This coming Monday, 20 October, the Matric class of 2025 will sit for their final exams, yet tens of thousands of learners will be denied the chance to write essential subjects as they attend schools which do not offer them.
In a reply to a written question by Build One South Africa (BOSA), Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, revealed that thousands of public schools in South Africa do not offer critical STEM subjects to matric learners. In particular:
- Mathematics: 476 schools do not offer the subject
- Physical Science: 873 schools do not offer the subject
- Accounting: 1534 schools do not offer the subject
- Business Studies: 1503 schools do not offer the subject
- Economics: 1925 schools do not offer the subject
Without these foundational STEM and commerce subjects, many learners are effectively barred from pursuing tertiary education in high-demand fields, limiting both their personal opportunities and the country’s ability to build a skilled workforce.
This situation exposes a broader structural problem within our education system: inequity in access, misalignment of teacher skills with subject needs, and insufficient investment in resources. Schools in rural and under-resourced areas are disproportionately affected, leaving an entire generation of learners at a disadvantage.
For South Africa to thrive in the 21st century, every child regardless of their postal code must have the opportunity to master the subjects that underpin innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic progress.
BOSA will be tabling detailed proposals before the newly established National Education and Training Council (NTEC) to ensure that the following urgent measures are prioritised:
- An end to the 30% matric pass mark, a system that sets the bar so low only entrenches mediocrity.
- An independent Education Ombudsman, to enforce accountability where schools and officials fail learners.
- Better salaries and more teaching posts, to attract, retain, and motivate competent teachers.
- A school voucher programme, giving parents the freedom to choose quality education for their children
- A nationwide teacher skills audit, to ensure every classroom has qualified teachers who are properly matched to the subjects they teach.
We are committed to using every available mechanism to advance the cause of education reform. The party will continue to fight for a system that empowers South Africa’s youth, builds a skilled workforce, and secures the country’s future.
Media Enquiries:
Roger Solomons
BOSA Spokesperson
072 299 3551