Scrapping maths in school won't solve problem

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The Department of Basic Education published a notice on 21 July in the Government Gazette, inviting input from stakeholders on its proposal to repeal mathematics as a requirement for accounting. But you can never be an accountant if you do not understand maths, says Faith Ngwenya, technical executive at Saipa.

In its submission to the ministry, Saipa said mathematics builds skills in concrete reasoning, spatial reasoning, and logical reasoning. It sharpens the mind and helps eliminate fuzzy thinking, equipping children with tools to defend their worldview and make smart choices.

Lack of skilled maths teachers

South Africa already has a shortage of accountants, and making it more difficult to obtain the qualification in the required time, will only exacerbate the problem. Ngwenya says without mathematics aspirant accountants will struggle. They are already struggling, even with mathematics being compulsory.

She feels that it is quite critical for learners to have exposure to mathematics, adding that one of the stumbling blocks in the way of improved mathematic results is the lack of skilled mathematics teachers.

Ngwenya adds that there are ways to increase the skill levels at schools. Government can identify schools with a shortage of skilled teachers, and incentivise those with skills to teach at those schools.

“Rather than eliminating the subject because of bad results, the government should look at the way teachers are remunerated. We need good quality educators.”

We live in a world of measurements

Mathematics makes a direct or indirect contribution to the development of all occupations. The progress of our civilisation has been mainly due to the progress of various occupations such as agriculture, engineering, industry, medicine, and navigation.

Ngwenya puts forward that mathematics helps people daily with problem solving, time management, calculating tips and tax, memorising phone numbers and locker combinations, estimating distances or weight, and budgeting their own affairs.

“We are living in a world of measurements. We have to measure lengths, areas, volumes and weights. We have to fix timings, prices, wages, rates, percentages, targets and exchanges,” Saipa reiterated in its submission.