SA youth in need of basic technology skills

17 May 2010

KZN Department of Education, Superintendent-General, Dr Cassius Lubisi placed emphasis on Information Communication Technology (ICT) to be made available at public schools. Dr Lubisi was speaking at the African Networking Academy Safari 2010, which was co-hosted by DUT and the CISCO Networking Academy, at Ritson Campus from 12-15 April. In his address, Dr Lubisi said only 119 public schools in the province provided  Information Technology (IT) as a subject, with 313 schools providing Computer Applications Technology (CAT). ICT forms a fundamental part of education; the course however remains largely available at elite schools. He said the greatest challenge that most schools face is the lack of infrastructure “We have a massive infrastructure backlog, R44 million is needed in KZN and R140 million is needed nationally. The province is further faced with a large number of orphans and child headed households.” Alfie Hamid, Cisco Systems Regional Leader said the Networking Academy forms part of its corporate social responsibility programme.  The programme makes ICT courses available to people from disadvantaged backgrounds. He said: “The demand for specialised and advanced ICT skills and the lack of its supply has the potential to affect economic growth and social cohesion of South Africa.  Unless a country acts decisively to bridge the digital divide and increase its supply of scarce ICT skills, it will risk falling further behind its neighbours and its youth may lack necessary skills in the digital age.” Enterprise Development Unit HOD, Colin Thakur said the academy utilizes a blended learning model that combines face-to-face teaching, engaging with online content and hands-on lab exercises to prepare students for industry-standard certifications and higher education in engineering, computer science, information systems, and related fields. He said: “DUT has been awarded the provincial Regional Networking Academy status and is strategically positioned to assist the province with increasing the adoption of ICT skills development at KZN schools and colleges. Pictured: DVC: TIP, Professor Frederick Otieno; Cisco Public Sector Regional Sales Manager, Aggrey Rantloane;  Colin Thakur, EDU HOD and Chairman of the KZN Computer Society of South Africa; KZN Department of Education, Superintendent-General, Dr Cassius Lubisi  and Alfie Hamid, Cisco Systems Regional Leader -  Daisy Mthethwa

 

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