SA Maths Foundation (SAMF)

🌟 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.

Naidu said his interest in statistics was shaped by years of competing in national and international mathematics, computer programming and physics Olympiads during his childhood.

Read more here:

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✨ Build confident problem-solvers

The Kangaroo Competition for Grades 1–3 is:

• 🌍 Available in all South African official languages
• 🔍 Designed to grow thinking skills
• 📈 A strong foundation for maths learning
• 😊 Enjoyable for young learners

📅 Entries close 28 May 2026

👉 Comment or message us with:
• Name & Surname
• School Name
• Email Address

We will send your registration form.

The SAMS Women in Mathematics Division will host the 8th edition of Celebrating Women in Mathematics on Friday.

Prof Dephney Mathebula-Periola (University of Fort Hare) will present a talk titled “Nuggets of Wisdom for Building a Research Profile.” The event will be chaired by Dr Cerene Rathilal (University of KwaZulu-Natal).

Prof Mathebula-Periola is a leading mathematician whose research focuses on mathematical modelling of infectious diseases and who is passionate about mentoring young people in STEM.

Register here: https://nithecs-ac-za.zoom.us/meeting/register/byM9MOO8T4Gfr3slePihvw #/registration