Behind the hype of the matric results – which, miraculously, improve every year – the reality is much less encouraging and should worry everyone about the future of South Africa’s youngsters in an increasingly tech-driven world.
With the celebrations for a matric pass rate at a history high of 88% still echoing, the department of education has revealed to parliament that the pupils are getting worse in the crucial science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) subjects.
There has been a drop in pupils achieving more than 60% in these subjects, while fewer candidates achieved distinctions in mathematics and the physical sciences in 2025 than in 2024.
In those subjects, it must surely be worrying that less than 2% of those sitting the exams get a distinction.
ALSO READ: ‘Historic’ matric pass rate, but fewer people got distinctions in maths and science
The department blamed the result on the “migration” of many candidates to mathematical literacy, which is perceived to be easier.
Yet, even there, there were just 2.6% distinctions, down from 2.7% the previous year.
Improving performance in Stem subjects is vital if South Africa is not to see a “second colonisation” by countries that are smarter in tech.
And that improvement has to start right at the beginning – in the foundation phases of learning.
NOW READ: Why cheap clothes are often the most expensive things in your wardrobe
About the Author
