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By Lebone Rodah Mosima
Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube and Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi have handed over smart learning tablets to learners at the Forest Village Leadership Academy in Cape Town, in what they described as a joint effort to bridge South Africa’s digital divide.
The initiative forms part of the government’s ongoing drive to expand digital access in education through public–private partnerships.
In July, the ministers handed out tablets at Glenvista Primary School in Johannesburg.
Speaking on X about the Forest Village handout on Friday, Gwarube said: “These smart tablets, donated by Primedia, form part of our ongoing drive to expand school connectivity, digital literacy, and access to coding and robotics education within South Africa’s basic education system.
“These tablets will help support learners in building competence in reading, mathematics, and digital skills, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and opportunity.”
Gwarube said the handover was a testament to “the power of partnerships”.
She said that both departments have been handing over smart devices around the country with the support of corporate partners.
“[W]e know that in South Africa, the digital device still remains very much along the lines of those who have access to economic opportunities and those who do not,” she said.
Gwarube acknowledged that parliament had expressed dissatisfaction with the department’s pace in expanding connectivity. She said the initiative was part of efforts to ensure every learner has access to a device.
She said that the handover demonstrated government’s commitment to making sure no learner is left behind in the digital age.
She also described the initiative as an important step in preparing learners for the 21st century, encouraging early engagement with technology and building a foundation for success in a rapidly changing economy.
Malatsi said the handover “forms part of our drive to bring smart devices to underserved communities, helping young learners explore coding, robotics and STEM subjects so they can thrive in the digital world”.
INSIDE EDUCATION