The latest results from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) paint a dire picture: South Africa’s Grade 5 pupils ranked last out of 59 countries in maths and science. Nearly half—47%—of these learners are performing below even the lowest benchmark. These are not educational failures; they are the seeds of an economic crisis that could stunt our nation’s growth for generations to come.
Picture a future in South Africa where children lack basic maths and science skills. These are the building blocks of modern economies—essential for careers in technology, engineering, healthcare, and innovation. Without these foundational abilities, we are creating a workforce unprepared for the demands of the global marketplace. As automation and artificial intelligence transform industries, Gauteng risks falling behind, leaving its people unable to compete for high-tech jobs in the future.
This failure will lead to widespread unemployment, an under-skilled workforce generating fewer job opportunities, increased reliance on social grants, and a growing economic divide. A possible outcome of this situation could be economic stagnation caused by Gauteng's failure to attract investment and grow its industries while other nations surge ahead in science, technology, and innovation.
Even though the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) manages one of the biggest provincial budgets, it has not provided learners with the essential tools they need to succeed. This failure harms our learners and threatens the future of our provincial economy.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng believes in a different future—a future where every child, regardless of their background, receives quality education that empowers them to thrive. To build this future, we need immediate action:
The government needs to prioritise STEM which is a globally recognised education framework that focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics by investing heavily in maths and science education, from the foundational phase to matric.
- Basic engineering and Mathematics need to be included in a cohesive curriculum, where the focus of STEM is not on individual subjects but on fostering skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration, which are essential in addressing real-world challenges.
- Teachers and educators must be equipped with the training and resources needed to inspire and nurture young minds.
- Infrastructure investment to ensure every school is equipped with modern facilities that support STEM learning.
STEM education prepares learners for future careers in the fastest-growing fields, such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and biotechnology. A skilled STEM workforce drives innovation, attracts investment, and fosters the development of high-value industries, ultimately boosting economic growth. Also, STEM-trained learners tend to possess improved problem-solving abilities.
In a province like ours, where the cost of living is high, STEM education is essential for closing the skills gap, reducing unemployment, and promoting inclusive economic growth. It plays a crucial role in preparing young people to compete in the global economy and address local challenges such as infrastructure development, healthcare innovation, and energy sustainability.
A DA Gauteng government would safeguard our children's dreams by ensuring accountability in budget usage, investing in teacher development, and prioritising foundational literacy and numeracy programs to reverse the decline in early education. We would provide equitable infrastructure and resources, ensuring that every school, regardless of its location or socio-economic status, has the necessary tools and facilities for success.
Our children in Gauteng deserve leaders who care, take action, and deliver results. Leaders who understand that the decisions they make today will influence the South Africa we leave for our children in the future.
The DA will continue to fight for a future where every child has the skills and opportunities to contribute to a thriving, innovative economy and stands ready to fight for an education system that uplifts every learner, irrespective of their background.
Bronwynn Engelbrecht MPL, DA Gauteng Member of Education Committee.
The Star