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5 May 2009

The Minister of Education, Minister Pandor, has congratulated the schools and learners who achieved success in the recent Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO). This Olympiad is organised by the South African Mathematics Foundation and supported by the Department of Science and Technology. The Olympiad was held in Pretoria from 19 to 26 April 2009.

Two young South African mathematicians, Greg Jackson ( Diocesan College in Cape Town) and Arlton Gilbert ( Star College in Durban), won gold medals for their achievements while Dessi Nikolov of Eunice High School in Bloemfontein in the Free State, received a silver medal, and Hlanganani Shibambo of Wordsworth High School in Benoni on the East Rand received bronze.

Since each country is able to enter one team of four members, these four scholars were the official team. However, an unofficial team from South Africa also entered the competition. This unofficial team was made up of Sean Wentzel (Westerford High School), Kira Düsterwald (Springfield Convent), Charl du Plessis (Stellenberg High School), Ashraf Moolla (Rondebosch Boys' High School) and Rofhiwa Mauda (Mbilwi Secondary School). Although the unofficial team does not compete for recognition, the members are also up and coming young mathematicians who are ready to test themselves against the best on the continent.

South Africa achieved second place overall in the Olympiad and was one of thirteen countries that participated in the PAMO this year. The other participants were Burkina Faso, Senegal, Kenya, Benin, Zimbabwe, Algeria, Uganda, Mali, Mozambique, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Swaziland.

Minister Pandor congratulated all the participants and also the South African Mathematics Foundation for its work in promoting excellence in mathematics in the continent. The Minister also congratulated the Department of Science and Technology on this initiative and fully endorsed the role of such Olympiads to nurture innovative thinking and problem solving in the Mathematical Sciences. Minister Pandor encouraged more schools, and especially the Dinaledi Schools to enter young mathematicians in such Olympiads.

Enquiries:
Granville Whittle
Tel: 012 312 5024
Cell: 072 148 9575

Issued by: Department of Education
5 May 2009
Source: Department of Education (http://www.education.gov.za/)