Six St Mary's DSG Girls Qualify for the South African Mathematics Olympiad Final Round
St Mary's DSG is delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of six of our girls who have qualified for the Final Round of the South African Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO). Their exceptional performances in the second round have earned them a place among the Top 100 mathematics learners in South Africa in their respective divisions.
The South African Mathematics Olympiad is one of the country's most prestigious mathematics competitions, challenging students to think critically, solve complex problems, and apply mathematical reasoning beyond the classroom. Progressing to the final round is a remarkable accomplishment that reflects perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to embrace challenge.
Congratulations to our finalists:
- Aliyyah Kalla (Grade 9)
- Sunny Chen (Grade 8)
- Lihle Dlodlo (Grade 11)
- Bohlale Makofane (Grade 8)
- Nyakujarah Tadiwa (Grade 9)
- YuanKeke Chen (Grade 9)
We are incredibly proud of the 48 girls who participated in Round 2 of the Olympiad. Choosing to tackle advanced, non-routine mathematical problems requires complex thinking, resilience, and determination. Every challenge attempted represents another step in developing critical thinking and analytical skills.
Reflecting on her success, Lihle Dlodlo (Grade 11) shared what she enjoys most about mathematics: "I love the satisfaction of seeing a problem, interpreting it and finding a solution." She also expressed her appreciation for the Mathematics Department at St Mary's DSG, saying that her teachers have helped her understand the 'why' behind mathematics rather than simply memorising methods—an approach that has nurtured her confidence and love for problem-solving.
Our six finalists will compete in the SAMO Final Round on Thursday, 30 July 2026, where they will join the country's finest young mathematicians.
We congratulate these exceptional girls on this outstanding achievement and wish them every success as they prepare for the final round. Your commitment, curiosity, and passion for mathematics continue to inspire our school community.
