Minister of Communications Yunus Carrim has handed over a cyber-lab at Matshitsholo High Schools in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal.
The handover was part of government’s goal of connecting schools to fast internet or broadband. Since Cabinet approved South Africa Connect, the country’s broadband policy, plan and strategy on 04 December 2013, the Department of Communications has partnered with the private sector to connect 565 schools to the Internet. These schools are in rural areas and peri-urban areas.
Carrim says the computers and the connectivity to the Internet will give teachers and learners in rural areas opportunities to stay abreast of the latest teaching trends, guide learners about career choices and facilitate entrepreneurship and social development.
He says it was crucial for government to work with the private sector, traditional leaders and civil society to ensure that all South Africans, over time, are connected to the internet.
“The world is changing. People who are not connected to the internet will be left behind,” says Carrim, adding that South Africa Connect is the tool the country is using to ensure a more inclusive knowledge and information society.
Matshitsholo High School principal Mbongeleni Nxumalo says the computers will help the school to improve on the 98% pass rate in the National Senior Certificate examination achieved last year and sustain such results.
The cyber lab has 20 computers, a server and a connection to the internet for five years. The Department of Communications partnered with Sentech to deliver the lab.