Empowering rural learners: The importance of STEM education in KZN
Deputy Minister Dr Nomalungelo Gina encouraged pupils to consider pursuing subjects in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Image: Facebook / Department of Science, Technology and Innovation SA
DEPUTY Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, launched her 2026 back-to-school campaign at KwaNxusa High School in Melmoth, KwaZulu-Natal, urging learners to pursue subjects in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Dr Gina highlighted the critical importance of STEM education in fostering innovative solutions and enhancing critical thinking skills, to inspire young innovators in rural communities.
During her address, she encouraged students to embrace emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, stating, "These innovations are not only reshaping the world but are also vital for strengthening the critical thinking skills necessary to tackle societal challenges."
She elaborated on the pressing challenges faced by society, saying, “We have so many challenges. Sometimes it gets very hot, and you don’t know what is happening; it rains, and we experience a lot of floods.
There are so many things and solutions that we need to be given so that we understand what is happening in the whole world. Through the STEM subjects, we are getting those solutions. Those are the subjects that we say cause you to sit and think almost all the time, wanting to bring solutions to the challenges the whole globe is facing.
Those are the subjects that make you curious because you must be asking yourself what ever happened in life. You ask how this happened? What happened? Just look at that fire that started over there. We all must ask ourselves.”
"If you observe bushes growing in one area but not another, that is a scientific inquiry. You need to ask: why is the vegetation so lush here, yet sparse there? The solutions and answers we seek will emerge through your critical thinking and investigation of these natural phenomena," said Dr Gina.
In addition to her motivational speech, Dr Gina announced that the department will host a career expo at the school later this quarter. This initiative aims to introduce learners in the rural community to various science-related professions, including aviation, astronomy, and space science, assisting Grade 10 learners as they prepare to choose their subjects.
KwaNxusa High School, located in rural Melmoth, is a top-performing institution with over 1,200 learners. The school has consistently maintained a Grade 12 pass rate of approximately 90% since 2022, achieving an impressive pass rate of over 96% in 2025, despite facing challenges such as inadequate ablution facilities for girls and limited sporting infrastructure.
Of the 197 learners who sat for the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations, only seven did not pass. The results included 104 Bachelor’s passes and 62 diploma passes, showcasing the school's academic excellence.
During her visit, Dr Gina was informed of a suspected arson attack in the school’s staff room.
“The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation will continue, by all means possible, to support this school to ensure that it remains a centre of excellence,” added Dr Gina
To further assist learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, she donated 20 boxes of printing paper and 20 calculators.
Highlighting the significance of partnerships, Dr Gina acknowledged the support of Sappi for the school, emphasising that collaboration between the government and the private sector is crucial for improving educational outcomes in rural areas.
Sappi’s community liaison officer, Nkosingiphile Ngidi, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We remain committed to contributing to initiatives that uplift communities and address social challenges through education.”
Grade 11 learner Lwangenel’uthando Mthimkhulu underscored the importance of selecting STEM subjects.
“Choosing science gives us the ability to innovate and contribute solutions to real-world challenges, especially in a time when technology and artificial intelligence are becoming part of everyday life,” said Lwangenel’uthando Mthimkhulu
Principal Mr Ntshangase welcomed the department’s support and expressed a commitment to achieving a 100% Grade 12 pass rate in 2026.
“We also plan to increase the number of learners taking science subjects by expanding the number of classes offering these subjects from Grade 10 in 2026, guided by learner categorisation,” He added.
Mathematics teacher Zama Buthelezi expressed gratitude for the calculators, noting that they will significantly aid learners’ understanding of the subject.