As I listened to the speakers at the seminar, one thing became clear—STEAM education is not just an academic priority; it’s a national imperative. If South Africa is to remain competitive on the global stage, we must invest in our youth’s ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and innovate.
Professor Werne Olivier, Director of the Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre, reinforced this point:
“Integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics fosters critical thinking and problem-solving in the real world. We must build strong communities of practice among educators and continuously seek professional development to keep up with global trends.”
His words reminded me that teachers are at the heart of this transformation. If we don’t equip them with the right tools and training, our learners will struggle to compete with their international counterparts. Countries like Germany, Singapore, and Canada have successfully embedded STEAM education in their curricula, producing world-class engineers, scientists, and technologists. Meanwhile, South Africa still lags behind, with only 13% of university graduates earning degrees in STEM-related fields.
BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENT: A NECESSARY PARTNERSHIP
One of the most encouraging aspects of the seminar was the strong support from the corporate sector. The Deputy Minister highlighted the importance of industry involvement, noting that government alone cannot close the skills gap. She revealed that business chambers in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape have already pledged their support.
“The private sector must be an active participant in this initiative. We need to ensure that the skills our learners acquire are aligned with industry needs, so they can transition smoothly into the workforce,” said Deputy Minister Gina.
Sizwe Nxasana echoed this sentiment, stressing that industry involvement must go beyond financial contributions:
“We need mentorship programmes, internship opportunities, and real-world projects that expose students to practical applications of STEAM subjects. The future of Africa depends on how well we prepare young minds today.”
TECHNOLOGY AND PROJECT-BASED LEARNING: THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION
The seminar also addressed the role of technology in modernising South Africa’s education system. Several speakers advocated for a shift towards project-based learning and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and coding in classrooms.
Professor Olivier pointed out that while many schools still rely on traditional teaching methods, other countries have embraced interactive and digital learning platforms. A 2022 UNESCO report revealed that China has implemented AI-assisted tutoring in over 80% of its schools, significantly improving student performance. South Africa, by contrast, is only beginning to explore similar initiatives.
The Gauteng Department of Education’s Antoinette Nicolaai acknowledged these challenges but reaffirmed the government’s commitment:
“We are working towards ensuring that our learners are equipped with not just knowledge, but the skills necessary for the future. Digital learning tools and innovative teaching methods are key to achieving this.”
The energy at the seminar was inspiring, but as I left, I couldn’t help but think: how do we turn this momentum into measurable change? Government, educators, businesses, and communities all have a role to play. It starts with supporting teachers, investing in infrastructure, and ensuring every child—regardless of where they live—has access to quality STEAM education.
Nxasana’s words stuck with me:
“If we fail to act now, we risk losing a generation of potential innovators, engineers, and scientists who could be the driving force of Africa’s economic future.”
And so, I pose this question to you, the reader: What role will you play in shaping the future of STEAM education in South Africa?