Young mathematics boffin Olivia Castleden has been selected to represent South Africa at the prestigious Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad (Pamo) in Botswana from Wednesday 11 to 18 June.
The Grade 9 Somerset College learner boasts an impressive track record of achievements, having previously represented SA at Pamo in 2024, winning a gold medal at the South African Mathematics Challenge in 2022 and earning a silver medal at the 2024 Old Mutual South African Mathematics Olympiad.
She will be part of SA’s six-member Pamo team, comprising three girls and three boys, to compete against the continent’s brightest young mathematical minds.
The team will be led by Jared Slater with Hugo Bruwer as deputy leader.
Their selection comes after a rigorous process that begins as early as Grade 4 with the South African Mathematics Challenge, and continues through multiple rounds of the South African Mathematics Olympiad. Only the top performers are invited to intensive training camps, where the final team members are selected based on exceptional mathematical ability.
The South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) has also selected a separate team of six learners to compete at the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) in Australia in July.
Professor Seithuthi Moshokoa, executive director of SAMF, emphasised “mathematical excellence is built over years of dedication, curiosity and rigorous training,” a statement that clearly applies to Olivia’s journey in competitive mathematics.
After Olivia’s inclusion in the team, Somerset College posted on its Facebook page: “We are incredibly proud of her and wish her the very best as she prepares to shine on the continental stage once again!”
