Latest news with #SAMF
News24
a day ago
- Science
- News24
SA's brightest minds bring home gold medals from Pan African Mathematics Olympiad
The Olympiad is more than a competition, it's an opportunity to grow through mathematics. Maths trains pupils with problem-solving skills to boost the country's economy. The SA Mathematics Foundation said the pupils' commitment embodies their goal to strengthen maths education. South Africa has emerged as the most accomplished nation at this year's Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (Pamo) held at the University of Botswana. The Olympiad ran from 8 to 18 June. The six-member team that attended the Olympiad delivered an outstanding performance, bagging six medals – one for each participant. The annual event has been held since 1987. It falls under the auspices of the African Mathematical Union. This year's Olympiad brought together the brightest young minds, who were challenged to solve six complex problems across four mathematical disciplines – algebra, geometry, number theory and combinatorics. Professor Seithuthi Moshokoa, the executive director of the SA Mathematics Foundation (SAMF), told City Press: Olympiad mathematics is designed to challenge how one approaches problem-solving and analytical thinking. It is different from the mathematics taught at schools. Professor Seithuthi Moshokoa In the search for the thought-provoking problems, El Manar, the associate professor of mathematics at the University of Tunis, and Professor Karam Aloui, the executive secretary of the Pamo committee, said the problems committee compiled a list of potential mathematical problems, from which a jury shortlisted 12. 'The supervising committee selected the final six problems, ensuring that each covered key areas of pre-university mathematics without adhering to a fixed syllabus. This aims to challenge creativity and rigorous reasoning in equal measure,' Aloui explained. The medals were awarded in a 1:2:3 ratio for gold, silver and bronze and the leading female scorer received the title African Mathematics Queen. Team SA led in the competition and secured medals for their exceptional performance, as Erik Senekal, a Grade 11 pupil at Hoërskool Menlopark, James Prins (Grade 12, SA College High School) and Noah Greenblatt (Grade 11, King David High School) were awarded gold medals. Silver was bagged by Olivia Castleden (Grade 9, Somerset College) and Ruth Trimble (Grade 11, Pinelands High School), while WanRu Zhou (Grade 11, Parklands College) earned a bronze medal. Countries were ranked by the combined scores of their six contestants. SA claimed the top spot, followed by Tunisia and Ivory Coast, in second and third place, respectively. I am very proud of Team SA's achievements. Their dedication, resilience and innovative thinking exemplify our mission to nurture mathematical talent and empower our educators and learners. Moshokoa Senekal said writing the maths Olympiad was not just to compete, but a chance to learn and grow through the process. 'I have been someone who likes to be challenged. Someone who likes to solve problems and find solutions. This is why I have participated in mathematical Olympiads every year since Grade 1. Always see an opportunity to learn – approach each problem as a chance to discover something new.' Greenblatt said he was inspired to compete in the Olympiad because of his interest in mathematics from a young age. He also wanted to extend himself in every way he could. Enjoying this exploration was not only fulfilling but also strengthened my creativity and problem-solving ability. Overall, it was in striving to grow my talents and interest. According to Moshokoa, the pupils, coaches and mentors, teachers and parents all contributed to the team's success. The pupils worked incredibly hard to get this far, and SAMF is delighted that their hard work paid off. Moshokoa He said that the preparation for international mathematics competitions in SA started in primary school. SAMF programmes linked to international participation for high school pupils SA Mathematics Challenge for primary school pupils Old Mutual SA Mathematics Olympiad (Samo) Mathematics Problem-Solving course for primary and high school teachers Samo Olympiad Training Programme 'Teachers are trained to prepare pupils for Olympiad mathematics from an early age and each year more than 200 000 primary and high school pupils enter the first round, with only the top few advancing to the finals. Most international candidates have been doing advanced maths since primary school. 'Once the top 200 primary school pupils reach high school, they are often invited by SAMF to participate in the Samo Olympiad Training Programme. This programme consists of two training camps per year, as well as 11 weeks of intense training,' Moshokoa said. He added that the selection of international participation was based on their academic performance in the programme. Moshokoa emphasised that mathematics Olympiads and similar advanced mathematics competitions played a crucial role for individuals and the country. They prepared pupils to contribute to the country's economy through advanced problem-solving and analytical skills.
CairoScene
4 days ago
- Automotive
- CairoScene
Rally Jameel 2025 Returns with All-Women Lineup Across Five Cities
With 45 all-female teams from 37 countries, Rally Jameel 2025 will cover 1,500 km of Saudi and Jordanian terrain. Rally Jameel is set to return for its fourth edition on April 21st, bringing together an all-women roster of drivers and navigators for one of the region's most ambitious off-road events. The 2025 edition of the rally will span six days and five cities, starting in Petra, Jordan and crossing into Saudi Arabia through Tabuk, AlUla and Hail, before finishing in Qassim on April 26th. Covering more than 1,500 kilometres of mixed terrain—from desert plateaus and mountain valleys to coastal routes—the event places a spotlight on endurance and navigation rather than speed. What sets Rally Jameel apart is not just the landscape, but the people behind the wheel: all 45 participating teams are led by women, representing 37 countries across four continents. Among them are 25 returning competitors from previous editions, joined by 20 newcomers taking part in the rally for the first time. First launched in 2022, Rally Jameel made history as the first women's off-road rally in the Middle East. Since then, it has evolved into a high-profile platform for female talent in motorsport, recognised by the FIA Women in Motorsport Committee and fully sanctioned by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF). Organised by Jameel Motorsport, the rally continues to receive backing from Toyota distributor Abdul Latif Jameel Motors. Over the years, it has helped forge new pathways for women in rally driving, offering international visibility and hands-on experience in a sport traditionally dominated by men.
