Hard work and perseverance most often pay off. With a keen interest in maths and problem-solving, Laerskool Culembeeck’s Maropeng Ramaloko entered the South African Mathematics Challenge (SAMC) at the beginning of the year.
This challenge is organised by the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) in cooperation with the Association for Mathematics Education of South Africa and consists of a first, second and final round, with separate papers for Grades 4, 5, 6 and 7.
When Maropeng – a Grade 7 learner – first entered the competition, he never thought he’d be the first learner from Laerskool Culembeeck to advance to the final round of the national competition.
“Our school first participated in the SAMC in 2020. Since then we’ve had no learner make it to the final round – until now. Last year Maropeng only made it to the second round, but now he is back, better and excited to be representing his school in the final round,” Maropeng’s passionate maths teacher, Tshepo Mogopudi said.
He went on to explain that only 400 learners from across the country were selected to compete in the final round which is to take place in September. The first round took place in March, and the second in May.
“As his teacher I am very proud and humbled. This is Maropeng’s time to shine, and as he will be leaving us next year to go to high school, we can confirm that he made his mark at the school. He truly sets an example and we believe that he will be a leader one day,” Mogopudi said.
As a maths teacher, Mogopudi acknowledges learners’ overall negative attitude towards maths, but he believes that with a little encouragement and inspiration from teachers this can be turned around.
He hopes that Maropeng’s story and achievements will encourage other learners to look at the subject differently and embrace it. Laerskool Culembeeck is proud of Maropeng and whishes him only the best of luck for the final round.
