Thousands of learners in the humanities stream have registered an impeccable record of excellence in Mathematical Literacy following sustained intervention support to teachers and schools over the past years. The DBE introduced Mathematical Literacy in the Basic Education Sector in 2006 to expose learners in the humanities pathways to basic sums as alternative skills required in career development. The skill covers a range of attributes, including Basic Financial Management; Calculations on Percentages and VAT; Measurement Conversions; Analysis of Rates and Tariffs; Time and Distance; and Ratios and Proportions.
The Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and the Free State Provinces continue to be an epitome of excelling provinces in the subject with the majority of their schools scooping several prizes during the 2nd Annual Mathematics Literacy Awards hosted by the DBE, in partnership with Old Mutual and the Velle Foundation. The Awards Ceremony took place at the DBE Conference Centre in Pretoria on 19 May 2026.
Ms Elspeth Khembo, Director for MST, Curriculum Innovation and E-Learning at the DBE, joined by representatives from the Velle Foundation and Old Mutual, presented the awards to the top performing provinces, education districts, schools, and teachers, as a token of appreciation to the hardworking schools in improving quality learning outcomes in the subject.
“Mathematical Literacy is not another level or type of Mathematics, but “the ability to use mathematics as a tool to make sense of situations in the environment requires that people model the situations (mentally or formally), bring to bear their mathematical knowledge and work towards a solution.” (John A. Dossey, in Why Numbers Count, Steen, 1997). In Mathematical Literacy, authentic contexts are chosen because they are important to life and require explicit basic mathematical skills. The scope and purpose of every topic is well defined, such that all sub-sections contain work with/identify/determine, followed by in order to, for example, Taxation as a topic is divided into Income Tax, VAT, and UIF. Therefore, the higher order skills of analysis, comprehension, interpretation, decision-making and drawing conclusions form the greatest emphasis for purposes of achieving the stated goals of the subject, which is to equip people to live and function in the 21st Century world that has many quantitative demands and challenges. This allows learners to gain confidence and skills in navigating modern life with its complex financial transactions and contracts, global trade and travel, statistics-based argument and advertising, exchange rates, consumer pressure and much more,” explained Ms Khembo.
Ms Gladys Nkwinika, Chief Education Specialist for Mathematics Literacy from the MST, Curriculum Innovation and E-Learning Directorate at the DBE, said that it was befitting to acknowledge the sterling work done by teachers, schools and education districts in keeping the Mathematical Literacy intake and success rate skyrocketing over the past years: “We initiated the Awards to motivate learners to pursue excellence in Mathematical Literacy whilst showcasing best practice and success stories within the schooling system. We also intend to elevate the profile and status of Mathematical Literacy as one of the subjects prescribed in the National Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS). The Mathematical Literacy Awards Ceremony is not only a celebration of achievement, but also an affirmation that Mathematical Literacy remains a powerful tool for empowerment, problem solving and lifelong success”.