Durban — Mathematics whizzes were celebrated at the Daily News Maths Whizz of the Year competition, powered by Stellar Maths, an initiative aimed at inspiring young minds in mathematics.

The event drew students, parents, and sponsors together in a joyful gathering that honoured the remarkable achievements of budding mathematicians.

Announcing the winners, Dr Sheetal Bhoola – a lecturer and researcher at the University of Zululand and the director at Stellar Maths in Sunningdale – said the winners had come a long way from 1 200 applicants down to three winners.

She also emphasised the importance of science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem) subjects in the development of society and also stressed that there is still a gap for schools that fit the demographic of previously disadvantaged pupils.

In first place, Levi Vermeulen, from Chelsea Preparatory said the day was exciting and he was grateful to Stellar Maths for organising the event.

He advised pupils who are struggling with maths to change their mindset about maths.

“If you think of it as challenging it will be,” he said.

In second place Ella Luo, from Glenwood Preparatory, it was a pleasure to be a part of the competition. She said her tip for those struggling with maths is to try to understand the problem and they will find a solution.

Finally, in third place, Seth Machanick, from Reddam House uMhlanga, said on Wednesday was the best day of his life and he loved maths because there were many ways to get to an answer and if one only looked, the solution would appear.

Independent Media Regional Editor and Acting Daily News editor Mazwi Xaba represented the Daily News at the announcement.

He said that the competition was a perfect fit for the newspaper as many may know that it is a Durban’s people’s paper and education-focused as it prioritises education.

Mike Naidoo from Stellar International expressed delight at meeting the winners and their families, praising their dedication.

“A privilege to meet the winners and the parents – congratulations on the achievement, Stellar International applauds the effort acknowledging that maths is a gateway subject to a better future,” Naidoo said.

The winners were recognised not just for their academic excellence but were also rewarded with exciting prizes, including family tickets to uShaka Marine World.

Melissa Martin from the theme park extended her congratulations, encouraging the achievers by saying: “Congratulations to the winners of the competition.

“This achievement is a testament of your hard work and dedication in maths,” she said to the trio.

“We wish you much success in your future careers and contribution to the country. Enjoy our unlimited fun opportunities with your family (at uShaka),” she said.

Stacey Vermeulen said she was proud of her son and his enthusiasm for maths and solving problems, which had led him to winning the competition.

She also thanked the sponsors for their support.

Lauren Machanick, Seth’s mother, also said she was proud of her son.

“I am so proud of how well these children have done and grateful for these opportunities to have fun with Maths and learning,” Machanick said.

“The students have been so spoiled with fantastic prizes from the incredible sponsors. A big thank you to Stellar Maths and the Daily News for making this competition possible,“ she said.

Paul Luo, Ella’s father, said that he believed that this was good feedback for her hard work and he, too, thanked the sponsors for their support.

Fara Hamid from the Radisson Blu Hotel, Durban uMhlanga said she was incredibly honoured to be part of such an amazing initiative, while the National Marketing Manager for Independent Media, Shabnum Moosa, said she was pleased with the exceptional response to The Daily News Maths Whizz of the Year, competition powered by Stellar Maths, which underscored the community's enthusiasm for educational engagement.

She said that as a community-focused publication, the Daily News was committed to engaging younger minds and fostering a strong foundation in mathematics. The impressive participation numbers attest to the success of this initiative.

“We look forward to continuing to facilitate programs that promote academic excellence and encourage the next generation of thinkers and problem-solvers,” Moosa said.

“Our goal is to reinvigorate interest in traditional media among youth while strengthening our community ties. Thank you to Stellar Maths as well as all our sponsors in making this such a successful initiative,” she said.

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