Minister of communications Roy Padayachie yesterday unveiled a cyberlab at Maphophoma Primary School, in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Department of Communications (DOC) says this was part of the celebration of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, which is on 17 May.
“The theme advanced by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for this year's celebration is 'better life in rural communities with ICTs'.”
The cyberlab has 20 networked computers, loaded with open source and educational software. The lab is also equipped with a printer, a data projector and screen for presentations, and speakers.
Education network
Padayachie said the DOC has prioritised the provision of computers and broadband connectivity to schools across the country. The cyberlab launch at the school is part of the prioritised programme.
“This is in line with the department's responsibility to ensure universal service and access to ICTs by all South Africans. The DOC has, as a result, partnered with the Department of Basic Education to develop a Connectivity Plan for schools, which seeks to provide broadband connectivity to all schools through the establishment of a dedicated educational network.”
Global competition
The minister said the quest to create jobs will be complemented by the effort to e-skill the nation, to be implemented through the e-Skills Institute initiative.
“The department has already developed an ICT Rural Development Strategic Framework, which will guide us as we invest resources to achieve this national strategic goal.”
The draft strategy seeks to achieve universal access and connectivity in rural areas, the use of technology to meet the social and economic needs of citizens, and universal access to quality and affordable services, according to the minister.
”For us here today in this sector, our route is through the efficient application and delivery of the information and communication tools - a key driver of our economic and societal development.”
However, Padayachie added that factors such as education, literacy, household income, language, race and gender are all critical determinants of the access and utilisation of ICTs.
“Access to technology is crucial to our country's growth and we hope that programmes such as the one we are witnessing today will enable our youth to acquire skills and knowledge to allow them to compete in the global stage.”
Second celebration
As part of the same celebrations, the DOC will also this week unveil an ICT training centre in Impendle, KwaZulu-Natal.
About 50 people from the community will be recruited for the centre. Recruits will be trained in ICT products and services. They will, in turn, train and serve the members of the community.
“The group to be recruited will comprise women and men with ages ranging from 18 to 35, including those with disabilities,” says the DOC.
The department will train the members for 12 months and then hand over the centre to the community.
The centre will generate cash for the community and encourage the usage and uptake of ICTs for socio and economic development, according to the DOC.
“The training centre will offer an Internet cafe, telephones, photocopying and binding services, faxing, videography and photography training and services.”
The launch will take place on Thursday, 12 May.
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