SA students shun maths and science degrees

[Strangelove]

There is a better solution to the current problem.

Short-term:
Increase the course by one year, give supplemental requirement subjects that will assist in the mainstream course subjects
Lowering the standard entrance requirements wont help people.

I've been denied access because of my poor school education in maths, but because I was allowed to supplement my maths with pre-courses I was able to finish my 3year B.sc degree in Computer Science Mathematics.

That solution already exists - pretty much every degree programme has the 4-year option, which has lower requirements. I'm assuming that's what you did. If people can't even gain access to those...