Cooperation between the DBE and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been active since 2021, with the aim of strengthening Mathematics Education in primary schools through technical support. Improving the quality of basic education remains a top priority for the South African Government, which views it as a key driver of social and economic development. The DBE–JICA collaboration aligns with sector strategies such as the Action Plan to 2024: Towards the Realisation of Schooling 2030, and the broader national priorities outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030.
In 2018, the Mathematics Teaching and Learning Framework for South Africa: Teaching Mathematics for Understanding (TMU) and the Integrated National Strategy for Mathematics, Science & Technology (MST) Education (2019–2030) were both completed and approved with technical assistance from JICA. Increasing learner participation and performance in MST subjects remains the cornerstone of the strategy to ensure that every classroom is a space where quality learning and teaching is evident through the delivery of relevant curriculum taught by competent and qualified teachers with the necessary resources to inspire learners with competencies for a changing world.
From 2019-2024, JICA had been working very closely with the DBE and the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT), field testing the TMU Framework in a learning-centred classroom methodology, designed to help teachers to attend to the challenges associated with the teaching and learning of mathematics, so that learner outcomes are improved. Throughout this partnership, JICA has continued to deploy experts to provide technical assistance in Mathematics Education across both primary and secondary schooling.
The DBE hosted a Mission from the JICA from 9 to 17 March 2026. The Mission included Senior Advisor Mr Matachi Atsushi, accompanied by Ms Oshima Fuka, from JICA Headquarters: Basic Education Group, Human Development Department. The purpose of the visit was to follow on the implementation of Lesson Study and the Teaching Mathematics for Understanding programme and to conduct school visits in the KwaZulu-Natal and North West Provinces.
On Day 1, the JICA Mission held an introductory meeting at the DBE Conference Centre, with the team of Ms Hleki Mabunda: Director of International Relations and Multilateral Affairs, and the team of Ms Elspeth Khembo: Director of MST, Curriculum Innovation and E-Learning. The meeting was followed by a meeting with Dr David Sekao at the University of Pretoria Lesson Study Unit. On Day 2 to 4, the JICA Mission visited the following schools in KwaZulu-Natal; Dr Vilakazi Full-Service School, Dede Primary School, Chibini Primary School, Adinville Primary School. On Day 5, the JICA Mission visited Katakane Primary School in the North West Province to sample Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). The day ended in a meeting at the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT) to discuss the technical aspects of the Mathematics Improvement Programme (MIP) currently running in Foundation Phase across the nine provinces.
The JICA Mission concluded with a debriefing meeting at the DBE on Day 6, which started with presentations on PLCs from Continuous Professional Development: Ms Bibi Mahumapelo and Mr Philip Dikgomo, and VVOB: Mr Gerrit Coetzee. Ms Bonita Goetham: Foundation Phase CES and Ms Cebisa Mtumtum: InterSen CES, also presented on the implementation of the Lesson Study in the Provinces, in line with the subject advisor training received in Japan: 2016-2024. The meeting ended with JICA reflecting on their findings on the school visits conducted with recommendations that gave context to the Terms of Reference for the commitment by JICA to dispatch two technical experts from September 2026 for a period of two years, this, towards strengthening the mathematics strategy in both curriculum and teacher development.