DA Gauteng urges Education MEC to invite technology experts to monitor “Schools of the future” project

KhumeThe DA in Gauteng is urging Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi to invite technology experts to monitor the implementation “Schools of the future” project.

Failure to do so will see a repeat of Gauteng on Line problems, where the Gauteng Provincial Government invested about R3 billion towards the project in the last few years. Despite it being a good initiative, the lack of oversight led to the project being characterized by lack of strategy, theft, failure of connectivity for users and insufficient training.

The DA believes the new initiative to make 7 schools paperless is dependent on proper connectivity, trained teachers, support from service providers and safety of the technological gadgets.

About 188 tablets were stolen last year and not recovered. Should this trend continue, teaching and learning will be disrupted with the provision of quality education being compromised.

Criminals get away with their illegal activities as there were no charges brought against offenders.

The DA asks the MEC to provide details about this proposed project which includes service providers, service level agreements, security measures, list of the schools and costs involved.

The DA supports innovation intended to enhance quality learning and teaching in the province. However the department must take ownership of the project and monitor progress based on the service level agreement.

Media enquiries:
Khume Ramulifho, MPL
DA Gauteng South Regional Chairperson
DA Gauteng Caucus Chairperson
082 398 7375