GOOD NEWS - The South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) has announced that South Africa finished fourth overall at the 33rd Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (Pamo), held in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast.
Competing against 159 of Africa's top mathematics learners from 26 countries, Team South Africa earned two silver medals and four bronze medals, placing the country among the top four mathematics teams in Africa.
The final standings saw Algeria claim first place, followed by Morocco, Ivory Coast and South Africa.
South Africa also celebrated an outstanding performance in the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad for Girls (Pamog). The country's three female contestants won two silver medals and one bronze medal, highlighting the growing success of young women in mathematics.
Pamo is Africa's premier mathematics competition for secondary school learners.
Each participating country selects its six strongest mathematics learners to represent their nation.
Over two days, contestants solve six challenging proof-based problems that test their logical reasoning, creativity and mathematical thinking across algebra, geometry, combinatorics and number theory.
South Africa's medal winners are:
Silver
Zhenxuan Liu, Grade 10, Redhill High School, Gauteng
Ruth Trimble, Grade 12, Pinelands High School, Western Cape
Bronze
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
From left are Anni Luo, Ruth Trimble and Sixuan Liu.
South Africa's team was led by Aidan Conradie of Stellenbosch University, with Ellen Grant-Smith of the University of Cape Town serving as deputy team leader.
From left are Yi Shi, Zhenxuan Liu and Shangjing Huang.
Prof Seithuti Moshokoa, Chairperson of the South African Mathematics Foundation, congratulated the team on their achievement.
"These results reflect the dedication, resilience and intellectual curiosity of our learners, as well as the commitment of the coaches, mentors, schools and families who have supported them throughout their journey.
"Representing South Africa at the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad is an exceptional achievement in itself. To return home with six medals, including an outstanding performance by our young women, is a testament to the talent we have in our country.
"We congratulate every member of Team South Africa and encourage them to continue pursuing excellence in mathematics and the Stem disciplines."
SAMF congratulates the learners, their coaches, schools and families on this outstanding achievement. Their success reflects years of dedication and serves as an inspiration to young people across South Africa who aspire to excel in mathematics.
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