Introducing smart and paperless schools throughout the country is one of the resolutions the African National Congress (ANC) has sought to undertake.
Yesterday, the ANC released its report which details resolutions the party has taken following the 54th National Conference that took place in December in Johannesburg.
The report details a number of fundamental resolutions for which the ANC says it has started laying the foundation for implementation.
While there is no set timeline for when the national paperless system will be introduced, the ANC notes the biggest challenge is to implement the resolutions and policies with speed.
The ANC states: "All children of South Africa must get equal opportunities in terms of infrastructure in all schools, if we are to maximise the opportunities of the fourth industrial revolution. Government should invest nationally in a paperless system based on digitised and automation of systems."
The governing party notes a national paperless system is in line with Operation Phakisa in Education and steps should be taken to implement decisions focused on the use of ICT in schools.
So far, at provincial level, the Gauteng Department Education (GDE) continues to make strides in advancing ICT adoption in schools across the province. Despite on-going theft incidents, the GDE is championing the paperless classroom initiative, which sees classrooms connected to high-speed broadband and equipped with interactive smart boards. Teachers receive laptops and tablets for learners.
Prodding into action
In its resolutions, the ANC has also directed the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA) to shape up in order to serve its purpose.
MICT SETA is a government skills development entity established in terms of the Skills Development Act of 1998, with a mission to generate, facilitate and accelerate the processes of quality skills development at all levels in the MICT sector.
The agency, however, has had to deal with corruption allegations levelled against its CEO, Oupa Mopaki.
Earlier this month, MICT SETA put its CEO and top management on precautionary suspension pending an investigation into the allegations received from the auditor-general and Public Protector's office.
Last year, Parliament's portfolio committee on higher education and training, which exercises oversight of the government entity, said allegations of corruption running into millions at MICT SETA involving Mopaki needed to be thoroughly investigated.
In its resolution document, the ANC says: "Government must build capacity and strengthen MICT SETA to play a critical role in SMME development, including the youth with digital skills in preparation for the fourth industrial revolution."
WiFi for all
The ANC has also resolved to encourage efforts between the public and private sectors to deploy broadband infrastructure and services in order to ensure accessibility of free WiFi as part of the development of economic inclusion.
According to the party, free WiFi must be provided in rural areas as well as metros and in all public schools, clinics and libraries.
The ruling party's resolution on free WiFi access mirrors the sentiment shared by telecommunications and postal services minister Siyabonga Cwele last month.
Speaking at the Gauteng Technology Innovation Conference, Cwele said he wants see more free public WiFi hotspots being rolled out in SA.
According to him, public WiFi programmes are important as they help address issues of inequity for the communities that can't afford high costs of data.
Industry 4.0 commission
The ANC notes the fourth industrial revolution is a focus of attention.
As a result, the party will establish a fourth industrial revolution commission and develop the relevant strategies and policies to respond to the new digitisation needs.
The commission should include all stakeholders in the economy, says the ANC.
"The fourth industrial revolution disrupt[s] the current practices and brings new opportunities, restructures other industries, has profound implications for the jobs market, and as such, there is a need to explore and maximise new opportunities and invest in digital skills, improve government efficiency to deliver services."
The ANC added that education remains an apex priority and as a result, the party will continue to implement policies and programmes adopted in previous conferences.
"Education departments must change curriculum to prepare for the fourth industrial revolution. Development of digital skills, reskilling and target of new entrants in the labour market should deliberately target rural areas and provinces in preparation for the digital economy."
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