Learners at Elusindisweni Primary School in Mhluzi lined up for a celebratory guard of honour, holding colourful balloons and cheering as Oratile Nnawe (9) arrived back at school in a festive motorcade on September 21.
The Grade Three learner was escorted from his home in Mhluzi by vehicles driven by teachers and fellow learners.
Oratile was greeted with applause, songs and prayers at the school assembly, which was a special Monday celebration organised by the school’s events, fundraising and information and communication technology committees to honour his victory.
The grand reception followed a triumphant trip to Penreach College in Mbombela, where Oratile competed in the provincial Mental Maths Competition.
Early morning preparation pays off
According to Oratile’s teacher, Nozipho Ndlovu, he showed exceptional drive when he woke up at 03:00 to study ahead of the final.
“I couldn’t believe it, and he said he wanted to practise. He said he was looking for question papers to practise with for the competition,” Ndlovu said.
Before heading into the competition, Oratile shared that mathematics comes naturally to him and explained how breaking down arithmetic operations makes problem-solving easier.
“I love maths because it is a subject I understand better than any other. It is not difficult for me because I find it easy to calculate, and that makes it much easier for me,” he said.
3 rounds to victory
The provincial final event consisted of three rounds, eliminating lower-scoring participants at each stage until only four remained.
Oratile proved unstoppable, winning all three provincial rounds to secure first place.Ndlovu said they watched as other learners left after being eliminated.
“After the second round, I realised our school was not out, and that’s when it hit me that Oratile was in the top four. I just burst into tears and tears of joy,” Ndlovu added.
According to Ndlovu, the school hopes the victory will inspire other learners as well.
“Every learner now will feel the need to push more, because I believe every person wants to see himself or herself at the top. It is going to boost discipline in the school, and when learners go to high school as well. This is the beginning of greater things at Elusindisweni Primary School,” Ndlovu added.
