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By Johnathan Paoli
The Eastern Cape Education Department has celebrated the foundational role mathematics could play in both the development of the individual learner as well as the growth of his or her community.
The department’s Primary Curriculum Directorate, in partnership with the Horizon Mathematics Competition (HMC) organisers, hosted the 2025 Horizon Mathematics Competition Awards at the Mandla Makupula Education Leadership Institute (MMELI) in East London.
The event celebrated not only academic excellence but also the growing confidence of learners who are discovering the joy and power of numbers, with Horizon Educational Trust Director Ian Turan stressing the essence of the day’s purpose and calling on the country to nurture future problem solvers and innovators.
“Mathematics helps strengthen reasoning skills and critical thinking. Maths will help you in any career,” Turan said.
For many learners, the competition marked the culmination of months of effort, beginning in their classrooms where they competed against peers before advancing to district contests.
Those who excelled at each stage secured their place at the provincial finals, representing the highest level of mathematical achievement in the Eastern Cape’s primary schools.
The steady growth in participation has made the HMC a cornerstone of the province’s education landscape, reflecting its success in promoting curiosity, discipline, and analytical thinking among young learners.
The department highlighted that the competition’s impact is evident not only in the enthusiasm it inspires but also in measurable academic outcomes.
Provincial and international assessments, including the Annual National Assessments (ANA), SEACMEQ V, and the 2023 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), have shown marked improvements linked to enhanced learner engagement with mathematics.
The department believes that fostering such engagement early is vital for long-term success in science, technology and engineering fields.
The awards ceremony itself was a celebration of excellence, with top learners recognised for their dedication and skill.
Each participant received certificates and medals, while the highest achievers took home practical prizes such as laptops, smartphones, bicycles, and scientific calculators.
In addition to individual recognition, the department honoured schools that demonstrated exceptional commitment to nurturing mathematical talent.
Institutions like New Generation Primary, Grey Boys Primary, and Maclear Methodist Primary stood out for their consistent support of learners and their innovative approaches to teaching mathematics.
Their success stories showed the essential role that schools and teachers play in shaping confident, capable learners.
Chief Education Specialist for Primary Curriculum, Lulama Kenene, applauded the learners for their perseverance and enthusiasm.
“Every participant is a winner. I want to say thank you to all our guests for joining us today,” he said.
He said that the competition is as much about participation and growth as it is about victory.
Chulekazi Xundu-Bula, Chief Director of Primary Curriculum, used the occasion to pay tribute to educators, describing them as the architects of the province’s academic future.
“Teachers, thank you for moulding our future leaders. Maths nurtures the ability to solve problems,” she said.
The department said that the competition had evolved into a flagship event that brought together communities, celebrates excellence and builds a foundation for academic confidence.
INSIDE EDUCATION