GDE to install 88 000 tables with additional security features

15 May 2015

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has noted with concern media reports suggesting that the department will completely withdraw the 88 000 tablets distributed to schools as part of the e-Learning Solution Programme, as a result of these tablets being stolen from schools.

This is incorrect.  The Gauteng MEC for Education, Mr Panyaza Lesufi, announced in a media briefing yesterday that the department would retrieve these tables from schools to install them with additional security features e.g tracking devices and they will be returned back to schools.

Since the distribution of the 88 000 tablets over 3000 have been stolen. This prompted the MEC to temporarily retrive them for the installation of  additional security features.

Of the approximately 6 200 tablets, with tracking devices deployed to the 7 schools this year, so far, 11 tablets have been stolen/ lost and 5 were subsequently recovered.  Six tablets have not been switched on since they went missing and as a result, have not been recovered.

The department is commited to implementing the paperless classroom project and nothing will stop our quest or derail our efforts of giving the learners of Gauteng the best possible education in our lifetime.

Statement issued by Gauteng Department of Education’s spokesperson, Phumla Sekhonyane, May 15 2015