According to a report tabled by the Department of Basic Education before its Portfolio Committee in Parliament, there remains a high need for learners throughout the country to have access to computer facilities at schools. 

The report indicates that schools in the Free State, as well as those in the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and Limpopo, are among those still in need of infrastructure development and teacher training. 

The report highlights that only 7 014 teachers in the Free State received training on ICT in the 2019/2020 financial year, with those at farm schools and special needs schools left on the periphery.

The report presented before the Committee came just weeks after Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela vowed to ensure infrastructure development at schools across the province.

During the delivery of the State of the Province Address (Sopa), Ntombela further committed to ensure that more teachers are hired across the province and that the quality of education is improved.

This, despite the province having reclaimed the first position countrywide and having set a record-breaking pass rate of 88.4%.

Meanwhile, Minister Angie Motshekga's office has vowed to ensure that teachers in this province and many others receive the necessary training and that more schools are integrated in the ICT rollout program.

OFM News