The Department of Communications (DOC) and wireless broadband provider Sentech are rolling out broadband services to the first 233 schools that are to form part of the Dinaledi schools project.
According to Mokwing Nhlapo, deputy director-general of the DOC: "The Dinaledi schools project, which was announced last year, aims to provide connectivity to 500 South African schools in rural, disadvantaged communities and to increase the number of science and mathematics graduates, and grow the number of students who would ultimately enter engineering and ICT fields."
This is to be done through a wireless broadband infrastructure that Sentech is building with the R500 million that government recently awarded the state-owned institution.
According to Hulisani Rasivhaga, PR and media relations manager of Sentech: "The Dinaledi schools project forms part of the first phase of the national wholesale broadband network (NWBN).
"Sentech has commenced the first year project schedule of the NWBN business plan. This phase involves, among others, site identification and acquisition, conducting environmental impact assessments and preparation, as well as issuing the necessary tenders for the procurement of equipment."
In phase one, the project will connect 233 schools. The network will also connect clinics, the post office, Thusong Service Centres, the library, government offices, and any one other community service centre within a 1km to 7km radius of the school.
Nhlapo says the initiative will also provide communities with easier access to e-government services, assist in the reduction of unemployment levels, and empower the youth so they can play a stronger role in the economy.
The Dinaledi schools project is the initiative of the Information and Development Cluster, which includes the DOC, the Department of Education (DOE), and the Department of Trade and Industry.
"The DOE identifies a Dinaledi school as a school that has African learners as the majority, and has a minimum of 50 learners doing mathematics at a higher grade level. A Dinaledi school must also have sound governance structures in place," explains Nhlapo.
He says phase one selection was also based on the following:
1 The Dinaledi schools project must impact on the highest number of learners in the elected school.
2 Implementing the project must have the potential to have a high impact on reducing poverty in the community.
3 There must be community service centres, such as clinics, libraries, post offices, Thusong or government offices that will also benefit once the school is connected.
Costly exercise
"One of the major challenges of the project is that some of the regions where there is a strong need for connectivity are sparsely populated. This means a school may need its own base station, impacting on the amount of money that must be spent to effect connectivity. This creates challenges in terms of funding and network design," says Nhlapo.
"However, government cannot shy away from these investments. No citizens must be disadvantaged because they live in remote, rural areas where ICT infrastructure is limited.
"Government is convinced that ICT can and should be used to improve the lives of citizens. In line with this, government is developing a blueprint for the integrated citizen management system. This will enable easier access to e-government services."
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