1. (a) Have access to
(i) connectivity and (ii) WiFi
A total of 80% of the public schools have access to Internet connectivity. The majority of these schools are connected using 3G/LTE that is not ideal for teaching and learning. As part of the Phase 1 of the SA Connect, a total of 594 have access to broadband connectivity.
(iii) computer laboratories
Each province has its own ICT strategy on how the schools are provided with ICT resources for teaching and learning. It should be noted that provinces such as Limpopo, Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West and Northern Cape have provided learners with ICT devices. It is based on this notion that provinces are gradually moving away from the fixed computer laboratories to mobile ICT solutions. Furthermore, provinces such as Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu Natal and Mpumalanga are providing schools with classroom technologies such as Smartboards and projectors.
(b) Do not have access
(i) Internet and (ii) WiFi
The remaining 20% of schools have no access to Internet connectivity.
(iii) computer laboratories
Provinces have developed their implementation plans, however, their allocated budget is not sufficient to make sure that all the public schools are provided with ICT resources
2. Plans to ensure that all schools have access to:
(i) internet and (ii) WiFi
The SA Connect Phase 2 was approved by Cabinet on 28 January 2022 for implementation. As part of this phase the government will provide 18036 public schools with Internet connectivity. It should be noted that these schools will be provided with limited data bundles. The Basic Education Sector has already submitted the names of the schools to Department of Communications and Digital Technologies.
(iii) computer laboratories
Each province has its own ICT strategy on how the schools are provided with ICT resources for teaching and learning. The provincial implementation plans are linked to their voted budget that is allocated to provide schools with ICT resources as part of teaching and learning.
3. Professional Development Programmes that aim to improve computer literacy for teachers are currently in operation
The Basic Education Sector is training teachers on how to create and publish courses online using Moodle Learning Management System (LMS). The training is aimed at providing educators with instructional design skills, pedagogical and technological skills that are the building block in order to infuse ICT in the classroom. It should be noted that the computer literacy skills are embedded in the Moodle LMS training.
Furthermore, the Basic Education Sector is also training teachers with a just-in time professional development interventions on how to use the Open Educational resources that are loaded on their ICT devices and various online platforms.