Grade 4 to 7 learners across the country receive mathematics challenge awards.

Twenty-two learners from across the country were celebrated for their achievements in a mathematics challenge during an award ceremony in Fourways.

Proud parents and stakeholders gathered on Saturday, 12 October at Montecasino Ballroom Conference Centre to celebrate junior and senior primary learners who were being awarded by the Nestlé Nespray South African Mathematics Challenge.

Nestlé Nespray partnered up with the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) and the Association for Mathematics Education of South Africa (Amesa) to run the challenge which started with

82 000 Grade 4 to 7 learners from different parts of South Africa. They were then cut down after rounds of exams to 22 learners who were awarded on 12 October.

Nestlé Nespray senior brand manager Pumla Mkhize spoke about the importance of the mathematics challenge. “As a brand, by being part of this campaign we can make a change in South Africa by allowing children in disadvantaged areas to get access to additional tutoring workshops, teacher and learner workshops that the South African Maths Foundation can do with us as sponsors on the competition.”

The first female South African to obtain a PhD in mathematics at the University of Venda, Dr Dephney Mathebula shared some words of encouragement with the learners, “Your flight of success has just taken off and it’s up to you how far you wish to go. I have no doubt that each of you will drive this flight of success to the well-being of our society and the world as a whole.

“The key to success in life is not to get ahead of others but to get ahead of ourselves.”

Speaking on behalf of the Department of Education was Vuyani Mpofu, “Our education needs to start looking at subjects that ensure South Africa manufactures its own vehicles, digital and so forth and all that needs mathematics and engineering.

” It’s not where you come from that will determine your future, it is the opportunities that you are given that will ensure you are a better person.

“We encourage other companies to sponsor such events because you can’t only depend on the government, so I would like to thank all Nestlé for sponsoring this event and wish all the learners the best.”

One of the 22 learners who was celebrated for his achievements was HeronBridge College learner, Tai Jun Jung. Excited is an understatement to describe how he felt to have come this far into the competition. “I did this challenge last year but I didn’t make it this far. This year I’ve made to the finale and I’ll be receiving a certificate in the senior division,” said Tai Jun.

He added that he is usually number one in mathematics in his grade at school. Tai Jun was accompanied by his father, Shawn Jung, and his little sister Tai Yeon Jung who also entered but was cut in the third round. Shawn said that he is very proud of his son and added that he is positive his daughter will excel next year.

Overall the event was a success and all the learners were excited to have their certificates in hand.

Details: South African Mathematics Foundation 012 392 9372; Association for Mathematics Education of South Africa. 011 484 8917; Nestlé Nespray 011 514 6000.