Today marks International Day of Mathematics and concerns are growing about declining participation in mathematics in South African schools. Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, recently warned about fewer learners choosing maths and physical science. More than 400 high schools across the country did not offer mathematics to Grade 12 learners in 2025, partly because there were not enough pupils interested to make a class viable. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Keith Moodley, Learning Design & Pedagogical Lead for STEM at SPARK Schools who says this trend reflects a growing challenge known as "maths anxiety", that can begin as early as primary school.