The Maths, Science and Technology (MST) Curriculum Innovation and E-learning Directorate will be hosting a Foundational Mathematics Conference from 17 to 18 November 2025, at the Maslow Hotel, Sandton, in the Gauteng Province. MST Foundation Phase Specialists in Mathematics Curriculum, Assessment, and Teacher Development, as well as Lead Teachers from all nine Provincial Education Departments (PEDs), will be collaborating with key education researchers to promote a unified vision through the establishment of a Foundational Mathematics Learning Community of Practice. Discussions and dialogue during the conference will provide opportunities for collaborative work and identify key areas for research.
One of the main research partners during the dialogue to enhance early grade mathematics outcomes, will be the Gates Foundation which works to improve reading and mathematics skills for children in sub-Saharan Africa and India. Foundational skills in reading and math are essential for children to unlock lifelong opportunities, drive economic growth, reduce inequality, and break poverty cycles. However, many countries are not implementing effective teaching methods at scale, leaving learners and teachers without these critical skills to reach their full potential.
The Foundation aims to bridge the gap between evidence and action through innovation, collaboration, and targeted instruction, working with governments and funders to enhance financing for foundational learning and prioritising development agendas. In addition, they promote effective, evidence-based solutions that address numeracy gaps and enhance programmes for literacy and numeracy, Education can create opportunities and reduce inequity, but it must be accompanied by actual learning. Foundational reading and math skills are critical building blocks for a bright future. The Foundation has an established 25-year footprint in education.
Ms Asiya Hendricks, National Mathematics Improvement Programme Project Manager, said that “the long-term vision is to hold annual conferences over the next five years, each focusing on critical topics identified through dedicated working groups. Through emphasizing practical strategies, we aim to translate research into actionable outcomes. For the inaugural conference, we will focus on three essential themes: Defining critical outcomes for early grade mathematics and establishing appropriate assessments; Strategies for developing fluency in basic number facts; and Examining conceptual threads in additive reasoning. The primary aim of the conference is for the sectors to develop a greater understanding of each other's work and to work towards a shared language and vision”.