South African learner Ruva Chikoto is on her way to Mongolia with 31 other students to represent the country on an international stage, joining young mathematics talent from around the world in Ulaanbaatar.
The 12-year-old Grade 7 Redhill School learner left Johannesburg on Friday night, travelling with her father, Elias Chikoto, as well as other parents, fellow students and teachers ahead of the international mathematics competition.
For Ruva, the trip marks the culmination of years of preparation and a growing passion for challenging herself academically.
She has spent the past two years developing her skills through her school’s mathematics programme, an experience she says has strengthened her confidence and ability to solve complex problems.
But the young South African is far from defined by mathematics alone.
An avid tennis player who also enjoys reading and writing, Ruva has wide-ranging interests and says her future ambitions may ultimately take her beyond mathematics. She is also an aspiring published author and is working towards publishing her first novel shortly.
Her mother, Matsobane Sexwale, told Africa Daily that Ruva’s selection to represent South Africa was a reflection of the determination and discipline she brings to everything she pursues.
“Representing South Africa in the Mongolian International Mathematics Competition is testimony to Ruva’s tireless efforts, achievements and determination. I hope she continues to use her gifts to be a go-getter and break barriers for herself and others.”
Beyond the mathematics challenge, the international gathering will give Ruva and her fellow competitors an opportunity to meet young people from across the world and experience Mongolian culture.
One of the events she is particularly looking forward to is a cultural programme in which participating countries perform a dance representing their nation.
“I’m a proud parent and am in awe of my daughter. To have children who apply and push themselves in all types of different interests and activities is what my husband Elias and I wish for our children,” Sexwale said.
As she carries the South African flag to Mongolia, Ruva joins a generation of young South Africans testing their abilities beyond the classroom and competing alongside some of the brightest young minds from around the world.
