The Department of Basic Education (DBE) hosted the two-day Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) Inter-Provincial Conditional Grant Seminar at the Elangeni Southern Sun in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal from 9 to 10 September 2026. The Seminar brought together education officials and stakeholders from across provinces to reflect on the implementation of the MST Conditional Grant, share progress, and promote collaboration towards advancing Mathematics, Science and Technology education.

 

The Seminar was officially opened by the Director for Mathematics, Science, Technology and Information Communication Technology in KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Lucky Mthetho, who welcomed delegates and emphasised the importance of collective action in advancing MST education. He encouraged provinces to share good practices, reflect on implementation challenges, and identify practical solutions that can improve learner outcomes and prepare young people for a future increasingly shaped by science, technology, and innovation.

 

The DBE’s Director for MST, Curriculum Innovation and E-Learning, Ms Elspeth Khembo, outlined the purpose of the Seminar, which focused on the implementation, monitoring, and impact of the MST Conditional Grant across provinces. Key areas of engagement included provincial performance and compliance with the Division of Revenue Act (DoRA) and the MST Grant Framework, progress in implementing the Grades R to 9 Coding and Robotics Curriculum, feedback from monitoring and support visits, and developments relating to CAT and IT subjects. Delegates also discussed the Focus Schools Project and strategies to encourage more learners to pursue Mathematics, Science and Technology subjects in the Further Education and Training (FET) Phase.

 

Mr Ngwanatau Mathiba, Assistant Director: MST Conditional Grant, presented the performance of the 2026-2027 MST Conditional Grant and emphasised the importance of ensuring that 100% of the allocated grant funds are spent by the end of the financial year, in line with approved business plans and the Grant Framework.

 

The Chief Education Specialist for CAT and IT, Mr Ian Carstens, highlighted the importance of reliable connectivity, the use of appropriate devices, updated software, secure ICT facilities, and suitably qualified teachers in preparing learners for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and the emerging Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR).

 

The Chief Education Specialist for Physical Sciences, Ms Pfuluwani Mashapa, highlighted the importance of SAICA camps in supporting the achievement at 60% and above in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, and increasing participation in Accounting. She recommended the use of common materials in all camps to strengthen impact as is happening within the Samsung Solve for tomorrow participating schools.

 

The Chief Education Specialist for Technical Subjects, Mr Modiba Phosa, presented on the Three Stream Model, emphasising the importance of providing learners with academic, vocational, and occupational pathways that are aligned with their interests, abilities, skills, and future career opportunities. He further highlighted on the Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd STEM School-Industry Collaboration Programme with the World Economic Forum that will impact 102 schools across the nine provinces.

 

The Chief Education Specialist for Coding and Robotics, Mr Christo Jones, outlined developments in teacher training, lesson planning, learning, and teaching resources, as well as partnerships aimed at expanding the implementation of Coding and Robotics and equipping learners with practical digital, computational thinking and problem-solving skills.

 

The DBE and Provincial MST Coordinators visited Benjamin Pine Primary School to observe innovation in the implementation of Coding and Robotics to strengthen literacy and numeracy skills; Estcourt Secondary School to learn about the practical use of a virtual reality laboratory in consolidating the development of MST concepts in the classroom; and Weston College to observe the practical implementation of Agricultural Education and the shaping of solid careers and food security. The school visits provided an opportunity for provinces to share experiences, learn from one another, and identify good practices that can be adapted and strengthened in other provinces. The school visits were also intended to demonstrate how the MST Conditional Grant can support innovation, technology integration, and the development of practical skills in schools.

 

The Provincial MST Coordinators agreed on the importance of developing a three to five-year strategic plan for the MST Conditional Grant, with the aim to identify priorities, targets, interventions, and expected outcomes that each province should achieve over the medium term. The long-term planning approach will assist provinces to move beyond annual activities and establish a clear and sustainable roadmap for improving learner performance, teacher development, infrastructure, equipment, learner participation, and access to MST opportunities. It will also strengthen coordination, monitoring, accountability, and the effective utilisation of MST Conditional Grant resources as well as engagement with National Treasury towards securing scarce skills and exploring possible ways of permanent employment for MST Grant staff across the nine provinces.

 

Mr Mlungisi Mkhwanazi, the MST Conditional Grant Project Manager at the DBE, presented the 2027/2028 MST Conditional Grant Framework, outlining key priorities and planned interventions to improve learner performance, teacher development, and access to resources towards improved classroom practice. He also highlighted the importance of effective planning, coordination, and accountability to ensure that grant funding delivers meaningful impact within the Medium-Term Development Plan Outcome 2: Reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living.