In a DA parliamentary reply, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) revealed that they would be supplying 179 schools with mobile suites of technology this financial year at a cost of approximately R18.5 million.

As such, I will be submitting follow-up questions to ascertain more details regarding this programme and the schools that are benefitting from it.

The use of computers and other forms of technology is crucial for the development of our learners so that they are able to be integrated into an economy that is becoming ever more digital. Owing to this, it is important for our schools to be equipped with this infrastructure for quality education to be taught.

Currently, there are 1 320 schools that are already equipped with general-use computer laboratories, otherwise known as Slim Labs. There are also 255 schools that are provisioned with subject-specific labs, which cater for Computer Applications Technology (CAT), Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD) and Information Technology (IT).

Every 3-4 years, the subject-specific labs are evaluated to ensure that the technology located at these schools are sufficient to cater for learning. On an annual basis, 80 schools are furnished with the necessary technology for these subjects at a cost of R26 million.   

These examples show that the WCED is committed to making a difference. We welcome the WCED’s continual efforts to ensure that our learners have a conducive learning environment for growth and skills development.

 

Issued by Deidré Baartman, MPP - DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Education