The State IT Agency (SITA) has joined forces with the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) government to establish a SITA School of Software Engineering (SOSE) in that province.
SITA introduced the first SOSE in the Free State last year, as part of efforts to build a digital society as well as embracing digital inclusivity by upskilling learners with ICT skills.
The government IT agency reveals the software engineering school’s curriculum includes, but is not limited to, digital literacy, programming principles and advanced digital literacy training.
Furthermore, the SOSE is a national initiative, which sees SITA implement a software engineering school one province at a time.
SITA’s executive caretaker and accounting authority Luvuyo Keyise says the agency is willing to invest in the future of the learners, in order to create the workforce of the future through digital skills and potentially change the future of people in this small rural community.
“Through digital technology, access and investment, the goal is to eradicate spatial, class and material inequalities. SITA will continue to invest in digital transformation for the benefit and convenience of citizens, and for posterity.”
The agency also opened an ICT laboratory at Manhlenga Junior Secondary School in Gazini village in KZN’s uMhlabuyalingana local municipality.
The SITA-sponsored ICT lab forms part of the agency’s government technology initiative, GovTech.
Manhlenga Junior Secondary School has 303 learners from grades eight to 12, and 11 educators. The ICT lab at the school is housed in a repurposed shipping container, and has 20 workstations with desktop computers and a local area network.
In addition, the container has an interactive whiteboard, a data projector, and desks and chairs. The school has electricity and will soon have Internet connectivity, according to a statement.
The chairperson of the school governing body called on the community to treasure, protect and build on the investment so that it remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for the community.
District director TJ Motha expressed his appreciation for the work done by SITA. He also encouraged the learners to remain inspired, noting the school has 35 grade 12 learners this year. “Digital inclusivity is about ensuring no kid is left behind. Closing the spatial divide through technology is key.”
Share