By Edwin Naidu
One of the standout subject performances in the 2024 matric exams was the improvement in mathematics. While the record-breaking 87.3% matric pass rate for 2024 made headlines, the impressive showing in mathematics is significant.
In 2024, 69.1% of learners passed the mathematics exam, an increase from 63.5% in 2023.
While the Department of Basic Education (DBE) reckons high-level mathematics achievement remains a challenge, math education’s role in shaping the country’s future economic growth is critical. It enables access to higher education and success in STEM fields.
In partnership with pioneering math tutor WeSolve4X, Eighty20 recently highlighted how grassroots initiatives positively affect math education.
Eighty20 is a data-driven consumer analytics and research business that provides a range of services and data products, including a detailed view of all 46 million adult South Africans.
WeSolve4X’s free math programmes have grown nationwide, reaching over 28,000 learners and achieving remarkable results in schools such as Katlehong, Mpontsheng and Phumulane.
With youth unemployment at critical levels, strengthening math education is essential for equipping the next generation with the skills to drive South Africa’s future prosperity.
Reflecting on the pass rate for mathematics, Eighty20 notes that success in mathematics not only enables access to tertiary education but also ensures success in high-demand fields such as financial services, engineering, healthcare and technology – fields that drive South Africa’s economic growth and development.
Their data shows that the median monthly earnings of people with tertiary education are R21,000, compared to R5700 for those who only completed high school. Additionally, fewer than half of South Africans with only a matric are employed, compared to 75% with a university degree and 80% with a higher degree.
The impact of excelling in mathematics is profound: individuals with math-intensive degrees, such as those in engineering and technology, earn an average salary of R450,000 annually, compared to R350,000 for non-math-related fields.
Several non-government organisations are driving impactful changes at the grassroots level throughout the country in partnership with corporate South Africa. For example, WeSolve4X, through its #BecomeAnActuary programme is empowering learners across the country by offering free extra maths classes for grades 4 to 12.
This initiative reaches some of South Africa’s most underserved communities, providing valuable resources for students and their families, and teaches parents how to support their children’s academic progress.
In 2024, WeSolve4X’s program expanded to 132 schools, benefiting over 28,300 learners with a team of 786 volunteer maths tutors. The results are evident.
Several schools in the programme achieved impressive matric pass rates and excelled in mathematics and physical science. Highlighted Gauteng schools include:
- Katlehong Secondary School achieved a 90.5% matric pass rate, with 69.3% passing mathematics and 53.9% passing physical science.
- Mpontsheng Secondary School achieved a 94.1% matric pass rate, with 80% passing mathematics and 75% passing physical science.
- Phumulane Secondary School achieved a 94.8% matric pass rate, with 84.9% passing mathematics and 80.8% passing physical science.
The success stories from these schools underline the importance of support systems and community partnerships in improving educational outcomes.
WeSolve4X’s collaboration with Eighty20 and its dedication to strengthening students’ mathematics education proves that investing in early skills development, particularly in math, has a direct and lasting impact on student’s academic achievements and career prospects.
As South Africa moves towards a more competitive future, the role of math education cannot be overstated. However, of equal importance are digital skills, especially for learners in rural parts of the country who must not be left behind.
Over 20,000 rural and poor youth throughout South Africa have benefited from digital technologies at six Smart Skills Centres established by the Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority (CHIETA).
The centres are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including smart boardrooms for startups and SMMEs, and virtual reality (VR) machines to train artisans. They also offer accredited training courses paid for by CHIETA.
Unemployed youth can access new skills and job opportunities directly through the centres. Recently, over 100 unemployed youth received certificates in entrepreneurship at the Saldanha Bay centre in the Western Cape.
“We live in a digital-first world. Many people in Modjadjiskloof and surrounding communities do not have access to the internet and cannot afford data. Some have never used VR technology. These centres will ensure that the communities are not left behind in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” said CHIETA CEO Yershen Pillay.
The centres echo President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call and commitment in his State of the Nation Address, in which he pledged to harness technology to transform government by investing in digital public infrastructure. They are a form of digital public infrastructure designed for the education and training sector.
These measures will transform the relationship between citizens and government and create one government accessible to every person at a touch of a button.
“As CHIETA, we are proud that thousands of citizens, especially in rural and poor areas, are being equipped with new digital skills per the national priorities,” said Pillay.
Plans are underway by CHIETA to complete the Smart Skills Centre roll out in Gauteng, the Free State and the Northern Cape.
But a digital revolution without mathematics is impossible.
“With the unemployment rate for the 10.3 million people aged 15-24 years hovering around 60%, South Africa’s youth unemployment is a huge risk for our country’s future.
“One of the main reasons for high unemployment is the gap between the skills and experience employers require. The best way to address this is through holistic educational support, particularly better maths, science and technology,” concluded Eighty20 CEO Steve Burnstone.
INSIDE EDUCATION
