Crunching the Numbers: How Mastering Math Adds Up to Success in South Africa
As South Africa celebrates its highest-ever matric pass rate of 87.3% for 2024, the nation’s focus must shift toward what this milestone truly represents – skills development that will fuel future economic growth. While the headline numbers are promising, a deeper look reveals that a critical factor for a promising future is proficiency in mathematics, particularly within South Africa’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
In collaboration with WeSolve4X, Eighty20, South Africa’s leading consumer analytics and data science business has shed light on the pivotal role that math education plays in shaping the future of the country’s learners. WeSolve4X, a standout organization focused on improving math education is making notable strides in boosting learners’ performance, helping to cultivate the next generation of actuaries, engineers, tech experts and scientists.
A closer look at the 2024 results:
The 2024 matric pass rate of 87.3% is a remarkable achievement, improving significantly from 82.9% in 2023 and 80.1% in 2022. However, while the pass rate itself is a source of pride, the true success lies in the 337,158 students who earned a bachelor’s pass, marking a 7.4% year-on-year increase and a more than 20% rise from 2022. This indicates an improving trajectory toward higher education, which remains one of the most reliable paths to better economic opportunities.
Impact of doing well in Mathematics
A key highlight is the notable increase in the pass rate for mathematics, which rose to 69.1% in 2024. Mastery of math is crucial not only for access to tertiary education but also for success in high-demand fields such as financial services, engineering, healthcare, and technology—fields that drive South Africa’s economic growth and development. Data shows that the median monthly earnings of people with tertiary education are R21,000, compared to R5,700 for those who only completed high school. Additionally, fewer than half of South Africans with only a matric are employed, compared to 75% with a university degree and 80% with a higher degree.
The impact of excelling in mathematics is profound: individuals with math-intensive degrees, such as those in engineering and technology, earn an average salary of R450,000 annually, compared to R350,000 for those in non-math-related fields.
WeSolve4X’s impact: Empowering learners and transforming futures
While the Department of Education deserves credit for the 2024 results, there are non-government organizations, in partnership with corporate South Africa, that are driving impactful changes at the grassroots level. One such organization, WeSolve4X, through their #BecomeAnActuary program and more are empowering learners across the country by offering free extra maths classes for grades 4 to 12. This initiative reaches into some of South Africa’s most underserved communities, providing valuable resources not only for students but also for their families, teaching parents how to support their children’s academic progress.
In 2024, WeSolve4X’s program expanded to 132 schools, benefiting over 28,300 learners, with a team of 786 volunteer maths tutors. The results speak for themselves. Several schools in the program achieved impressive matric pass rates and excelled in subjects such as mathematics and physical science. Highlighted Gauteng schools include:
· Katlehong Secondary School achieved a 90.5% matric pass rate, with 69.3% passing Mathematics and 53.9% passing Physical Science.
· Mpontsheng Secondary School achieved a 94.1% matric pass rate, with 80% passing Mathematics and 75% passing Physical Science.
· Phumulane Secondary School achieved a 94.8% matric pass rate, with 84.9% passing Mathematics and 80.8% passing Physical Science.
The success stories from these schools underline the importance of support systems and community partnerships in improving educational outcomes.
WeSolve4X’s collaboration with Eighty20 and its dedication to strengthening mathematics education are proof that investing in early skills development, particularly in math, has a direct and lasting impact on students’ academic achievements and career prospects.
As South Africa moves toward a more competitive future, the role of math education cannot be overstated. By continuing to build strong foundations in mathematics, we are not only preparing students for academic success but also equipping them to excel in critical fields that will shape the nation’s future.
“With the unemployment rate for the 10.3 million people aged 15 – 24 years hovering around 60%, South Africa’s youth unemployment is a huge risk for our country’s future. One of the main reasons for high unemployment is the gap between skills and experience required by employers. The best way to address this is through holistic educational support, in particular better maths, science and technology,” concludes Steve Burnstone, CEO at Eighty20.
For more information on WeSolve4X’s initiatives and the #BecomeAnActuary program, visit www.wesolve4x.co.za or www.eighty20.co.za.