This chapter outlines the history and motivations for participation in TIMSS. In the first section of the chapter, we outline the history of South Africa’s participation in TIMSS and the relationship among the key actors, as well as changing perceptions towards the study over time. Secondly, we provide a nuanced description of South African mathematics achievement3 from 1995 to 2015. Thirdly, we discuss the impact of TIMSS research on knowledge generation and evidence-based policy- making. We conclude the chapter reflecting on future directions for TIMSS in South Africa