Pretoria - Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has sent her best wishes to the Grade 4 to 7 learners participating in the South African Mathematics Challenge, on Wednesday.
The competition is coordinated by the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) as well as the Association for Mathematics Education of South Africa (AMESA). It aims to breed a generation of learners who enjoy mathematics.
Minister Motshekga said a competition of this nature is critical to advance the country’s long-term economic goals and nurture young talent.
“We commend the work done by these organisations in a bid to not only increase participation in and enjoyment of mathematics but also to increase quality outcomes in this critical learning area,” said the minister.
The organisers say that out of almost 108 000 learners who wrote the first round in May this year, 10 817 learners from 416 schools across the country advanced to the final round.
In order to advance to the final round, learners needed a pass of more than 60% in the first paper.
“This is a great achievement and I look forward to monitoring the progress of the participants who are making us very proud as a country.
“What is also encouraging for us as the sector is that out of the 10 817 learners that will be writing the final round, 49% are girls. This is critical in improving the participation of girl children in mathematics and building their confidence in the subject, but also in creating young women that can actively participate in the economy and the development of the country,” said Motshekga.
Learners’ achievements in the final round will be acknowledged by being awarded gold, silver and bronze certificates.
Last year, a total of 3 929 certificates were issued, of which 579 were gold, 1 883 silver and 1 467 bronze.
The City of Tshwane had the highest number of certificates issued, followed by Cape Town and East London. – SAnews.gov.za
