At just 13, Njiveni Junior Secondary School pupil Lwange Olothando Gqamane has twice been crowned Provincial Maths Quiz champion — an achievement that has brought pride to her family, school and community in Ngqeleni.
The grade 7 pupil said her love for numbers began with the simple enjoyment of solving problems.
“I became interested in maths when I started to enjoy solving problems.
“It feels like a puzzle, and I like finding the answer,” she said.
Winning has not come without effort.
It hasn’t always been easy. Sometimes the questions were difficult, but I worked hard and never gave up
“It hasn’t always been easy. Sometimes the questions were difficult, but I worked hard and never gave up.
“What motivates me is knowing my effort can take me far,” she said.
Her second consecutive victory was a moment she will never forget.
“I was so happy and proud. It showed me that hard work really pays off.”
Recognising her achievement, the Nyandeni municipality presented Lwange with a laptop and Wi-Fi router to support her studies.
“Now I can research, practise more, and learn beyond what is in the classroom. It makes studying easier,” she said.
Lwange’s maths teacher, Bonginkosi Mququ, said her talent had been clear from early on.
“We saw her talent early, but it was during the school-level competitions that her gift became clear.
“She stood out not only because she got the answers right but also because of the way she thought through problems.”
He said her calmness under pressure set her apart.
“In competitions, she remains calm, she listens carefully, and she takes her time.
“Those qualities make a difference when the questions are challenging.”
Mququ emphasised that Lwange’s success was also rooted in discipline.
“Learners can see from Lwange that discipline and consistency matter.
“It’s not just about natural talent — it’s about putting in the effort every day.
“Her victories have lifted the spirit of the entire school.”
Nyandeni mayor Viwe Ndamase praised both Lwange and her teacher for placing a rural school firmly on the provincial map.
“Our motivation for supporting Lwange was informed by the reality that Njiveni is a deep rural school.
“For a child from such a village to compete and outsmart learners from well-resourced Eastern Cape cities and towns is a motivation of its own,” he said.
The mayor highlighted the importance of mentorship.
“I am excited that Lwange has shown potential to win this championship for two consecutive years.
“This proves the support that she has from her mentor, Mr Mququ.
“Being born and living in a village does not define your capabilities.
“Learners in our villages can achieve just as much as those in the cities.”
Ndamase said the municipality’s support for top-performing pupils was ongoing.
“Education is everyone’s responsibility. We can only do what our limited resources allow.
“Legislatively, education is the core mandate of the education department, but ours is an intervention where legislation allows us to act.”
For Lwange, the future is clear.
“I want to study further and maybe become a scientist or an engineer. My love for maths will guide me.”
Her teachers said she demonstrated what was possible with passion, discipline and support.
Daily Dispatch
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