In contrast to earlier reports suggesting that mathematics might become an optional subject in senior secondary schools, it has been confirmed that all pupils will be required to study mathematics as a core subject. This announcement was made by the Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr. Douglas Letsholathebe, during a recent media briefing aimed at providing updates on matters concerning his ministry. Dr. Letsholathebe clarified that the mathematics curriculum would be divided into two categories based on the depth of the content. "Mathematics II will cater to students aspiring for careers heavily reliant on mathematics, whereas Mathematics I, with less intense content, will be suitable for professions such as law that do not require extensive mathematical knowledge," he explained. Dr. Letsholathebe dispelled rumors that mathematics would be made optional, emphasizing the ministry's commitment to implementing Phase II of curriculum reforms starting in March. As part of this initiative, new subjects will be introduced at senior schools, building upon successful pilots conducted in 2021, including subjects like Hospitality and Tourism, Field Crop Production, and Animal Production. "We have been pleased with the progress so far and are now prepared to expand these subjects to more schools. In April of this year, additional subjects such as Mathematics I and II, English, and Setswana will be introduced," he assured. The minister outlined plans to further broaden the curriculum with subjects such as Textile and Clothing, Food Studies, Virtual Arts, Music, and Agricultural Science over time. He emphasized that the Botswana Examinations Council was equipped to assess these subjects and that both school management and teachers had undergone training on the new curriculum. However, Dr. Letsholathebe expressed concern about the deteriorating state of infrastructure in many schools nationwide, noting the urgent need for maintenance. He mentioned that a team of experts had been deployed to assess schools and prioritize those most in need of repairs. Additionally, the minister acknowledged issues of overcrowding in schools, attributing them to an unexpected increase in the number of streams. He acknowledged that this overcrowding could hinder effective curriculum delivery. The proposed reforms align with the objectives of the Education and Training Sector Strategic Plan (2015-2020), aiming to enhance educational access and align it with market needs. Dr. Letsholathebe highlighted concerns about graduates' readiness for the job market, suggesting a need for curriculum improvements in Technical and Vocational Education Training to foster innovation and better meet industry demands.