Democratic Alliance press statement by Annette Lovemore MP DA Shadow Minister of Basic Education SA has worst maths and science teaching in the world The World Economic Forum report on global competitiveness has again found that South Africa is dead last – ranking 144 out of 144 countries – for maths and science teaching. This heart-breaking finding, particularly for the future prospects of our country’s children, unfortunately confirms what a number of others have already said – South Africa’s maths and science and teaching is in crisis. A recent study found that 79% of grade 6 mathematics teachers showed content knowledge levels below the level at which they were employed to teach. This is an absolute disgrace. We reiterate our call for a national inquiry into maths and science teaching in South Africa. We are not giving our children a fair chance at success in life, if we are not providing them with proper educational opportunities. The DA has used every possible forum to remind the Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, that every child in our schools must be educated as such that they are equipped to become active global citizens, and, particularly, to be capable of participating actively in the economy. On the most recent public occasion, the Minister told me We are not a job machine. The statistics are truly shocking. Over 50% of our children are leaving school before completing Grade 12. Only 3% of Grade 9 learners are considered numerate, and only 37% are considered literate. All types of artisan and every category of engineer are now imported; we are simply not producing these skills through our own education system. We are producing a poorly educated workforce, that cannot compete in the global economy. This is a disservice to the learners in this country. The World Economic Forum report further rates the overall quality of our education system 140th of 144 countries systems surveyed. The Minister dismissed the last World Economic Forum report as constituting perceptions and not solid evidence of a problem. We are likely the only country in the world to fob off the findings of the World Economic Forum. Without a proper education, many of our children will struggle to find employment and better prospects in life. Education must prepare our learners for a job, for making a living and making a contribution, whether this is as an artist or an artisan or an actuary. The DA will continue to pressure the Minister in this regard. She has already completed a formal investigation into the state of maths and science teaching in South Africa. It is now time for the Minister to act upon the findings of her own investigation.
Posted on: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 12:30:08 +0000