SA Maths Foundation (SAMF)

YOUTH MONTH | From SAMO to Oxford

The journey from a school mathematics competition to one of the world's leading universities begins with curiosity, hard work and a passion for learning.

This Youth Month, we celebrate the achievements of SAMO alumnus Aaron Naidu, whose remarkable academic journey has taken him from excelling in mathematics competitions to securing a place at the prestigious University of Oxford for a Master's degree in Statistical Science. Aaron was also the only student to win the Tertiary Mathematics Olympiad outright while still in high school.

Aaron's achievements extend far beyond Olympiads. He graduated summa cm laude from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, received the Zac Yacoob Scholarship as the top honours student across all disciplines at the university, and has represented South Africa through several national and international mathematics and science competitions.

His story is a powerful reminder of what is possible when young people are given opportunities to develop their mathematical talent and pursue excellence.

📖 Read more about Aaron's journey:
https://risingsunnewspapers.co.za/285529/statistics-sensation-secures-a-place-at-oxford-university/

This Youth Month, we celebrate young South Africans who are using mathematics to unlock opportunities, solve complex problems, and shape the future.

Statistics sensation secures a place at Oxford University | Rising Sun Newspapers His intellectual prowess will now take him to the UK for a 12-month masters that includes a research dissertation.

YOUTH MONTH | Celebrating the Teachers Who Shape Young Minds

Behind every young mathematician, scientist, engineer or innovator is a teacher who inspired them to believe in their potential.

This Youth Month, we celebrate educators who go above and beyond to strengthen mathematics education in South Africa.

One such educator is Nelisiwe Malamlela, a mathematics teacher at Matatiele Primary School in the Alfred Nzo West District of the Eastern Cape. Nelisiwe was recognised by the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Schools Enrichment Centre (AIMSSEC) as the Top Senior Phase (Grades 7–9) Teacher in the Mathematical Thinking course hosted by the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) and sponsored by Standard Bank.

Her achievement highlights the important role that dedicated teachers play in developing confident learners and fostering a culture of mathematical thinking in the classroom.

🎥 Watch her share her experience of the course:
https://youtu.be/geLCmJ9mq5k?si=P4pup41EmZcs0kmN

As we celebrate Youth Month, we also honour the teachers who help young people discover their talents, develop critical thinking skills, and build brighter futures through mathematics.

The Art Of Teaching Mathematics: An Inside Look With Nelisiwe Malamlela Nelisiwe Malamlela is a mathematics teacher at Matatiele Primary Sc...

YOUTH MONTH | Where Can Mathematics Take You?

Many learners ask the question: "What can I do with mathematics?"

The answer is simple: far more than you might imagine.

Mathematics opens doors to careers in finance, data science, engineering, technology, research, actuarial science, business leadership and many other fields that shape the world around us.

In this video from our archives, Celiwe Ross, Director: Group Strategy, Sustainability, People and Public Affairs at Old Mutual, shares valuable insights into the opportunities available to learners who develop strong mathematical skills. Recorded during one of our award ceremony panel discussions, the conversation highlights how mathematics can serve as a foundation for a successful and rewarding career.

🎥 Watch the video:
https://youtu.be/Ee--XV3VCpA?si=-k5kL5scYqHOrHHw](https://youtu.be/Ee--XV3VCpA?si=-k5kL5scYqHOrHHw

This Youth Month, we encourage young people to explore the many pathways that mathematics can unlock and to see mathematics not only as a subject, but as a gateway to future opportunities.

Unlocking Infinite Possibilities: Celiwe's Insights on Mathematics Careers Explore the fascinating world of mathematics careers with Celiwe Ro...

🌟 SAMF Stakeholder Spotlight | Sandra Swanepoel 🌟

This month, the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) shines the spotlight on Sandra Swanepoel, Mathematics Lecturer at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and SAMF Research Partner.

Sandra’s journey with SAMF started unexpectedly when she stepped in at short notice to facilitate an Olympiad activity at her university. What began as a practical intervention soon developed into a research partnership linked to her PhD studies.

Her decision to return to South Africa was shaped by a deeper purpose.

“While teaching mathematics abroad, I realised I was teaching children who already loved mathematics, while my own country faced a serious challenge. I decided to come back and try to make a difference.”

Sandra believes South Africa needs to change the way mathematics is discussed and taught.

“Humans ARE mathematics. Everything around us is mathematics. Our narratives around mathematics in South Africa are always negative.”

She hopes learners will embrace challenges, value the learning journey, and understand that mistakes are part of growth.

“To participate in challenges. To try harder. To teach them winning is not everything — the journey is more important. Mistakes are great, learn from that!”

Her message to learners is simple and direct:

“How do you become a Springbok? Practice, right? Why do you think it would be different with mathematics? If you want to be good at anything, you have to put effort in.”

SAMF thanks Sandra Swanepoel for her growing contribution to mathematics education and research in South Africa.

YOUTH MONTH | Celebrating Young South African Excellence

This Youth Month, we celebrate young people who dare to dream big and pursue excellence.

In October 2020, Soweto-born mathematics learner Kgaogelo Bopape made South Africa proud when he earned a bronze medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), the world's most prestigious mathematics competition for high school learners.

His achievement is a reminder that talent, dedication and perseverance can open doors to opportunities on the global stage. Through programmes such as the South African Mathematics Olympiad, the South African Mathematics Foundation works to identify, nurture and support the next generation of mathematical talent.

Watch this interview from our archives and hear more about Kgaogelo's remarkable achievement:

🎥 https://youtu.be/0AKwCdq-f_k?si=EKRcoxKQXJfETep6

This Youth Month, we celebrate the young minds who are shaping South Africa's future—one problem, one solution and one achievement at a time.

Maths whizz, Kgaogelo Bopape bags bronze medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad in Russia Soweto-born maths whizz, Kgaogelo Bopape has bagged a bronze medal ...

📩 RESULTS SUBMISSION REMINDER

Thank you to all schools that participated in the SA Leg of the Kangaroo Mathematics Competition. 🦘

Please remember to submit your learners’ results by:

📅 29 May 2026
✉️ [email protected]

The competition for Grades 1–3 is available in all South African official languages and continues to encourage problem-solving and mathematical thinking from an early age. 🧠

We appreciate your participation and support in helping young learners grow their confidence in mathematics.

🚨 Last call for participation

The Kangaroo Competition for Grades 1–3:

• 🌍 Available in all South African official languages
• 🧠 A valuable maths experience for young learners

📅 Final deadline: 28 May 2026

👉 Leave your details now:
• Name & Surname
• School Name
• Email Address

We will send your registration form today.

Dear teachers, thank you for sharing your classroom photographs of learners writing the SAMC Second Round today.

📘 Best wishes to all learners participating in the South African Mathematics Challenge Round 2 today!

Your preparation, perseverance and problem-solving skills have brought you this far. Take your time, think carefully, and enjoy the challenge.

Remember:
✔️ Every problem is an opportunity to learn
✔️ Confidence grows through practice
✔️ You are capable of great things

The SAMF and SAICA are proud of every learner taking part today.