The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) has stressed that providing equitable access to high-quality maths and science education, especially for learners in under-resourced and rural areas, is a priority. Such education is essential to unlock career opportunities for young people in science-based industries and for the country’s long-term development.

Yet gaps in maths and science education persisted. Addressing them requires targeted and collaborative support, that goes beyond the classroom.

“The Matric Class of 2025 [results] reminds us that talent is evenly distributed, but opportunity is not,” highlighted CHIETA CEO Yershen Pillay. “Programmes such as CHIETA’s STEM Learner Support Programme exist to close that gap by giving learners access to the academic reinforcement they need to succeed in critical gateway subjects. If South Africa is serious about building a future-ready workforce, we must continue investing in mathematics and science support that creates real pathways from school into scarce and critical skills sectors.”

The abovementioned leaner support programme provides additional and structured tuition in maths and the physical sciences. It strengthens the performance of the learners and creates a pipeline of future professionals, equipped to pursue essential but scarce skills in the manufacturing and chemical sectors.

“Matric results are an important national milestone, but they also reflect the strength of the systems that support learners along their educational journey,” affirmed CHIETA. “The [record] achievements of the Class of 2025 reaffirm the importance of targeted STEM interventions to ensure that every learner, regardless of their background, can realise their full academic and career potential.”

An example of just such an intervention is a Maths and Science Learner Support Programme in Qwa Qwa in the Free State province, which aided 200 Grade 12 (matric) learners. This programme is a partnership between CHIETA, the Free State Department of Education, and banking and investment group Investec, and provides the learners with additional teaching, over weekends and in school holidays. This greatly improved their confidence and their knowledge of the subjects, and so made them ready to take the exams.  

One of these learners, Bokang Mokubung, at the Bluegumbosch Secondary School, achieved a mark of 97% in both maths and physical sciences in the matric exams at the end of last year. He was ranked first among learners in Quintile Three schools for maths. (Quintile Three schools serve lower-middle-income areas.)

“I am very grateful and appreciative of the support and funding from the Department, CHIETA, and Investec,” he said. “The additional tuition helped me improve my grades from level six to level seven.”

“CHIETA reaffirms its commitment to partnering with government and industry stakeholders to expand access to quality STEM education,” assured the agency. “By investing in young talent today, the country is building a skilled workforce that will shape its future.”