The National Income Dynamics Survey is the first study of its kind to provide accurate information about the level of basic mathematics literacy among South Africans aged between 12 and 72. This report provides a first look at the content and design of the mathematics test and presents a general overview of the findings on mathematics literacy. There were several reasons why the literacy skills of the population were particularly relevant to the NIDS framework. Aside from the personal barriers faced by individuals with limited numeracy ability, there are national costs related to the country’s economic growth and development that go beyond the individual.