Moolla family sponsors new trophy for mathematics competition

Saadiq, Haroon and Ashraf Moolla all represented Rondebosch Boys' High School at the UCT Mathematics Competition. Ashraf, the youngest son, is now a first-year student at UCT, studying actuarial science.

Professor John Webb, the organiser of the competition, said it is an honour to have a trophy sponsored by a family that has distinguished itself so highly in the UCT Mathematics Competition. "From 2003 to 2011 there wasn't a year without a Moolla boy on the stage getting a Gold Award. They each went on to represent South Africa in the International Mathematics Olympiad. We are very proud that they now want to inspire others to excel in mathematics."

New main sponsor

At the request of the Moollas, the new trophy will be awarded to a school from a disadvantaged community that has made a notable performance in the competition. This year's competition took place in April, with a record entry of 7,251 participants from a record number of 150 Western Cape schools.

Capitec Bank has just become the main sponsor of the competition for the next three years, with an annual donation of R100 000. Capitec will also give every prize winner a R100 Capitec voucher.

Engineering group Aurecon donated R20,000 towards the cost of transport for 295 participants from 13 schools in Khayelitsha.