The Department of Basic Education measured the ability of our learners to count and found that, for Grade 3, the average was 28%, and for Grade 6, it was 30%. Therefore, only one in three learners whom we meet on a daily basis can count and they can barely do so.
The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study - otherwise known as TIMSS - shows that our learners are as enthusiastic and curious about mathematics as any other group of children. The most direct cause of our terrible performance is simply that not enough of our teachers are up to the task. Having a mathematics degree is still not a requirement to teach at schools.
What is to be done about this crisis? It is a crisis. Firstly, keep competent teachers at schools. Secondly, extend the retirement age of competent mathematics teachers. Thirdly, aggressively recruit expatriate South African and foreign mathematics teachers. Finally, accelerate in- service and pre-service training and insist on teachers having a mathematics degree or its equivalent. [Applause.]