Abstract:
The interaction of science and technology is the driving force of modern
society. The wealth of an industrial nation depends critically on
the efficiency with which society makes use of its scientific resources.
In the South African context, where at present only a small part of the
population is mainly responsible for the industrial development, it is of
the utmost importance that the available scientific potential of its people
is exploited to the full.
Science should therefore be a matter of the highest national priority and
should be a compulsory subject for matriculation.
The serious problems of science education at high schools and universities
in South Africa are reviewed. A drastic revision of education policy
seems inevitable in order to prevent the total collapse of science teaching
at school level.
