Whiz Kids: The 2025 Cohort of the National Science and Technology Forum's Brilliants Programme. Photos: National Science and Technology Forum
At a time when South Africa faces persistent challenges in education, economic development, public health, energy security and technological competitiveness, the country needs strong graduates in mathematics, physical sciences and related fields as never before.
For 25 years, National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) has supported South Africa's top achievers in matriculating mathematics and physical sciences: young people who not only excel academically, but also choose to pursue demanding degrees, including medicine, engineering and the natural sciences.
Through NSTF Brilliants ProgramA small group of today's top math and science learners are on their way to becoming tomorrow's problem-solvers, innovators and leaders – the very people the country will rely on to solve complex national challenges.
Jansi NihausThe NSTF Executive Director said investing in high-achieving students, particularly those who excel in mathematics and science, was essential to strengthening South Africa's growth potential and global competitiveness.
“These subjects form the foundation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Trunk) careers – the skills base needed to drive innovation-led growth and solve complex national problems,” she said.
The BRILLIANTS program played an important and strategic role at a time when the country was lagging behind in mathematics and science performance, he said.
data from trends International Mathematics and Science Studies 2023Released and analyzed by the Basic Education Department, present a worrying picture.
Grade 5 math scores decreased from 374 (2019) to 362 (2023); Grade 5 science scores fell from 324 (2019) to 308 (2023); And South Africa ranks last internationally among participating countries at this level. This represents a statistically significant decline, leaving the country well below the international benchmark of 400 points for basic capacity.
Yet there is more than a glimmer of hope. Since its inception, over 442 outstanding students have been recognized through the Brilliants Programme, many of whom have received scholarship support and exposure to South Africa's scientific and innovation ecosystem.
“These students represent a pipeline of future doctors, engineers, researchers, innovators and technology leaders – exactly the human capital South Africa needs to remain competitive in research, innovation and development,” Niehaus said.
STEM education under pressure
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has expressed concern over the declining number of learners taking mathematics and physics, warning that the trend undermines the development of critical skills needed for economic growth.
Despite improvements in overall pass rates, low participation of gateway subjects is widely considered a crisis. South Africa struggles with unequal performance in mathematics and science, especially in low-resource communities.
While many learners show potential, very few achieve high-level passes in subjects, limiting access to STEM careers and increasing pressure on universities and the wider economy.
Reports indicate that 435 schools failed to offer mathematics to matriculants in 2026, mainly due to teacher shortages and lack of capacity.
The Department of Basic Education is seeking closer collaboration with professional bodies to improve the quality of teaching and increase learners' participation in mathematics
And science.
At the post-school level, universities face similar challenges related to through-put, skills shortages and the urgent need to expand the pool of graduates in high-impact sectors. South Africa's economic and social development depends on a steady supply of graduates in science, engineering, health and technology.
“Initiatives like the NSTF Brilliants Program help bridge the gap between school achievement and successful participation in higher education by identifying talent early and supporting students who have the potential to lead in these areas,” Niehaus said.
Where the NSTF BRILLIANTS program fits into the national solution
The NSTF Brilliants program addresses a critical point in the education and skills pipeline: the transition from school excellence to sustained participation and success in STEM studies.
The program rewards high achievement in matriculated mathematics and physical sciences at the national level, encourages students to pursue and pursue STEM degrees, and highlights talent from all provinces, with at least one boy and one girl selected from public schools in each province.
Demonstrating diversity and inclusion, this initiative attracts learners from both well-resourced and under-resourced schools and connects them to the scientific community, exposing them to real-world research environments and global scientific networks.
scientific solution
NSTF encourages students to complete their studies in STEM-related fields and find their way into one of the many interesting and gratifying careers in related fields.
“South Africa's ability to solve our problems and compete internationally in research and innovation depends on it,” Niehaus said.
As fewer learners leave primary school with the mathematical and scientific foundations necessary for advanced study, the Brilliants program plays a vital role in ensuring that those performing above standard are not left behind.
The 2026 cohort exemplifies this excellence by achieving an average grade 12 score of 95.7% in Mathematics and Physics. 41 per cent of the group are studying medicine, another 41% are studying engineering and the remaining 18% are enrolled in other STEM subjects.
Students are attending a variety of institutions, with 41% enrolled at the University of Cape Town, 27% at the University of Stellenbosch, 9% at the University of the Witwatersrand and others at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of the Free State, University of Pretoria, University of Johannesburg and North-West University.
The group is 64% black and 36% white, with 55% female and 45% male learners. They come from a wide spectrum of school backgrounds: 41% from quintile 1-3 schools, 23% from quintile 1-2 schools, 9% from quintile 1 schools and 59% from quintile 4-5 schools.
The annual program is unique to NSTF, providing prestigious national recognition to students for outstanding performance in the National Senior Certificate Mathematics and Physics examinations.
By nurturing South Africa's top young scientific minds, the NSTF Brilliants program continues to make a meaningful investment in the country's future STEM professionals, innovators and leaders, Niehaus said.
Edwin Naidoo heads Higher Education Media Services