The Department of Basic Education (DBE), in collaboration with the Old Mutual Foundation, VELLE Foundation and Teachink, hosted the first Mathematical Literacy Challenge Awards Ceremony, at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre on 16 October 2026. The challenge focused on Grade 10 Mathematical Literacy learners.
Learners answered Mathematical Literacy questions, which were developed by an Assessment Team of Subject Advisors from eight provinces, led by Dr Reineth van der Merwe from the Free State and Educase. Approximately 2,553 learners from 851 schools registered for the challenge and 45 learners from 15 teams were awarded during the Ceremony. The first national awards brought together brilliant learners and dedicated educators from eight provinces.
The Chief Education Specialist for Mathematical Literacy, Ms Masirheni Gladys Nkwinika, said that “the DBE has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to quality, inclusive, and practical education through the successful hosting of the Ceremony. The Mathematical Literacy Challenge is more than a competition; it is a strategic intervention by the Department to make Mathematics relevant, practical, and accessible to every learner. By focusing on Mathematical Literacy, the DBE, along with its strategic partners is equipping learners with essential life skills such as budgeting; critical thinking; problem-solving; and financial literacy skills, which are crucial for everyday life and the economy”.
Mr Thabo Hollo from the Old Mutual Foundation explained that “what stood out during the awards was not only the outstanding performance of the learners, but also the spirit of collaboration, encouragement, and healthy competition fostered by the learners, teachers and subject advisors across the provinces. Behind every learner who participated is a committed teacher, supported by DBE’s curriculum support, training, and learning materials. By celebrating the Mathematical Literacy Challenge, the DBE is sending a clear message: “Every learner matters, every province matters, and Mathematics in practice is for everyone, because Mathematical Literacy learners know how many bricks are needed to build a house”.
“The success of the awards with the eight provinces in attendance proves that when the DBE leads with vision and purpose, our learners rise to the occasion. This is indeed education in action – empowering the youth, building confidence, and laying a solid foundation for a skilled and capable future generation,” remarked the Acting DDG for Curriculum Policy, Support and Monitoring, Mr Seliki Tlhabane.
Going forward, investing and planning for the future Mathematical Literacy Challenge Awards will be intensified at a larger scale with more sponsors and prizes. A huge thank you was extended to all provincial teams, organisers, sponsors, teachers, and most importantly, to the learners who continue to make the nation proud.