Cape Town: Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews joined the National Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies – Solly Malatsi at the handover and launch of Cyber-Lab at Oaklands High School in Lansdowne. It was identified by the Mayor’s Office and the Local Ward Councillor – Kleinschmidt.
The handover is a part of the broader initiative of the Department to ensure that all South Africans, especially those in rural and underprivileged communities have access to reliable, affordable and secure ICT services.
Alderman Eddie Andrews presented the welcoming remarks and said that the initiative marked a new chapter in the education journey, where all will take a further step into the digital world. The launch of the cyber-lab is not just about computers and the internet, it is about getting access to new opportunities, new skills and a future that is full of possibilities.
Andrews explained that the handover is an extension of the annual back-to-school initiative by the government that evaluates school preparedness, providing support to both educators and students, tackling other urgent matters that need attention.
The newly launched Cyber-Lab at the School aims to introduce students to ICT infrastructure and opportunities by promoting the development of digital literacy and skills.
Deputy Mayor of City of Cape Town interacted with the students and said that this isn’t simply about having access to new technologies, it is about making sure that no matter where one comes from, they have the same opportunities as anyone else in the world has.
After receiving the training, the handover and launch also saw the students completing a demo in building a website. Considering which, Andrews said, “We can already see the types of learning and skills development that students will have access to.”
According to the digital learning opportunity at the school, will help in evolving and will expand the opportunities for all, especially for future leaders.
Notably, the launch of the cyber-lab was preceded by planting six trees at the school by Minister Malatsi, Deputy Mayor Andrews, Sub-council Chairperson Antonio Van der Rheede and the local Ward Councillor Kleinschmidt.
The tree planting formed part of the Department and State Information and Technology Agency (SITA’s) commitment to sustainability and reducing caron emissions.