The competition fosters the development of promising future accountancy talent. The South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) is proud to announce the winners of the 2023 SAIPA National Accounting and Maths Olympiad (NAMO). The NAMO competition was launched in 2021 and encourages students to put their Maths and Accounting skills to the test with current and applicable scenario case studies, fostering their readiness as future-ready accountants. The competition also helps broaden the perspective of young people on how their knowledge can be applied in the dynamic world of business.

This year’s newly refreshed format was designed to align with the shift towards automation, primarily driven by the increasing demands of the digital era. Participants engaged in an open-ended project, encompassing two written submissions and a presentation, that encouraged students to apply their own approach to researching information and problem-solving.

The 2023 NAMO winners are:

1^ST place:

• Kevin Naylor – Worcester Gimnasium

2^nd place:

• Innocent Maphanga – Lehlabile Secondary School

3^rd place:

• Nicole Ramaube – Leap Science and Maths School
• Sibusiso Ramodisetsi – Leap Science and Maths School
• Lethabo  Moleke – Leap Science and Maths School
• Thoriso Kgoete – Leap Science and Maths School
• Ruth Tema – Leap Science and Maths School

4^th place:

• Regis Ndove – Khanyisa Education Centre

5^th place:

• Kamo Kele – Phumlani Secondary School
• Kamo Rammala – Phumlani Secondary School
• Lesego Shai – Phumlani Secondary School

“On behalf of SAIPA, I wish to extend a hearty congratulations to this year’s National Accounting and Maths Olympiad winners! Maths and accountancy skills provide access to numerous career opportunities and industries that are in high demand for talented young professionals. SAIPA is proud to be playing a part in fostering the next generation of business and finance professionals. We hope that seeing the outstanding performance of this year’s cohort will encourage more students to apply and participate,” says Professor Rashied Small, Executive: Centre of Future Excellence at SAIPA.

“The Olympiad pushed me to extend my accounting knowledge 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,” expressed Kevin Naylor, who scooped first prize in the Olympiad with a score of 95.

“I also wish to thank our sponsors, Sage, the University of Johannesburg Department of Accountancy, NtaNet Solutions, and CAMAF Medical Scheme for their support of this year’s competition. The Institute is grateful for our partners who are as invested as we are in the development of future accountancy talent and the sustainability of our great profession” concludes Professor Small.