South Africa’s maths pipeline is collapsing

South Africa’s maths pipeline is collapsing

The decline in the number of South African learners taking and passing pure mathematics – as opposed to the more rudimentary maths literacy – at high school level is going to have profound negative consequences for the economy, experts have warned. This is because digital skills and computational thinking are increasingly becoming crucial components of…

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Spotlight on matric class maths, science passes

Spotlight on matric class maths, science passes

The NSC report shows the mathematics pass rate dropped from 69% to 64% in 2025. South Africa’s Department of Basic Education (DBE) plans to work alongside provincial departments to boost mathematics uptake among learners. This was revealed by director-general at the Department of Basic Education (DBE) Hubert Mathanzima Mweli, presenting the 2025 National Senior Certificate…

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Africa: South Africa’s 2025 Matric Pass Rate Hits Record 88 Percent, but Maths Woes and Late Dropouts Temper Celebrations

Africa: South Africa’s 2025 Matric Pass Rate Hits Record 88 Percent, but Maths Woes and Late Dropouts Temper Celebrations

Minister Siviwe Gwarube hailed the Class of 2025’s NSC pass rate for climbing to 88%, the highest ever for more than 900,000 candidates, with KZN topping the provinces. Yet experts warn of low maths participation, slipping gateway subject performance, and sharp Grade 11-12 dropouts. Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube has announced that the National…

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Sci-tech minister calls for stronger maths, science teaching

Sci-tech minister calls for stronger maths, science teaching

Department of Science, Technology and Innovation minister professor Blade Nzimande. Science, technology and innovation minister Blade Nzimande has once again advocated for improved quality of mathematics and science education in public schools. This, he identified, is among the critical areas that will aid African countries to chart their own sovereign research agenda. Nzimande was speaking…

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Nzimande urges high-quality maths, science education

Nzimande urges high-quality maths, science education

The majority of SA’s youth must be able to access high-quality maths and science education at foundation level. Science, technology and innovation minister Blade Nzimande has committed to enhancing interventions for access to ICT gateway subjects – mathematics and science – including upscaling science centres. The minister was speaking at the launch event of the…

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DBE’s maths strategy under microscope

DBE’s maths strategy under microscope

The Department of Basic Education is taking steps to improve the number of students taking and passing mathematics. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has pushed back against criticism that learners are being discouraged from studying mathematics in high school. Former statistician-general of South Africa Dr Pali Lehohla has described the lack of mathematics at…

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