatives that build confidence in numeracy can help reduce inequality in education outcomes and support inclusive economic growth.
Peregrine Capital’s CSI programme demonstrates how private sector investment in education can create shared value by strengthening the skills pipeline needed for future economic resilience.
By empowering learners with confidence and capability, the competition contributes to broader efforts to build human capital and encourage critical thinking skills needed to solve complex social and economic challenges.
Supporting long-term innovation capacity
World Maths Day highlights the importance of numeracy in shaping future opportunities and improving life outcomes.
As economies become increasingly data-driven and technology-focused, mathematical literacy is a key enabler of innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
By expanding the 24SumMore Maths Competition nationally, Peregrine Capital is supporting a generation of learners who can contribute to solving future challenges across sectors including finance, science, engineering, sustainability and social innovation.
The initiative reinforces the idea that education partnerships play an important role in building resilient societies and enabling future economic participation.
More information about the competition is available at Peregrine Capital’s impact platform.
