Guest: Hendrick Makaneta, Education activist

South Africa has made strides in ensuring access to primary school education for children despite their socio-economic status or geographic location, according to a global study.

The recently released 2023 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) found that key initiatives the department of basic education has incorporated “such as no-fee schools, scholar transport, and school nutrition programmes have significantly contributed to enhancing accessibility”.

The study was conducted in the fourth and eighth grades in 64 countries. South Africa, Morocco and Ivory Coast were the only African countries to participate in the evaluation.