The South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) has announced the winners of the 2025 South African Physics Olympiad (SAPhO), celebrating the strong achievements of learners across the country.

SAPhO is hosted by the South African Institute of Physics to recognise excellence in physics among young South Africans and to encourage them to continue studying the subject at universities and other tertiary institutions.

A total of 368 learners from more than 200 secondary schools took part in SAPhO 2025, an increase from previous years.

The Olympiad was written both online and in person. For the first time, an astronomy section was included to introduce learners to critical thinking, problem-solving and a deeper appreciation of the universe.

SAPhO convener Case Rijsdijk said: “South Africa, like every other country in the world, has amongst its youth a latent talent that needs to be identified, nurtured and monitored to allow them to reach their full potential.”

He added: “There are talent scouts for potential sportsmen and women, why not for mathematics and sciences? Our future lies in education and a technologically based economy. Identifying future scientists and engineers is essential and SAPhO is one pathway to success.”

Despite national challenges, the SAPhO 2025 results are described as highly satisfactory and reflect the hard work of both learners and teachers. For the first time in SAPhO history, there were ties for the silver and bronze awards.

Kenilworth Secondary School shines

Kenilworth Secondary School in Johannesburg South produced standout performances in this year’s olympiad, with three learners receiving top honours.

The silver award is shared by Enamandla Matsepe from Kenilworth Secondary School and Betty Tinyiko Mhlala from Ben Hlongwane Secondary School in Limpopo. Each received a silver certificate and R750.

Enamandla expressed deep gratitude for the support he received. He said: “I am honoured to have been given the chance to participate in the olympiad. I would like to thank my teacher Mr Makhanya for his support because without him, I wouldn’t have been knowledgeable enough to participate. I also want to extend my appreciation to the organisers for hosting us. Truly, I have experienced what it means to be a scientist.”

Kenilworth Secondary also secured both bronze awards, which went jointly to Bettia Nginamau and Onyekwelu Divine. Each learner received a bronze certificate and R500.

A special prize-giving ceremony was held to celebrate the learners, bringing together parents, fellow learners and teachers.

Distinguished guests Dr Paul Molefe and Mphoriseni Khwanda from the University of Johannesburg attended to honour the young achievers and encourage them to pursue careers in science.

Teacher Makhanya, who guided all three Kenilworth award-winners, thanked his subject advisor Dr Moosa Summaya for her support and for encouraging the school to enter the olympiad.

He said: “I always lead by example and show my learners the importance of science. Even though we don’t have a science lab at our school, I motivate them to look beyond and search for greater opportunities. We do our class tests and I promote peer teaching.”

He added: “I would like to congratulate each one of my learners for their outstanding performance and for making me and the school proud. Their success reflects their hard work and the support provided by me and their families. I look forward to seeing the incredible things these young scientists will achieve in the future. Well done, team.”