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Science
- IOL News
South African students to compete in International Mathematics Olympiad and Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad
The 2025 IMO Team. Top from left to right: Youkyum Kim, Pocoyo Pun, and Ellen Grant‑Smith. Bottom from left to right: Yian Xu, Moied Baleg, and Eli Williams. Image: Supplied The South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) proudly unveils the select group of exceptional learners set to represent the nation at two prestigious international mathematics competitions: the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) in Australia, scheduled for 10–20 July 2025, and the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) in Botswana, taking place from 11–18 June 2025. This selection marks a significant milestone in a decade-long journey that begins as early as Grade 4 with the SAMF's South African Mathematics Challenge. To qualify for these esteemed teams, students journey through a rigorous pipeline. Learners achieving 50% or higher in the first round of the Old Mutual South Africa Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO) advance to the second round. The top 100 Juniors (Grades 8–10) and top 100 Seniors (Grades 11–12) then proceed to a final round where the top scorers are identified and invited to intensive training camps. This careful selection ensures that only the most mathematically adept learners are chosen for the international stage. The 2025 PAMO Team. Top from left to right: Ruth Trimble, WanRu Zhou, and Olivia Castleden. Bottom from left to right: James Prins, Noah Greenblatt, and Eric Senekal. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'Mathematical excellence is built over years of dedication, curiosity and rigorous training,' said Prof Seithuthi Moshokoa, Executive Director of SAMF. 'Our 2025 IMO and PAMO teams exemplify SAMF's mission to empower learners, advance research, and advocate for mathematics across South Africa. We congratulate each learner and trust their achievements will inspire others to pursue the beauty of mathematics.' The IMO is regarded as the World Championship Mathematics Competition for high school students, hosting countries from across the globe every year. Since its inception in 1959 in Romania, the competition has grown significantly, now featuring over 100 participant nations, with each country permitted to field a team of no more than six contestants alongside a leader and deputy leader. This year's South African team for the IMO is a powerhouse of talent, featuring: Moied Baleg (Grade 12) from Settlers High School – represented South Africa in the IMO 2024 and was the overall winner of the Old Mutual South African Mathematics Olympiad in 2024. Youkyum Kim (Grade 12) from Reddam House, Durbanville – also an IMO 2024 representative and the overall winner of the Old Mutual South African Mathematics Olympiad in 2023, as well as the South African Mathematics Challenge winner in 2019. Eli Williams (Grade 11) from Westerford High School – an IMO 2024 representative and silver medallist in both the South African Mathematics Challenge (2019) and the Old Mutual South African Mathematics Olympiad (2022, 2023 and 2024). Pocoyo Pun (Grade 10) from Elkanah House – represented South Africa at PAMO in 2024, earning silver medals in the Old Mutual South African Mathematics Olympiad in 2023 and 2024. Yian Xu (Grade 12) from Redhill High School – an IMO 2024 representative and silver medallist in the SA Maths Olympiad from 2021 to 2024. Ellen Grant-Smith (Grade 12) from Westerford High School – represented South Africa in the 2024 IMO and earned silver at the Old Mutual SA Maths Olympiad in 2022 and 2024. The PAMO is an annual competition organised by the African Mathematical Union (AMU), wherein teams consist of six contestants (three girls and three boys), along with a team leader and a deputy team leader. The South African team for PAMO 2025 comprises the following talented individuals:
Asharq Al-Awsat
14-03-2025
- Automotive
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Crown Prince Receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi, Winner of 2025 Dakar Rally
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received on Thursday Yazeed Al-Rajhi, winner of the 2025 Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia in the car category. Al-Rajhi is the first Saudi driver to achieve this monumental feat in the world's most renowned rally. Meeting at the at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah, Crown Prince Mohammed congratulated Al-Rajhi on his victory, stressing that his achievement should be motivation for Saudi athletes. Al-Rajhi expressed his deep gratitude to the Crown Prince for the reception, which embodies his keenness, interest, and support for all athletes. The meeting was attended by Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdullah bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz.
Asharq Al-Awsat
31-01-2025
- Automotive
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Hail Region Governor Launches Hail Toyota International Rally 2025
Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Hail Region, Hail Region Development Authority Chairman, and Hail Toyota International Rally 2025 supreme organizing committee chairman, officially launched the start of the rally on Thursday. During the opening ceremony, Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) vice president Feher Alshareif delivered a speech highlighting the generous support from the Kingdom's leadership in promoting sports and solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as a global hub for motorsports. He said that the Hail Toyota International Rally, now in its 20th edition, is a significant milestone in the world of rallying, featuring four major championships: the World Baja Championship, the Middle East Baja Championship, the Asia Motorcycle Championship, and the Saudi Toyota Championship. He emphasized that since its launch in February 2006, the rally has become one of the premier motorsports events in the region, attracting elite drivers from around the world and experiencing substantial growth in recent years. As part of his visit, the governor of Hail toured the Hail Toyota International Rally 2025 Security Operations Center and the Al-Maghwa Security Point.
