The urgent need for STEM education in SA's economy

THE pressure and the increasing need to build a functional and profitable economy are now becoming urgent.

- DR SHEETAL BHOOLA

Every so often the media informs us of rising living costs, high unemployment, and an economy that is stagnating and in some sectors shrinking. Key to developing a successful economy is the need to develop, innovate, and create among us South Africans.

This can happen if our society becomes better skilled in technological advancement and innovation.

Unfortunately, we are still importing technological products at hefty prices which are utilised in all segments of the economy. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) aligned qualifications need to be prioritised and South Africans need to become aware of the need for many STEM graduates in South Africa.

Recent statistics have revealed that only 7% of Grade 12 graduates meet the requirements to engage in a STEM-related qualification at tertiary educational institutions.

The remaining graduates enter other fields of study and find their way in the formal and informal economy.

Approximately half of university students do not complete their qualifications which contributes to the high youth unemployment rate.

The corporate sector has claimed that many of our qualifications do not comprise skills that are required to be employed within the formal sector and they therefore find a young graduate unskilled and ill-fitted for numerous job descriptions.