Orlando Chauke
LIMPOPO – Learners from schools in Giyani should take up maths and science as their major subjects in order to help the country increase the number of essential researchers available.
Science and Technology Minister, Naledi Pandor, spoke at a launch of the Career Centre at the Giyani Science Centre on Saturday.
She further said the country needs more researchers in order to help resolve an array of modern problems affecting society such as HIV/Aids. “I want you to do choose physical science, life science and mathematics because I need you to be the researchers of tomorrow,” she explained, adding that researchers are vital in any society.
“As you know we haven’t as yet developed a vaccine for HIV. We need more researchers to join a team of researchers from various universities that is busy researching ways to find a cure for Aids.”
Education MEC, Ishmael Kgetjepe, also stressed the importance of mathematics for the country’s economy. “Competency in both maths and science provides the kind of innovation we need to take this country to greater heights.”
Kgetjepe added that many companies now require people with advanced analytical skills because of the advanced technology being used in the manufacturing of the products. He urged maths and science teachers to motivate learners as they teach, in order not to see the two subjects as an enemy.
“Today’s learners should not see maths and science as a subject of so-called ‘whiz kids’. We need the learners to see maths and science as subjects that can be manipulated and mastered by anyone who aspires to,” he explained.
He also appealed to various stakeholders, especially teachers, to spread information about the value of these subjects.
