Most maths, science teachers not properly qualified

Over half of South Africa’s current maths and science teachers are not properly qualified, contributing to the country’s massive skills shortage, the Cape Times reported on Friday.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Mosibudi Mangena, told delegates at the National Society for Black Engineers conference on Thursday that over 56% of the country’s maths and science teachers were not properly qualified.

“This is a real problem, as we need more than 1 000 engineers with five years’ relevant experience.

Compare this with the 238 civil engineers who graduated in 2002 that would by now have the required five years’ experience—it’s just not enough.”

Vusi Mdakane, managing director of the society, said delegates at the conference had complained that many engineers graduating from local universities were unemployable.

“There is a definite gap and our plan is to engage with companies to establish what they expect from a graduate.

“We are also working very closely with the council for the built environment to establish programmes where engineers are better prepared for the world of work.” - Sapa