Schools across South Africa will host the first rounds of the country’s two largest school mathematics competitions this month, as learners prepare to take part in the South African Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO) and the South African Mathematics Challenge (SAMC).

The South African Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO) first round will take place on 12 March 2026. The South African Mathematics Challenge (SAMC) first round will follow shortly afterwards, with schools writing the paper between 16 and 20 March 2026.

The competitions promote mathematics as gateway subject and give learners an opportunity to experience mathematics beyond routine classroom work. The questions encourage logical thinking, creativity and problem-solving, while also identifying talented learners who may later represent South Africa in international competitions.

Early registration data indicates a significant rise in participation.

The South African Mathematics Olympiad, which is aimed at high school learners, has recorded 105,084 provisional entries for the 2026 first round, compared with 87,787 entries in 2025, reflecting an increase of more than 17,000 learners nationwide.

The South African Mathematics Challenge, which is aimed at primary school learners from grade 4, has also grown. Provisional registrations show 81,085 learners entered for 2026, up from 77,357 learners in 2025.

South African Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO) – 2026 provisional entries by province (highest to lowest)

• Mpumalanga: 23,337
• Gauteng: 19,228
• Eastern Cape: 15,908
• Limpopo: 12,608
• KwaZulu-Natal: 12,043
• Western Cape: 10,085
• North West: 5,126
• Free State: 3,382
• Northern Cape: 2,739
• Southern Africa (international schools): 628

Total provisional entries: 105,084 learners

South African Mathematics Challenge (SAMC) – 2026 provisional entries by province (highest to lowest)

• Mpumalanga: 20,147
• Limpopo: 10,151
• KwaZulu-Natal: 9,311
• Gauteng: 8,795
• Western Cape: 8,868
• North West: 8,616
• Northern Cape: 7,275
• Eastern Cape: 6,132
• Free State: 1,631
• Southern Africa (international schools): 159

Total provisional entries: 81,085 learners

The continued growth in participation highlights the important role that schools and teachers play in encouraging learners to explore mathematics beyond the classroom.

Both competitions begin with a school-based first round. Each participating school arranges a suitable time during the official competition window for learners to write the one-hour multiple-choice paper.

Teachers mark the answer sheets at school before submitting the results to the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF). Learners who achieve 50% or more qualify for the second round in May 2026.