Slow progress in maths, science a constraint

South Africa's inadequate progress in mathematics and science over the years - at school level - has been identified as a major constraint for the country's future economy. A recent report released by the Centre for Development and Enterprise showed that in 2004 only 5% of the country's matriculants passed higher grade maths.

A group of 30 astronomers from seven countries around the world are in South Africa to prove that maths and science can be fun. They have come up with a programme to bring science and technology to schools.

"If a child is literate in science… and maths, he or she can apply that in almost anything in real life. It’s part of the thinking process and part of being an intelligent adult," says Mike Shara, a curator of astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

For now, the King Shaka High School in Umlazi is the only one on route for the astronomers. However, there are plans to spread this programme across the country.