Johannesburg: The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, has called for collective effort to improve science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education in schools across South Africa. The Deputy Minister recently opened the second annual Regional STEAM Education Seminar in Johannesburg and emphasized the need to unlock the country’s potential through quality education in STEAM.
According to South African Government News Agency, Gina identified several challenges contributing to the decline in STEM enrolment, including poor resources and infrastructure in rural and township schools, lack of computer labs, and limited access to qualified teachers. She stressed the importance of committed action and collaboration to address these challenges and urged all stakeholders to unite for a common goal.
Proposing joint initiatives among stakeholders within the national innovation system, the Deputy Minister highlighted the need to involve the corporate sector to
build industry support for STEM uptake. She has met with business chambers in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, who have shown interest in partnering with the government to ensure socio-economic development in the country. Plans to pioneer STEM excellence schools in rural areas of each province were also announced, aiming to serve as models of excellence in the 21st century.
The two-day seminar is a collaborative effort between the Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre (GMMDC) at Nelson Mandela University, Market Place Academy, Sifiso EdTech, and key industry sponsors Deloitte and the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). The department views it as a testament to the shared responsibility in reshaping the future of STEM education in South Africa’s public schools.
Sifiso Learning Group Founder and CEO Sizwe Nxasana stressed the importance of preparing young minds for Africa’s future through STEAM education. According to Nxasana, equipping and supporting educators is crucial to Africa’s progress.
He emphasized the need for continuous support and professional development for educators as essential to the success of STEM education initiatives.
Nxasana added that upskilling educators with the latest methodologies, integrating technology, project-based learning, and real-world problem-solving is essential. He expressed Sifiso Learning Group’s commitment to transforming classrooms into incubators for future African innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders.
Professor Werne Olivier, Director of the Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre, stated that the regional STEAM seminar aims to enhance learning and teaching quality in South Africa to align with the evolving future of the workplace. He emphasized the importance of building strong communities of practice among educators and finding opportunities for professional development.
Antoinette Nicolaai from the Gauteng Department of Education welcomed the initiative, affirming the department’s commitment to integrating STEM education into the curriculum.
The seminar equips educators with cutting-edge strategies to improve learner outcomes and enhance lesson delivery, student engagement, and professional development.