Date: 21/09/2005
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government
Title: Dugmore: Launch of IT Lab Seaview Primary


Address by Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore at the launch of IT Lab Seaview Primary, Mitchell's Plain

Thank you very much for the introduction the principal Mr Dollie and his staff.

Officials from the Western Cape Education Department (WCED),
Teachers, learners and parents,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen

Last week I attended a function of the Computer Society of South Africa, which is a body of practicing professionals from different backgrounds, with a variety of skills and experience, whose common interest is computers and the upholding of high professional standards.

One of the ways in which they promote the information and communications technology (ICT), is by acknowledging and honouring professionals who make a difference and an important contribution to the development of our country.

Last week, the Computer Society acknowledged and honoured two of our officials from the Western Cape Education Department. Kobus van Wyk, programme manager of the WCED Khanya Project, was selected as the society's ICT Person of the Year for 2005, and Mike Chiles, Director of Information and Technological Services of the WCED was made a Fellow of the CSSA for his leadership contribution to advancing technology in education.

Every year the CSSA awards outstanding individuals nationally, and it starts with the regional chapters, whose finalists are then automatic nominations in the national competition, and has been active for more than 40 years.

To be made a Fellow of the CSSA is a great honour and is reserved only for those people who have made a significant contribution to the computer community.

The fact that they have received these awards, is a reflection of the dedication of our officials, and the WCED as a whole, to high levels of professional service, and demonstrate our collective commitment to the vision of building a learning home for all.

The Premier Ebrahim Rasool has said, we must build this province as a Home for All. We have adopted an economic development plan, Ikapa Elihlumayo - to grow and share the Cape.

There are a number of lead strategies, which underpin Ikapa Elihlumayo: the Micro Economic Development Strategy under MEC Tasneem Essop; the Social Capital Development Strategy under MEC Koleka Mqulwana; and the Infrastructural Development Strategy under MEC Marius Fransman. As Education we have been mandated to lead the Human Capital Development Strategy, with a focus on youth.

The mission of our Human Capital Development Strategy is to ensure that all our learners acquire the relevant skills, knowledge, values and behaviour they need to realise their full potential, lead fulfilling lives, contribute to building their communities, contribute to the growth of our economy, and be internationally competitive.

Ek is bewus dat die skool 'n gemeenskap dien met 'n algemene lae sosio-eknomiese inkomstegroep, met 'n ho