Only 4 195 schools out of 24 453 schools are ICT-connected for teaching and learning purposes, according to a 2012/13 report delivered at a basic education portfolio committee meeting yesterday.
According to DA shadow minister for basic education, Annette Lovemore, the national policy on ICT in education that was published in 2004, says "every South African learner in the general and further education training bands will be ICT-capable by 2013".
"The Department of Basic Education (DBE) admitted yesterday that not one deadline contained within its ICT implementation strategy had been met," says Lovemore.
She says it was further revealed that the number of schools with ICT infrastructure, specifically for teaching and learning, has declined from 26.5% in 2002 to 24% in 2011.
Lovemore says of the 492 Dinaledi schools, 223 are without Internet connectivity and only 32% of SA's teachers have been trained in basic computer skills - 3% of Limpopo teachers and 9% of Eastern Cape teachers have received such training.
"This is extremely concerning given the need for computer literacy skills for learners in finding jobs when they leave school," says Lovemore. "In a changing, modern economy, this could be the difference between success and failure. It could also be an opportunity for learners who are faced with under-performing teachers to access the information themselves."
The DBE will reportedly present a revised implementation plan to the Committee of Heads of Education Departments on 27 August. Details of this plan are currently unclear.
Lovemore notes in the DA-run Western Cape, schools are showing the opposite trend, with 96% of schools having connectivity. This compares to just 3.2% of schools in the Eastern Cape.
"The technology is there. The benefits are obvious. The private sector is fully involved. The political will must now be shown."
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