Roodepoort, Gauteng | 31 July 2026
A shared commitment to transforming Maths education came to life on Friday as the My Maths Buddy Team, together with its valued corporate partners, gathered at Zandspruit Primary School to celebrate the successful implementation of the 2026 Nelson Mandela Day Drive Campaign.
This milestone was made possible through the generosity of Zibo Containers, Pragma, Lancet, AESSEAL/AESPUMP, Lewis Group & AUTO X; companies that chose to invest in Maths education and more importantly, in the future of South Africa's children. Their collective support demonstrates how meaningful partnerships can create lasting change where it is needed most.
Friday morning, the My Maths Buddy Team arrived at Zandspruit Primary School to prepare for a celebratory event that recognised the new and existing learners that are part of the program and their teachers whose dedication continues to make the My Maths Buddy Clubs a success. These after-school Maths enrichment clubs provide learners with the confidence, vocabulary and problem-solving skills they need to improve their understanding of Maths and unlock future opportunities.
By engaging directly with learners, teachers and the My Maths Buddy Team, partner companies got to experience the difference their investment is making in classrooms and communities.
On arrival the representatives from our partner companies were welcomed with refreshments before the event officially commenced. Proceedings were expertly facilitated by Senior Project Consultant, Paul Sondergaard, who welcomed attendees and shared the vision behind the My Maths Buddy Program. He spoke passionately about the programs mission to transform Maths education by equipping teachers with the My Maths Buddy Teacher kit and learners with the My Maths Buddy learner kit, which helps build Maths understanding and the Maths confidence they need to succeed.
The event paid special tribute to the leadership of Zandspruit Primary School. As Principal Mr Mamabolo and Deputy Principals Mr Pasha and Mrs Raseasalawere attending a Department of Education meeting. Mr Nxumalo, Head of Mathematics for the Intermediate and Senior Phases, represented the School Management Team. On behalf of the school's leadership, he accepted certificates and gifts recognising the school's commitment to embracing the My Maths Buddy Program and creating an environment where learners can thrive.
In a heartfelt and inspiring address, Mr Nxumalo thanked the My Maths Buddy Team for dedicating their 67 minutes of service to the learners of Zandspruit Primary School. He reminded learners that Maths extends far beyond the classroom; it is a skill that opens doors, creates opportunities and empowers individuals to shape better futures for themselves and their communities. Encouraging every learner to make the most of the support now available to them, he emphasised that program like My Maths Buddy program can become powerful stepping stones towards lifelong success when matched with commitment, determination and hard work. His words served as a moving reminder that when schools, communities and businesses unite behind a common purpose, they create opportunities capable of changing lives for generations.
Another highlight of the event was the recognition of Ms Palesa Rafube, whose exceptional commitment to facilitating the Grade 7 My Maths Buddy Clubs has made a lasting impact on the learners she serves. She was presented with a certificate and a gift in appreciation of her passion, dedication and unwavering commitment to improving mathematics education.
The campaign's corporate partners were also honoured for their generous contributions. Representatives Morongoe Tau from Lancet and Tsakani Shiviri from Pragma accepted certificates of appreciation before delivering heartfelt messages of encouragement to the learners and teachers. They inspired learners to dream boldly, embrace every opportunity to learn and believe in their ability to achieve great things, while expressing how proud their organisations are to partner with the My Maths Buddy Program in creating meaningful educational impact through the Nelson Mandela Day Drive Campaign.
The celebration then turned to the learners, the true heart of the program. Grade 7 learners who had already completed another successful year in the My Maths Buddy Programme proudly received Certificates of Participation, recognising their dedication, perseverance and growth.
The excitement continued as 40 newly sponsored Grade 6 learners were officially welcomed into the My Maths Buddy family. Each learner received a complete My Maths Buddy Learner Kit and a formal invitation to begin their journey on the programme, a moment filled with excitement, possibility and hope.
To mark this important milestone, Ms Palesa Rafube led both the Grade 6 and Grade 7 learners in the My Maths Buddy Pledge, where they committed themselves to striving for excellence in Maths, believing in their own potential and making the most of every opportunity placed before them.
The celebration concluded with the distribution of gift bags provided by both the My Maths Buddy Program and Lancet for the new learners. Sponsors joined the My Maths Buddy Team in personally handing out the gifts, spending time with learners and teachers, sharing conversations, writing on the My Maths Buddy pledge were new learners were encouraged to write what they hope to become one day and also share how they hope to thrive and succeed in Maths with the help of the program. The event celebrated significant achievements and captured memorable moments that reflected the true spirit of Nelson Mandela Month Campaign service, partnership and hope.
Following the formal programme, guests continued networking while reflecting on the impact already achieved and the possibilities that still lie ahead. Conversations focused on the importance of sustained collaboration in strengthening Maths education and ensuring that more schools and learners can benefit from initiatives like the My Maths Buddy Program.
Although this year's Nelson Mandela Month Campaign was only able to fully fund one of the three nominated schools, the success at Zandspruit Primary School stands as a powerful reminder that meaningful change begins with those willing to take the first step. Every learner equipped, every teacher empowered and every partnership formed brings South Africa closer to a future where every child has the opportunity to understand Mathematics, believe in their abilities and realise their full potential.
For My Maths Buddy, this is more than the conclusion of a campaign it is another milestone in a much bigger mission to transform Mathematics education across South Africa, one learner, one teacher and one school at a time.
Building on the momentum and excitement generated by the Nelson Mandela Month campaign, My Maths Buddy is proud to announce the upcoming Heritage Month Campaign, which will focus on extending this same impact to Philena Primary School and Olievenhoutbosch Primary School. As our journey continues, we remain committed to empowering even more teachers and learners through the power of partnership, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to build confidence, unlock their potential and succeed in Mathematics.
For more information on the My Maths Buddy program, visit our website:
www.1book1learner.org
Mathamatics must all be Maths
Programme must be Program