The Sunday Times this morning is reporting that minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga has "hinted" at a mathematics, science and technology directorate.
The paper says this follows a "string" of recommendations by a task team, set up in February with ten members, to measure the implementation of the national mathematics, science and technology strategy, which dates back to 2001.
Motshekga reportedly said in a statement that the department was examining how to strengthen the strategy, which seeks to increase the number of black pupils taking mathematics and science, among other things.
"This includes the possibility of establishing a fully functional maths, science and technology directorate," she is quoted by the paper as saying.
Last year, 511 152 matrics wrote the national senior certificate, of which 73.9% passed. In 2011, 496 090 wrote, with 70.2% passing.
Of those who wrote mathematics, 54% - or 121 970 - passed. Physical science passes improved to 109 918, a pass rate of 61.3%.
The paper says the task team also found a shortage of qualified and competent teachers across all provinces, and that teacher support and development is mostly inadequate.
The team also recommended implementing a teacher development programme, involving the department in teacher training courses at universities and a mathematics and science academy in each province.
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