Edwin Naidu
A Math Summit on the Repositioning of Mathematics in the Macro-Development Agenda occurred at the Birchwood Hotel, Boksburg, on 7 June 2024. The Summit, hosted in partnership with the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT), was chaired by NECT Chairperson Sizwe Nxasana.
In pursuit of the National Development Plan (NDP) Goals, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has developed a ten-year strategy for improving Mathematics, the National Mathematics Improvement Plan (NMIP), which will be implemented in 2025.
The overarching strategic intent of the NMIP is to comprehensively and systematically address the persistently poor performance and low participation rates amongst learners across all levels of schooling. To expedite the implementation of the NMIP, a collaboration of the NECT, the DBE, and several actor groups proposes a macro-level support initiative to enhance Mathematics teaching and learning.
The NECT, playing a crucial role in supporting the Ministry of Education and partners, is driving the Summit as a platform to bolster Mathematics education. The focus is on key aspects such as Mathematics participation, performance, and quality passes. The Summit is a collective endeavour to reposition Mathematics in the Macro-development agenda and gather inputs for a national Mathematics support initiative.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, in a powerful statement, reiterated the Government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing Mathematics education. She underscored the significance of instilling a love for Math from an early age, making it accessible and enjoyable for all children regardless of their background, and dismantling the barriers that hinder many from pursuing STEM careers.
The main objectives of the Summit were, therefore, to bring key stakeholders up to speed on the developments and the state of Mathematics in South Africa; to identify multi-level and multi-dimensional strategic opportunities for improving Mathematics participation and outcomes; to strengthen the NMIP conceptions, including exploring a framework for its comprehensive implementation; and to agree on a joint approach to leverage emerging opportunities for enhancing Mathematics participation and outcomes.
INSIDE EDUCATION
