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BY Levy Masiteng
Bridging the digital divide is not just a matter of equity, it is necessary for the country’s collective future, according to Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane.
The minister was speaking at the official launch of the Digital Innovation Lab at the Esayidi TVET College in Umzimkhulu in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday.
She said the opening of the lab was a testament to the government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and empowering the youth with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
The lab is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including virtual reality and advanced manufacturing techniques.
Earlier in April, the first cohort of lecturers and facilitators were trained to utilise the lab’s resources and provide quality of education to students.
“As we move forward, I am proud to say that the lab is already in operation,” said Nkabane.
“Opening the doors of learning and bridging the digital divide is not just a matter of equity; it is a necessity for our collective future.”
Students engaged with the minister at the launch, showcasing their innovative projects and how the new lab would prepare them for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The lab, she explained, was a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with the right tools and opportunities, every student could achieve their full potential.
Nkabane highlighted the lab’s role in enhancing employability, noting that digital skills have become essential for career readiness in today’s job market.
That was why the facility was providing students with the skills they needed to thrive in a robotics-driven manufacturing environment.
“Through exposure to robotics programming, automation systems and smart manufacturing techniques, students will learn how to design, maintain and troubleshoot robotic systems. (These) skills are increasingly sought after by employers in the manufacturing sector and beyond,” Nkabane said.
She encouraged students, lecturers, industry partners and the broader community to take full advantage of this new resource.
South African Technical Vocational Education and Training Student Association president Kgaogelo Chokoe praised the department’s commitment and urged the student body to protect the new facility.
“Even though challenges and frustrations may arise, no harm should ever come to this lab. It is ours to protect, preserve and grow.”
INSIDE EDUCATION