The Applications Olympiad is part of the South African Computer Olympiad, an initiative of the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA) and one of the oldest and biggest events of its kind in the world. First launched in 1984, the Computer Olympiad aims to identify, encourage and reward computer aptitude, promote and encourage computer studies and create an awareness of career opportunities in ICT. Over 50,000 participants take part in the Olympiad programmes annually.

Staged in May and June, the Applications Olympiad is a challenge for those who take CAT or the ICDL or are otherwise computer literate. Participants must solve a number of problems using a Microsoft Office package and the data provided. They may use the application of their choice, such as the Word Processor, Spreadsheet, Database and Presentation Tool.  

The first two rounds of the Applications Olympiad were written at local schools in the second term, with the final round taking place in Pretoria.   

The top 7% of all participants after the second round achieve gold certificates. Silver certificates are awarded to the next 14% of all participants and bronze certificates to the next 29% of all participants.

Only thirteen students reached the final round, vying for the one gold, two silver and three bronze medals on offer.

He gold medal was won by  Ruan Schoeman, Grade 10, Midrand Homeschool, Gauteng. IITPSA President & Chairman of the board Admire Gwanzura congratulated the winners, noting that ICT skills and aptitude paved the way for potentially rewarding careers in the ICT sector. “There are still significant skills shortfalls in the sector, so there are many opportunities for young people who choose to study ICT and work in the sector,” he said.

The other winners are:

Silver medals: Thomas Kabalin, Grade 11 at Cannons Creek Independent School, Western Cape and Elgar Schoeman, Grade 12 at Hoërskool Randburg, Gauteng

Bronze medals: Luke Andrews, Grade 12 at Cornwall Hill College, Gauteng,Tristan Illgner, Grade 12 at Grey High School, Eastern Cape, Keyur Premjeeth, Grade 11 at Crawford International Lonehill, Gauteng

The runners-up, in alphabetical order of surname, are:

Dorian Ellis, Grade 12 at Stellenberg High School, Western Cape

Hannah Hansa, Grade 12 at Durban Girls’ College, KwaZulu-Natal

Winston Meyer, Grade 12 at Bryanston High School, Gauteng,

Tokollo Morake, Grade 12 at Mmabatho High School, North West

Tyreke Naidoo, Grade 12 at York High School, Western Cape

Kiya Singh, Grade 9 at Star College Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

Inge Venter, Grade 12 at Hoërskool Waterkloof, Gauteng

Gwanzura encouraged youths to consider ICT careers and to take advantage of the IITPSA’s free student membership, to learn more about the various ICT fields and network with established ICT professionals. To join the IITPSA as a student member, go to https://www.iitpsa.org.za/join-the-iitpsa-in-easy-steps/ Standard bank is the main sponsor of the talent search and the programming olympiad. The Olympiad receives further support from the University of Cape Town, Department of Science and Technology, IITPSA and NFTS/PROSET