Following a keynote address by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube at the Inaugural Dialogue on Education Partnerships, experts are calling for a radical rethink of South Africa’s education system to address the country’s youth unemployment crisis.
The dialogue, which focused on skills development and entrepreneurship education, highlighted the urgent need to integrate emerging technologies—particularly artificial intelligence (AI)—into the curriculum from an early age.
Professor Mpho Primus, Co-Director of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence Systems at the University of Johannesburg, emphasized the importance of foundational skills in mathematics and problem-solving to prepare learners for a future dominated by AI.
AI and Indigenous Language Technology
Prof. Primus, who is leading research on AI systems responsive to South Africa’s indigenous languages, stressed that while AI presents opportunities, its foundation lies in mathematical literacy.
“The core of AI is mathematics—it’s logic, problem-solving, and human knowledge represented in systems,” he said. “We cannot jump to AI without strengthening basic education, particularly in mathematics and critical thinking.”
His work involves developing AI and robotics that understand and respond to commands in local languages, a crucial step in making technology accessible to more South Africans. However, he noted a significant challenge: the lack of digital data in indigenous languages compared to languages like English or French.
Curriculum Reform and Teacher Upskilling
With youth unemployment at alarming levels, Minister Gwarube’s address underscored the need for skills development even at primary and high school levels. Prof. Primus agreed, calling for a “cultural reform” in education to demystify mathematics and align teaching methods with modern demands.
“We need to reskill and upskill teachers,” he said. “Curriculum reforms, like the shift from OBE to CAPS, have happened before, but now we must ensure educators are equipped to teach these evolving skills.”
He pointed to alternative education models, such as Montessori, as examples of innovative approaches that could inspire changes in the public schooling system.
Bridging the Gap Between Social Sciences and Mathematics
A key concern raised during the discussion was the persistent divide between social sciences and mathematics, with many learners shying away from STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects. Prof. Primus argued that this separation is counterproductive, particularly in fields like computational linguistics, where language and mathematics intersect.
“The disconnect between social sciences and mathematics shouldn’t exist,” he said. “Digital humanities and AI research show how these disciplines can merge—but it starts with how we teach math from an early age.”
The Path Forward
As South Africa grapples with unemployment and an evolving job market, experts agree that AI literacy and problem-solving skills will be essential for future generations. Prof. Primus urged policymakers and educators to prioritize curriculum changes that foster creativity, logic, and adaptability.
“We don’t have a choice—the world is moving toward AI and advanced technology,” he said. “If we want our youth to compete globally, we must act now.”
The dialogue marks the beginning of a broader national conversation on education reform, with AI and digital skills expected to play a central role in shaping South Africa’s future workforce.