Microsoft South Africa and the Department of Public Service and Administration, through a public private partnership, have launched a Digital Village in Tshikundamalema Secondary School in the Limpopo province. This launch was officiated by the department`s minister, Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi.
The Digital Village will give the school and its surrounding communities the opportunity to develop computer skills and take advantage of the power of technology.
"This project provides another opportunity that brings SA a step closer to bridging the digital divide," says Frazer-Moleketi, "My department has embarked on a project to simplify access to government services. This project will establish a single point of access to integrated government services."
"Through this initiative we hope to help the people of Masisi realise its potential as individuals and as a community," says Gina Wessie, community investment manager at Microsoft South Africa.
Digital Villages are computer resource centres equipped with state-of-the-art technology. They are managed by members of the community who have been trained in the necessary IT and management skills.
"At Microsoft we believe that if you provide people with the resources they need, they will be able to accomplish great things," says Wessie. "By making technology more accessible to as many individuals as possible through initiatives such as the Digital Village programme, we hope to make a real difference to people`s lives and empower South Africans to build their own future."
To date, a total of 32 Digital Villages have been established in areas such as Paarl, Galeshewe (Kimberley), Chiawelo, Orlando (Soweto), KwaDukuza (Stanger), Tsolo, Alexandra, Mpuluzi, Rabie Ridge and the Cape Flats.
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