South Africa faces a stark disconnect between the supply of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) graduates, and the pressing demand from industry.
According to recent reports, South Africa’s Mathematics pass rate rose from 63,5% in 2023 to 69,1% in 2024, yet the number of learners writing the subject fell sharply from 268 100 to 255 762.
Education experts attribute this to weak foundations and poor learner attitudes. Statistics SA further notes that only 7% of matriculants qualify for STEM-related degrees, while the University of Cape Town stresses that Mathematics remains a critical gateway subject for higher education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths – making the decline in participation a direct threat to future skills development.
Addressing this scarce skills shortage starts at school – and it is a gap that Advantage Learn is bridging with its annual Quest For Your Best Maths competition.
James Lees, CEO at Advantage Learn, says that the call for investment into teachers, education tools, and innovations to support learners is loud and clear.
“With only a small fraction of graduates entering STEM fields and a significant number of professional STEM roles remaining vacant, not only is our national workforce being constrained by systemic education gaps, but graduates in other fields are finding it more difficult to find employment. Increasing participation and achievement in Maths is critical.”
Advantage Learn’s online competition leverages the organisation’s Maths library – South Africa’s largest digital Maths resource aligned to the CAPS curriculum. Learners who use the Quest resources actively see their marks improve between 15% and 20%. “Short lessons and instant feedback help improve results more efficiently, while individual achievements are recognised to boost motivation and learners’ belief in their abilities,” says Lees.
Building confidence, breaking fear
For many learners, the Maths crisis is not just about marks on a report card but about confidence lost in the classroom. Quest For Your Best tackles this insecurity head-on because the competition turns anxiety into achievement. Learners focus on progress, not perfection, with effort rewarded alongside results.
In 2024, more than 3 000 learners from 347 schools took part in Quest For Your Best, marking a 200% increase in participants and a 45% rise in school involvement compared to 2023. This surge reflects the appetite for supportive, practical learning tools that make a real difference.
Access made easier than ever
Thanks to the support of sponsors such as PPS Insurance, Snapplify, GG Productions, and Casio, 2025 marks a turning point: there is no entry fee, and the prizes are more valuable than before.
“Quest For Your Best is more than an exam-prep tool; it’s a pathway to greater confidence, better results, and brighter futures. We encourage all high school learners, parents, and teachers to take part in the 2025 competition by going to the competition page, selecting “enter now,” and creating a profile to. They will not only prepare more effectively for exams but also join a movement that is reshaping how South Africa approaches Maths success,” says Lees.