Saipa announces the winners of the 2023 National Accounting and Maths Olympiad
Kevin Naylor says the Namo competition pushed him to expand his knowledge of accounting beyond the classroom.
Math and accountancy skills provide a plethora of career opportunities and industries that are in high demand for talented young professionals.
That is precisely why the Midrand-based accountancy institute, The South African Institute of Professional Accountants (Saipa) launched the National Accounting and Maths Olympiad (Namo) competition in 2021.
The Namo competition is an excellent opportunity for learners to put their maths and accounting skills to the test with current and applicable scenario case studies, fostering their readiness as future-ready accountants.
Saipa was proud to announce the winners of the 2023 Namo competition in late December last year.
Kevin Naylor from Worcester Gimnasium secured the first position, followed by Innocent Maphanga from Lehlabile Secondary School in second place.
The third place was shared by Nicole Ramaube, Sibusiso Ramodisetsi, Lethabo Moleke, Thoriso Kgoete and Ruth Tema, all from Leap Science and Maths School.
The newly refreshed format aligns with the shift towards automation, driven primarily by the increasing demands of the digital era.
Participants engage in an open-ended project, encompassing two written submissions and a presentation, that encourages learners to apply their approach to researching information and problem-solving.
Naylor, who won first prize with a score of 95 at the Olympiad, said the competition pushed him to expand his knowledge of accounting beyond the classroom. “It wasn’t just about testing accounting skills; it also demanded research, report writing, communication, and entrepreneurial skills.
“This competition broadened my perspective on the business world and reshaped my thinking completely. I’ll never forget the positive impact this competition had on my life, and I hope more students participate in the near future.”
Professor Rashied Small, executive of the Centre of Future Excellence at Saipa, congratulated the winners and said that Saipa is proud to be playing a part in fostering the next generation of business and finance professionals.
He expressed hope that the outstanding performance of this year’s cohort would encourage more students to apply and participate.
He also thanked the sponsors, Sage, the University of Johannesburg Department of Accountancy, NtaNet Solutions, and CAMAF Medical Scheme, for their support of this year’s competition.
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