The DBE successfully hosted the Mathematics, Science and Technology Conditional Grant (MSTCG) Interprovincial Seminar at its Conference Centre in Pretoria from 24 to 25 June 2025. The Seminar brought together PEDs, MST Directors and Coordinators, and key stakeholders from the private sector, academia and Civil Society to review progress, share lessons and strengthen the implementation of the MST Conditional Grant.

Chief Director for MST and Curriculum Enhancement Programmes, Mr Seliki Tlhabane, in his opening remarks, highlighted that the aim of the MSTCG Seminar was to foster collaboration amongst provinces, assess implementation progress, promote innovation and share best practice in MST education. He mentioned the key focus areas, looking at gains made in the teaching and learning of MST subjects, including the lessons learnt from the pilots of Coding and Robotics, and the Three Stream Model, as well as conceptualising the establishment and expansion of Focus Schools.

Dr Barney Mthembu, Deputy Director-General for Curriculum Policy, Support and Monitoring officially opened the event, calling for reflection, action and strengthened partnerships. Dr Mthembu indicated that the MST Conditional Grant should focus on its intended purpose: accountability, sustainability and equity. The MSTCG should be spent according to the conditions of the Grant Framework and Business Plans. He further stressed the importance of strategic partnerships and the crucial role they play in assisting Government to achieve the National Development Plan (NDP) targets and sustainable goals. He concluded by encouraging all PEDs to fully participate in the MST Conditional Grant seminars for maximum impact as the DBE moves towards improving the quality of performance of MST subjects and increasing participation in both Mathematics and Technical Subject specialisations, towards skills development.

In outlining the purpose of the meeting, Ms Elspeth Khembo, Director for MST Curriculum Innovation and E-Learning, highlighted the Seminar as a platform to align efforts, share challenges and successes and collectively strengthen the MST Grant Framework. She thanked stakeholders for their support and emphasised the strategic value of these engagements in improving learning outcomes. The grant was positioned as more than a funding mechanism and rather a focused investment aimed at improving MST subject outcomes, whilst addressing the decline in learner participation in Mathematics and Technical Subjects. They further noted concern from the Portfolio Committee and confirmed that the President had called for urgent intervention.

Donor Grant Management Director, Mr Gareth Macquela, shared a presentation on the MST Conditional Grant Evaluation Feedback and provided valuable recommendations that will improve the performance of the MST Grant.

Delegates engaged in robust discussions on challenges such as fund disbursement delays, under-expenditure and long-term sustainability. The DBE reiterated the conditional nature of the grant, which must be used strictly for MST-related purposes, and encouraged improved planning and monitoring for lasting impact. A strong emphasis was placed on equity, particularly in supporting under-resourced rural and township schools. The Seminar also celebrated successful partnerships. NGOs, Higher Education Institutions, and private sector partners shared innovations and demonstrated the value of multi-sector collaboration. These engagements highlighted how strategic partnerships can expand impact and support the broader MST ecosystem. In closing, the DBE reaffirmed its commitment to working with provinces to ensure the MSTCG delivers measurable outcomes. Delegates were reminded that MST investment is central to South Africa’s development and global competitiveness.