It appears that the cacophony of voices lamenting the loss of skills within South Africa is finally being heard. The new curriculum for South African schools compels all learners to study mathematics. This is a splendid decision made by our education department. Judging from reports in the press, the standard will be set relatively high; this news gets better and better.
Vivian MacFadyen
However, I am a bit confused, as it appears that not everyone is overjoyed with this decision. Let us hope that this will not be debated ad infinitum until everybody loses interest and nothing happens because it impinges on some individuals' rights.
Recently, one of our colleagues related that he had interviewed a prospective learner looking for work. The learner was asked how many litres could fit into a cubic metre. The answer given was one! Logically, the answer is correct, even though there would be space for another 999. Later, the learner indicated the length of a metre to be the distance equivalent to the length of a matchbox. How can we improve the skills of our young people who do not have a basic understanding of measurement? Imagine if this individual was requested to measure 50 metres of cable for a customer?
From news reports, some school teachers have a problem with mathematics being reintroduced into the curriculum. This shows how deep rooted the problem is. Not only do we need to re-educate students who have left school over the past decade, we have to demonstrate the necessity to be able to count, and to apply this basic skill to geometry and algebra.
My personal observation is that in our industry, we are concentrating on rewards for academic achievement at too high a level. We should give incentives for success to the educators of mathematics and physical science at matriculation level.
Bridging the digital gap in industrial systems SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
Industrial engineers, digital transformation leaders, and operations managers are invited to an exclusive knowledge-sharing event designed to tackle the complexities of digitising large-scale systems.
Read more...SAIMC Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg branch recently hosted the June Technology Evening. The presentation covered HVAC systems through the lens of instrumentation, highlighting how sensor technologies form the backbone of effective monitoring and control, allowing for effective energy efficiency.
Read more...SAIMC Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban Branch hosted its latest technology meeting on 4 June.The event drew a strong turnout, highlighting the keen interest in the topic ‘Understanding Level Measurement: Contact vs Non-Contact Methods’.
Read more...SAIMC at KITE 2025
SAIMC
The Society for Automation, Instrumentation, Mechatronics and Control Engineering (SAIMC) invites you to connect with us at the KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) from Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 July 2025.
Read more...SAIMC User Advisory Council annual summit SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
The SAIMC User Advisory Council is proud to present the 2025 Annual Summit, formerly known as the MESA Africa Summit. The theme is ‘Mining and manufacturing in South Africa: SMART operations in a disruptive world economy’.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Durban branch of the SAIMC was pleased to welcome Vusi Sithole, managing member of Hybrid Control Corporation in Richards Bay, who presented\on the very pertinent topic of ‘Infrastructure monitoring and control for water loss management’.
Read more...SAIMC: Sunshine, swings and smiles: Durban Golf Day hits a high note Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
SAIMC
We say it every year, and we’ll say it again: May in Durban is hard to beat; but 9 May, when the Durban Golf Day teed off at Kloof Country Club, was something else. With sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 20s, it was a fantastic day, full of fun and great energy.
Read more...SAIMC User Advisory Council KS4I event: Bridging the industry/education divide
SAIMC
Horst Weinert, head of Didactic at Festo Southern/Eastern Africa, will be sharing some of Festo’s Didactic experiences of working across industry and education. He will cover training for productivity and employability in the public and private sectors, discussing especially the potential for inter-company training centres.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version