South Africa’s Brightest Young Minds Rise to Meet the Country’s Toughest Challenges
Through the NSTF Brilliants Programme, top achievers in maths and science are being nurtured into the innovators and problem‑solvers the country urgently needs
At a time when South Africa faces persistent challenges in education, economic growth, public health, energy security and technological competitiveness, the country’s need for strong graduates in mathematics, physical science and related fields has never been greater.
For 25 years, the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) has supported South Africa’s top achievers in matric maths and physical science: young people who not only excel academically but who also choose to pursue demanding degrees, among them medicine, engineering and the natural sciences.
Through the NSTF Brilliants Programme, a small group of today’s top maths 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 address complex national challenges. Jansie Niehaus, the executive director of the NSTF, said investing in high-achieving pupils, particularly those excelling in maths and science, was essential to strengthen South Africa’s capacity for growth and global competitiveness. “These subjects form the foundation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) careers — the very skills base required to drive innovation-led development and solve complex national problems,” she said.
The Brilliants Programme, she said, played a vital and strategic role at a time when the country was lagging in maths and science performance. Data from the Trends in Inter-national Mathematics and Science Study 2023, released and analysed by the department of basic education, paint a concerning picture. Grade 5 maths scores declined from 374 (2019) to 362 (2023); Grade 5 science scores dropped from 324 (2019) to 308 (2023); and South Africa ranked last internationally among participating countries at this level. This represents a statistically significant decline, placing the country well below the international benchmark of 400 points for basic competence.
Yet there is more than a glimmer of hope. Since its inception, more than 442 outstanding pupils have been recognised through the Brilliants Programme, many of whom have received bursary 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 — precisely the human capital South Africa needs to remain competitive in research, innovation and development,” Niehaus added.
Stem education under pressure
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has expressed concern over the declining number of learners taking maths and physical science, warning that the trend undermined the development of critical skills required for economic growth. Despite improved overall pass rates, the low uptake of the gateway subjects is widely regarded as a crisis. South Africa continues to grapple with uneven performance in maths and science, particularly in under-resourced communities. While many learners show potential, too few achieve high-level passes in the subjects, limiting access to Stem careers and placing growing pressure on universities and the broader economy.
Reports indicate that 435 schools failed to offer maths to matric pupils in 2026, largely because of teacher shortages and capacity constraints. The department of basic education is seeking closer collaboration with professional bodies to improve the quality of teaching and increase learner participation in maths 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 fields.
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 Programme help bridge the gap between school achievement and successful participation in higher education by recognising talent early and supporting students who have the potential to lead in these sectors,” said Niehaus.
Where the NSTF Brilliants Programme fits into the national solution
The NSTF Brilliants Programme addresses a critical point in the education and skills pipeline: the transition from school excellence to sustained participation and success in Stem studies. The programme rewards high achievement in matric maths and physical science at a national level, encourages students to choose and persist in Stem degrees and highlights talent from all provinces, with at least one boy and one girl selected from public schools in each province.
While showcasing diversity and inclusion, the initiative draws 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 solutions
The NSTF encourages students to complete their studies in Stem-related fields as far as they can and to find their way into one of the many interesting and fulfilling careers in related fields. “South Africa’s ability to solve our problems and compete internationally in research and innovation depends on this,” Niehaus said.
As fewer learners leave primary school with the mathematical and scientific foundations required for advanced study, the Brilliants Programme plays a crucial role in ensuring that those performing above the norm are not left behind. The 2026 cohort exemplifies this excellence, achieving an average Grade 12 mark of 95.7% in maths and physical science. Forty-one percent of the cohort are pursuing medicine, another 41% are studying engineering and the remaining 18% are enrolled in other Stem disciplines.
Students are attending a range of institutions, with 41% at the University of Cape Town, 27% at Stellenbosch University, 9% at the University of the Witwatersrand and others enrolled at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of the Free State, University of Pretoria, University of Johannesburg and North-West University. The cohort is 64% black and 36% white, with 55% female and 45% male learners. They come from a broad 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 programme is unique to the NSTF, offering prestigious national recognition to students for outstanding performance in the National Senior Certificate maths and physical science examinations. By nurturing South Africa’s top young scientific minds, Niehaus said the NSTF Brilliants Programme continues to invest meaningfully in the country’s future Stem professionals, innovators and leaders.
Here are the students selected for the 2026 NSTF Brilliants Programme?
Eastern Cape
Ms Emma Caroline Booyens, studying medicine at the University of Stellenbosch (SU). She matriculated at Clarendon Girls High School
Mr Asasithanda Yokwe, studying mechanical engineering at the University of Cape Town (UCT). He matriculated at Motherwell High School
Free State
Ms Janeli Saaiman, studying medicine at the University of the Free State (UFS). She matriculated at Hoërskool Jim Fouché
Mr Nyakallo Junior Hlakoane, studying computer science, data science and statistics at UCT. He matriculated at Teto Secondary School
Gauteng
Ms Mmalata Tania Motimele, studying medicine at UCT. She matriculated at Diepsloot Secondary No 2
Ms Sabiha Wadee, studying medicine at the University of Witwatersrand (Wits). She matriculated at Parktown Girls High School
Mr Nakampe Johannes Junior Ngaka, studying medicine at UCT. He matriculated at Buhle Park Secondary School
Mr Khayelihle Siphesihle Mhlongo, studying mechatronics engineering at SU. He matriculated at Mpilisweni Secondary School
KwaZulu-Natal
Ms Londeka Hlengiwe Tyra Mkhize, studying medicine at UCT. She matriculated at Sidelile High School
Mr Cayden Reece Packreeappen, studying electrical engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). He matriculated at Verulam Secondary School
Limpopo
Ms Paballo Mohlago Rose Makokga, studying medicine at UCT. She matriculated at Hoërskool Noorderland
Ms Christene Beukes, studying agriculture in applied plant and soil sciences at the University of Pretoria (UP). She matriculated at Merensky Agricultural Academy
Mr Jan Tshepang Mokgohlwa, studying electrical engineering at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). He matriculated at Mamolemane Secondary School
Mpumalanga
Ms Luyanda Ndhlozi, studying mechatronics at UCT. She matriculated at Elangwane Secondary School
Mr Siphesihle Blessing Mondlane, studying electrical engineering at Wits. He matriculated at Zikodze Secondary School
Northern Cape
Ms Kari Adriana Louw, studying industrial engineering at SU. She matriculated at Hoërskool Upington
Mr Osego Erwin JR Lucas, studying electrical engineering at UCT. He matriculated at Baitiredi Technical & Commercial High School
North West
Ms Caitlin Mans, studying biological sciences with microbiology and biochemistry at the University of North-West (NWU). She matriculated at Hoër Volkskool
Mr Temogo Matong, studying medicine at UCT. He matriculated at Setswakgosing High School
Western Cape
Ms Sandrine Steyn, studying medicine at SU. She matriculated at DF Malan High School
Ms Sibella Annalore Murray, studying biodiversity and ecology at SU. She matriculated at Hoërskool Durbanville
Mr Sebastian Charles Steer, studying mechatronics at SU. He matriculated at Rondebosch Boys’ High School
Edwin Naidu is the head of Higher Education Media Services, publisher of www.ednews.africa.
This article appeared in the Mail & Guardian
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