MATHS CHALLENGE PUTS YOUNG MINDS TO THE TEST!

By KOPANO MONAHENG

FOR many young learners, mathematics can be a source of anxiety and self-doubt, but the WeSolve4x Maths Competition is looking to change that by giving Grade 4 to 7 pupils a platform to build confidence, sharpen their problem-solving skills and discover their potential.
With the first round scheduled for 10 October, pupils are being encouraged to prepare, stay focused and approach the challenge with confidence as they work towards the final on 14 November.

Tsietsi Ngobese, CEO and founder of WeSolve4x Consultancy, an organisation focused on mathematics tutoring and educational development in townships and rural communities across South Africa, said his organisation, in partnership with Gibela Rail Transport Consortium, were behind all the pupils taking part in the challenge.
Ngobese said that for many pupils, the competition could bring anxiety, pressure and self-doubt as they prepare to test their mathematical skills.
The competition will be hosted at Nigel Primary School in Nigel, Ekurhuleni, although some pupils will participate online.
Before thinking about reaching the final on 14 November, pupils must first focus on the opening round on 10 October.

Ngobese said the competition formed part of a broader effort to change how young people experience mathematics and develop the next generation of problem-solvers.
“We want pupils to discover that mathematics is not simply about getting the right answer in a classroom. It is about curiosity, creativity, persistence and learning how to solve problems,” he said.
Through the annual Gibela-WeSolve4x Maths Competition, which has been running for three years, the organisers are creating an environment where young learners can test themselves, learn from others and begin to recognise the opportunities mathematics can unlock for their future.
Grade 4 to 7 pupils are competing for recognition, prizes and an opportunity to showcase their abilities.
Participating schools across Mzansi will follow different formats. Grade 5 pupils will write the competition by hand at Nigel Primary School, while Grade 4, Grade 6 and Grade 7 pupils will participate online through the WeSolve4x App.
The competition encourages pupils to think critically, explore different ways of solving problems and develop the confidence to approach mathematics as a subject of discovery rather than fear. Dr Buyiswa Mncono-Liwani, executive for corporate services and traction motors operations at Gibela, said through the Gibela-WeSolve4x Maths Competition, organisers hope to inspire young learners to embrace mathematics, build confidence in their abilities and recognise the role the subject can play in shaping their future.