Meet South Africa’s young mathematicians heading to global competitions

Ahead of Youth Day on June 16, the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) has announced the selection of the young learners who will represent the country at two of the world’s most prestigious mathematics competitions this summer.

The selected teams are set to compete at the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) in Shanghai, China, taking place from 10 to 20 July, and the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) in Côte d’Ivoire, scheduled for 26 June to 4 July.

The competitions, which test logical reasoning, creativity, and advanced problem-solving rather than rote classroom memorisation, are considered the peak of high school mathematical challenges.

International Mathematics Olympiad Team

• Eli Williams (Grade 12, Westerford High School, Western Cape)
• Pocoyo Pun (Grade 11, Elkanah House, Western Cape)
• Noah Rassou (Grade 12, South African College High School, Western Cape)
• Vincent Wang (Grade 12, Deutsche Internationale Schule Pretoria, Gauteng)
• Noah Greenblatt (Grade 12, King David High School, Gauteng)
• Xiaoyuan Li (Grade 11, St John's College, Gauteng)

The team will be led by Ms Kerry Porrill of Stellenbosch University, with Ms Yian Xu from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology serving as the deputy team leader.

• Eli Williams (Grade 12, Westerford High School, Western Cape)
• Pocoyo Pun (Grade 11, Elkanah House, Western Cape)
• Noah Rassou (Grade 12, South African College High School, Western Cape)
• Vincent Wang (Grade 12, Deutsche Internationale Schule Pretoria, Gauteng)
• Noah Greenblatt (Grade 12, King David High School, Gauteng)
• Xiaoyuan Li (Grade 11, St John's College, Gauteng)

The team will be led by Ms Kerry Porrill of Stellenbosch University, with Ms Yian Xu from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology serving as the deputy team leader.

Pan African Mathematics Olympiad Team

• Anni Luo (Grade 12, Durban Girls' College, KwaZulu Natal)
• Zixuan Liu (Grade 10, Redhill High School, Gauteng)
• Ruth Trimble (Grade 12, Pinelands High School, Western Cape)
• Zhenxuan Liu (Grade 10, Redhill High School, Gauteng)
• Yi Shi (Grade 10, St. Stithians Boys' College, Gauteng)
• Eric Huang (Grade 12, Hout Bay International School, Western Cape)

The team will be led by Mr Aidan Conradie of Stellenbosch University, supported by deputy team leader Ms Ellen Grant-Smith from the University of Cape Town.

A Rigorous Road to Selection

Securing a spot on these teams is the culmination of a years-long, highly competitive process. The journey typically begins in primary school with the SAMF’s South African Mathematics Challenge (SAMC) and transitions into high school via the South African Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO).

The process acts as a rigorous filter: out of approximately 85,000 initial participants in the first round of the SAMO, only about 20% qualify for the second round, and only the top 200 progress to the finals.

From this elite group, the South African Training Squad is selected, undergoing intense training camps and testing before the final national teams are determined. Herman Bosman, SAMO Project Manager, emphasised the dedication required to reach this level. “These learners have spent years developing advanced mathematical thinking,” said Bosman. “Reaching this level requires discipline, persistence, and the ability to solve complex problems under pressure”.

Through these initiatives, the SAMF aims to foster the development of the next generation of scientists, engineers, and critical thinkers in South Africa.

Weekend Argus