Deputy minister Nomalungelo Gina calls for a collective effort to boost Steam education

The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, has called for a collective effort to improve science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics education in schools across South Africa.

Opening the second annual Regional Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (Steam) Education Seminar at Deloitte Conference Centre Midrand on February 14, Gina said South Africa’s ability to compete globally and address national challenges through innovation depended on its investment in human capital development.

“We need to work together to unlock our country’s immense potential through quality education in Steam,” said the deputy minister.

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Gina identified several challenges contributing to the decline in Steam enrollment, including poor resources and infrastructure in rural and township schools, lack of computer labs, and limited access to qualified teachers.

She said the need for committed action and collaboration to address these challenges couldn’t be overstated and called on all stakeholders to unite and work towards a common goal.

Proposing joint initiatives among all the stakeholders within the national innovation system, Gina highlighted the need to include the corporate sector to build industry support for Steam uptake.

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The two-day seminar was a collaborative effort between the Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre at Nelson Mandela University, Market Place Academy, Sifiso EdTech, and key industry sponsors Deloitte and the Engineering Council of South Africa.

Sifiso founder and CEO Sizwe Nxasana said, “Steam education is not just about numbers and formulas. It is about unlocking critical thinking and problem-solving skills to drive innovation and transformation across our continent…Continuous support and professional development for educators are crucial to the success of Steam education initiatives.

“That is why upskilling our educators with the latest methodologies, integrating technology, project-based learning, and real-world problem-solving is essential.”

Professor Werne Olivier, director of the Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre, said the Regional Steam Seminar aimed to enhance the quality of learning and teaching in South Africa to align with the evolving future of the workplace.

Antoinette Nicolaai of the Gauteng Department of Education welcomed the initiative, saying the department was deeply committed to integrating Steam education into the curriculum to ensure that learners were equipped with the knowledge and the skills necessary for the future.

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