Less than a week after the launch of the next phase of the "paperless classrooms" initiative, one of the Soweto schools where e-learning devices were distributed was a target of a break-in at the weekend.
The theft took place at Phafogang Secondary School in Rockville, Soweto, one of the schools that received tablets and smartboards.
On 21 July, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) launched what it called the second phase of the "paperless classroom" project, which meant an additional 375 schools across the province would go digital.
The second phase is targeted at helping Grade 12 learners acquire confidence and pleasure in using new technologies to learn, solve problems, develop critical thinking skills and communicate ideas, said the department.
It purchased over 17 000 tablets and 1 800 3D LED interactive smartboards, which would be installed in matric classrooms at the targeted schools.
At the time of the launch, the GDE noted it was working "very closely" with law enforcement agencies to strengthen security at the schools, and that all devices had been fitted with trackers to ensure they are traceable should they get lost.
However, the break-in at Phafogang Secondary School could be an indication the schools that will receive smart devices need better security.
The GDE has confirmed a break-in at the school did occur and devices were stolen.
"The department is extremely concerned that valuable resources in schools which are meant to enhance the delivery of quality education to learners are seen by some as an opportunity to feed their criminal deeds and rob our learners of their right to quality basic education."
According to the GDE, a criminal case has since been opened with the local police and the police are investigating the matter.
"The department will strengthen security at the school, including installation of a hi-tech security system," it says.
Gauteng MEC for education, Panyaza Lesufi, says there was also one report of a learner from Vilakazi Secondary School who was mugged and robbed of his tablet.
"A case of theft has been opened with the police and the department is in the process of tracking the device," says Lesufi.
The GDE says Lesufi has sent out a message that learners should prioritise their own safety, move in groups, and avoid being targeted.
Alarm bells
Although the launch of the "paperless classroom" project received support and was hailed as a good idea, analysts did raise concerns over the safety of the devices.
The seven schools that were initially equipped with smartboards and tablets at the start of the project were also targeted by criminals, which resulted in theft of the devices.
In total, since the launch of the paperless project, out of 88 000 tablets handed over to learners, more than 3 000 had been stolen, according to the department.
ICT expert Adrian Schofield says the main issue with the paperless project is that insufficient attention is paid to making the tablets unattractive to thieves.
"I cannot understand why the risk of theft was not factored in at the beginning of the plan," he says.
According Schofield, when projects like the paperless classroom are launched, it's a "no-brainer" that the security of the devices should be ensured.
More tablets, more troubles
The GDE's move to award EduSolution a contract, valued at R200 million, to deliver tablets and e-learning materials to schools in Gauteng has also been called into question.
EduSolution is the same company that failed to supply thousands of textbooks to Limpopo schools in 2012.
Democratic Alliance shadow deputy minister of basic education, Desiree van der Walt, said awarding EduSolution the contract to provide tablets and smartboard devices to Gauteng schools should raise loud alarm bells.
The GDE, however, notes that awarding EduSolution the tender is part of contractual obligations.
Schofield says it's surprising the supply of tablets was not subject to an open tender process.
"I do understand that the GDE says it has not suffered from the same supply issues with EduSolutions as Limpopo did.
"I am surprised that the contract with EduSolutions covers tablets as well as printed books, although it is encouraging to note the forward-thinking that led to their inclusion in the agreement," he says.
Schofield explains he is strongly supportive of any actions to improve the quality of education, but it would help to understand the process if the GDE could be more open about the "contractual obligations" and what it has done to ensure the acquisition of the tablets has been subject to proper governance.
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