The 2025 Albert Allie Mathematics Olympiad has once again proven to be a celebration of young talent and community spirit. Hosted at the prestigious Odin Park Primary School on Friday, 7 November 2025, the event brought together 24 of the brightest mathematics learners from primary schools across Lawley, Ennerdale and Finetown, with this year’s competition proudly welcoming St Ives Primary from Klipspruit.
Now in its fourth consecutive year, the Olympiad continues to grow in scope and impact. Organisers Myles Daniels and Hamilton Dickson described the event as “a tremendous success,” adding that they give “God all the honour and glory for a blessed day of healthy interactions.”
When the competition was founded four years ago, inclusivity was established as its guiding principle. Each participating school nominates two top performing Grade 7 learners, one boy and one girl, ensuring that equal opportunity and representation remain at the heart of the initiative. This year’s results reflected that commitment, with the top three performers representing both genders and different schools across the region.
“The Olympiad creates a balanced space where all participants can showcase their talent,” said the organisers. “By valuing every learner equally, we foster confidence, fairness, and a love for learning that strengthens our entire community.”
Educator Ms Tsheliwe Shongwe echoed this sentiment in a thank you letter, writing: “The Olympiad created a space where learners could see that participation itself is a victory, and that the journey of learning is its own reward.”
While the top three winners were celebrated, organisers emphasised that all 24 contestants were champions in their own right, each representing the top achiever from their respective schools.
Top Three Winners 2025 Albert Allie Mathematics Olympiad
1st: Brynn Deysel (Odin Park Primary)
2nd: Deusa De Matos (Saint George Primary)
3rd: Gianno Singh (Mid Ennerdale Primary)
As part of the Olympiad’s long term commitment to academic growth, each participant received a Grade 8 mathematics study guide to support their transition to high school in 2026. This initiative promotes sustained learning and accountability, with learners required to return their guides to qualify for the next level in 2027.
Youth mentorship also featured strongly this year. Grade 10 learners Naomi Abraham and Neo Mokoena from Fred Norman Secondary volunteered their time as assistants, embodying the spirit of giving back. “Their leadership and willingness to serve demonstrate invaluable life skills that will benefit them far beyond the classroom,” said Daniels.
The organisers extended heartfelt gratitude to teachers, parents, and community supporters who made the event possible. “Your trust and encouragement are vital in nurturing the next generation of thinkers and problem solvers,” they said. Special thanks were given to Odin Park Primary’s Mr Rickets and Ms MacFarlane for hosting the competition, as well as to local caterers Colette’s Sweet Treats, Mellas Cakery, Shaheid’s Fast Foods, and Prefill Water for providing delicious refreshments throughout the day.
The full list of participating learners included: Bongiwe Mbatha, Tlakuso Mbhiza, Deusa De Matos, Christian Wagner, Nastisa Khoza, Njabulo Dlamini, Brynn Deysel, Caleb Sauls, Kamogelo Ramakutoane, Simphiwe Moyo, Ayanda Ntuli, Gianno Singh, Lethabo Mokoena, Thato Mohafa, Thokozile Twala, Lion Zimba, Nqobile Mbatha, Kabelo Mkhwane, Andiswa Mokhethi, Thandolwethu Mbadu, Lindokuhle Gadu, Kamogelo Mafatle, Ntando Banda, and Lemark Joseph.
Participating schools were Buyani, Finetown, Thuthukani Tswelopele, Motheo Foundation, Stanley Ramoba, Lawley, Spectrum, Mid Ennerdale, Poseidon Road, Odin Park, Saint George, and St Ives.
Behind the scenes, the Olympiad was driven by dedicated alumni of Fred Norman Secondary:
Myles Daniels (Class of 2018) – BEng (Electrical Engineering) and BSc (Information Technology), University of Johannesburg; now an Electrical Engineer at Transnet.
Chemondre Wilkens (Class of 2016) – BEd and Honours in Educational Psychology, North West University; currently teaching at Nova Pioneer.
Hamilton Dickson (Class of 1994) – BSc (Mathematics), BSc (Chemistry), and MSc (Chemistry) from US institutions; now a research scientist in the pharmaceutical industry.
Together, they continue to inspire a new generation of learners to see mathematics not as a subject to fear, but as a language of logic, creativity and endless possibility.
Image: Supplied
