South Africa’s Department of Basic Education reveals hundreds of high schools across the country are no longer offering mathematics to learners

When we talk about the future—technology, innovation, jobs that haven’t even been invented yet—one subject almost always comes up: mathematics.

But here’s the reality on the ground in South Africa—hundreds of high schools across the country aren’t even offering it anymore.

464 Public High Schools Without Maths Classes

In a recent update, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) revealed a shocking figure: 464 public high schools in South Africa don’t offer maths at all.

Let that sink in.

That means thousands of learners are going through high school without even having the option to take one of the most critical subjects for science, technology, and modern careers.

And it’s not just happening in remote corners of the country—KwaZulu-Natal leads the list with 135 schools, followed by the Eastern Cape (84), Limpopo (78), and the Western Cape (61).

Even urban provinces like Gauteng and North West have 31 schools each in this category.

Mpumalanga fares slightly better, with the lowest number at 11.

Why So Many Schools Are Dropping Maths

So, what’s causing this national shortfall?

According to the DBE, there are a few reasons.

First, students start choosing subject paths in Grade 10, and schools often don’t have the resources to run both mathematics and mathematical literacy streams.

The issues run deep—limited demand, a shortage of qualified teachers, and budget constraints are at the heart of it.

In simple terms, some schools just can’t afford to offer proper maths education.

“Mathematics remains a top priority,” the department insists.

But actions speak louder than words, and the DBE acknowledges that capacity issues are holding schools back.

They’re trying to fix things through training, monthly meetings with provinces, and extra support programmes—but the problem remains large.

Maths Enrollment Is Falling Fast

Even where maths is offered, fewer students are choosing it. Back in 2011, 46% of matric learners wrote maths.

By 2023, that number dropped to just 34%. And in 2024, only 255,762 learners are registered to write the subject.

It gets more concerning: only a tiny fraction of those learners actually get 60% or more, which is the minimum needed to get into tough university programs like engineering or actuarial science.

What the Minister Had to Say

Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube didn’t sugarcoat it—she called the decline in maths enrollment a serious threat to the country’s growth.

Without stronger maths performance, South Africa risks falling further behind in science, tech, and economic development.

She also pointed out that South African learners are already behind.

In the 2023 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), South Africa ranked dead last.

And that’s despite assessing our learners a full grade above the global norm to help close the gap.

What’s the Plan Moving Forward?

Minister Gwarube says the DBE knows how urgent the situation is.

They’re working on reforms and strategic interventions that align with global best practices.

But turning things around will take more than policy—it’s going to take real change in classrooms, communities, and how we value maths as a society.