Johannesburg, 20 Feb 2007
The Department of Science and Technology (DST), in partnership with the Meraka Institute, has taken further steps to bring communities across the country into the digital age.
Deputy minister of science and technology Derek Hanekom yesterday opened an ICT facility at eMjindini Public Library, in Mpumalanga, under government's Digital Doorway project.
The initiative aims to improve computer literacy across the country by enabling end-users to interact with technology, as well as create an environment where users can transfer skills to their communities.
The project started in 2002, and the first phase saw the installation of 100 computer terminals at the Cwili library, in the Eastern Cape.
The DST says it will deploy 50 more facilities countrywide at community centres, schools and further education and training colleges.
The deployments entail erecting kiosks that use open source software, says DST spokesman Nthabi Maoela.
"Included in the kiosks are multimedia computer terminals with keyboards and touchpads, accessible to the public 24 hours a day."
She says the kiosks are also equipped with satellite receivers and general packet radio service cellular data technology for updating content and user feedback.
This weekend, Microsoft SA opened the refurbished Mbomebela digital village, in Mpumalanga.
Lungile Lose, community affairs manager at Microsoft SA, says the company wants to expose communities to technology, as well as teach them how to use technology and information.
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