More than 30 per cent of South African adults have never studied mathematics at school, 50 per cent have never studied biological sciences and 55 per cent have never studied physical and chemistry.

That's according to a new study published in the South African Journal of Science. Its authors, William Blankley and Robin Arnold, say that this means most South Africans aren't in a position to follow debates about science and technology policy, including the dispute that has raged over the link between HIV and AIDS.