The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has announced that his department will strengthen its long-standing partnership with the Department of Basic Education to improve learner performance in mathematics and science.
The collaboration aims not only to boost pass rates but also to enhance the overall quality of teaching and learning in these critical subjects across South African schools.
Speaking during a two-day back-to-school oversight programme in the Harry Gwala District in KwaZulu-Natal, the Minister highlighted the strong link between education and scientific advancement.
“We cannot hope to have high-quality science if we provide our young people with poor-quality education. Similarly, we cannot hope to have high-quality education if we produce poor-quality science. You simply cannot have one without the other.
“In fact, all of the technologies that have changed our lives in the last 30 years, such as smartphones, electric and self-driving cars, drones... search engines... Wi-Fi and GPS, would not have existed had it not been for the interdependence between education and science,” Nzimande said.
School Visits And Learner Engagement
During the oversight programme, the Minister visited several schools in the district, including Enhlanhleni Combined School, Reichenau Primary School, Dingeka Technical High School, and Blessed Luanda Primary School. He engaged with school management teams and learners to better understand the challenges and opportunities within the education system.
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation also produces and distributes educational materials focused on careers in science, engineering and technology to schools and communities.
“Our department also supports talent identification in STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics], where we support learner participation in STEMI [science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation] Olympiads and fairs such as the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists,” the Minister said.
Encouraging Youth Development And Career Pathways
Nzimande reminded learners that all government support initiatives are designed to address the developmental needs of young people.
“In return, we expect you to be respectful towards your parents, educators, fellow learners, your communities and most importantly, we expect you to respect yourselves.
“We also need you to understand that all the support you are receiving is so that you can become our future engineers, scientists, drone technologists, police officers, psychologists, ministers and presidents.
“Most importantly, we are giving you all this support because we love you and want you to grow up to become respected members of society.”
District Development Model And Matric Success
The oversight programme forms part of the District Development Model initiative, which supports government goals of improving learner performance, reducing dropout rates and strengthening teaching and learning, particularly in mathematics and science education.
The Minister also hosted a stakeholder engagement session where schools reported on their achievements and challenges. Stakeholders agreed on a set of actions needed to address the identified issues.
Nzimande commended KwaZulu-Natal for achieving the highest matric pass rate in the country for the 2025 academic year and praised educators for their contribution to learner development and South Africa’s broader skills needs.
STEM Career Exhibition And Learner Support
The visit included a Science Career Exhibition aimed at encouraging learners to pursue careers in STEMI fields. The exhibition was supported by entities within the department, universities, TVET colleges, science organisations and private sector partners, including Sappi.
As part of the programme, learner support materials, school shoes and sanitary pads were distributed to learners, with assistance from Sappi, reinforcing efforts to support education and learner wellbeing.
