---
title: "Naledi Pandor: Approving Maths Literacy a 'Disaster' for Pure Maths"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/naledi-pandor-maths-literacy-disaster-education-policy-nu2xz
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Global
published: 2026-08-11T16:58:58.643Z
modified: 2026-08-11T21:00:12.658Z
language: en-IN
---

# Naledi Pandor: Approving Maths Literacy a 'Disaster' for Pure Maths

Former basic education minister Naledi Pandor described the introduction of mathematical literacy as a disaster, stating it led to a significant drop in students pursuing pure mathematics. She also defended her stance on maintaining tough matric exam standards during her tenure.

## Key takeaways

- Naledi Pandor described the introduction of mathematical literacy as a disaster, stating it reduced the number of students taking pure mathematics.
- Pandor admitted that approving mathematical literacy was a mistake, despite her initial opposition, due to official persuasion.
- She defended maintaining rigorous matric exam standards during her tenure, prioritizing quality over higher pass rates.
- Pandor suggested that teacher competence and training are key factors in student performance, advocating for a shift in evaluation focus.

Naledi Pandor, chancellor of Nelson Mandela University and former basic education minister, has labelled the approval of mathematical literacy as a substitute for pure mathematics in further education and training as a significant error during her time in office. Speaking on the Renaissance podcast, Pandor stated that while she had reservations, officials persuaded her to approve the subject, which was introduced in 2006.

Pandor explained that the implementation of mathematical literacy led to a decline in students opting for pure mathematics. She noted that many pupils shifted to the less rigorous mathematical literacy, which consequently lowered the overall numbers taking pure mathematics. While Pandor acknowledged the importance of basic numeracy for all students, she asserted that the country's future requires a greater number of mathematicians.

The former minister also addressed the historical debate surrounding matric pass marks. Pandor maintained that she prioritized exam quality over pass rates during her tenure (2004–2009). She stated that the matric exams were more challenging under her leadership, resulting in lower pass rates compared to current standards, but ensuring that those who passed demonstrated a high level of competence. The class of 2025 achieved an 88% national pass rate, while Pandor's lowest pass rate in 2008 was 62.5%.

Pandor suggested that low student performance can often be attributed to teaching quality rather than a lack of student ability. She advocated for an increased focus on evaluating teacher competence and improving teacher training. She pointed out that many older teachers were not adequately prepared for foundational skills instruction under previous education systems and that some teacher training colleges in the 1990s, though numerous, were substandard and inefficiently managed.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/naledi-pandor-maths-literacy-disaster-education-policy-nu2xz
Reported from: Multiple Sources