Can AI Bridge SA's Inequality Gap? The Promise and Pitfalls
Technology
Jul 11, 2025
From Labs to Townships: The Fight for STEM Relevance in SA Schools
By Globalza
How outdated curricula and resource gaps are starving SA's innovation pipeline.
The Engagement Crisis
Only 12% of SA high schoolers take advanced math—a prerequisite for tech careers. Ambassador Ntlathi blames '19th-century teaching in a 21st-century world.' Contrasts:
- Private schools: Robotics clubs, AI hackathons
- Public schools: 83% lack functional computer labs (DBE 2025)
Making STEM 'Cool'
- Successful models: CodeJIKA: Gamified coding in 400 township schools
- NASA Space Apps: SA teams won using satellite data
- GirlCode: 50% female enrollment in its bootcamps
Systemic Barriers
Teachers cite:
- Outdated textbooks (some still reference floppy disks)
- No internet for cloud-based tools
- Career guidance favoring 'safe' professions
Ntlathi urges industry partnerships to bridge gaps: 'Microsoft could upskill teachers faster than government.'