MEC Panyaza Lesufi pleased with progress in roll-out of paperless classrooms

29 July 2015

The Gauteng MEC for Education, Mr Panyaza Lesufi, has expressed his satisfaction with the progress made in the implementation of the Paperless Classroom for Grade 12 learners across the province. The Department undertook to install smart interactive boards in 375 schools identified, provide learners with tablets and educators with laptops. The Department would also re-furbish classrooms and make them e-ready. The Switch On for the interactive boards was launched last week, 21 July 2015.

The MEC and Senior Management visited several schools yesterday, 7 days after the launch, to check on the progress being made towards the migration of all Grade 12 learners to a paperless learning and teaching environment. With regard to classrooms that needed refurbishment only 145 of 1800 targeted need urgent intervention, contractors who had not met their deadlines were replaced. Interactive boards were installed in most classrooms except for the ones that were still being refurbished or needed to be fitted with more security features.

The MEC was also pleased that teaching and learning was not disrupted in any way. Where the smart-boards had not been installed, educators were able to rely on devices such as the tablets and laptops, and in few instances, the old method of chalkboards to conduct lessons. The MEC also impressed on officials that extra support should be provided to educators to assist with the transition. As part of onsite support district-based Information and Communications Technology (ICT) teams have been established, ICT trained district officials will be deployed to each of the 375 schools for two weeks from 8:00 to 16:00 to provide onsite support for educators.

The MEC was however concerned by the report of a break-in at Phafogang Secondary School in Rockville, Soweto. There was also one report of a learner from Vilakazi Secondary School who was mugged and robbed of his tablet. A case of theft has been opened with the police and the department is in the process of tracking the device. The MEC has sent out a message that learners should prioritise their own safety, move in groups, and avoid being targeted by not wearing their 2015 Matric jackets.

The MEC re-stated the the Department’s commitment and determination to realise its vision to build a world-class education system by modernising public education and improve the standard of performance of the entire system.

Statement issued by Phumla Sekhonyane, Gauteng Department of Education, July 30 2015