Severe underfunding of e-learning initiatives and significant delays in the rollout of digital connectivity in the Eastern Cape have left schools in the digital wilderness. Many students cannot access modern educational tools, fall behind in critical digital literacy, and face a widening opportunity gap compared to their peers in more digitally equipped regions.
High-speed broadband connections have been installed in over 1200 schools in the Western Cape. The way in which young people interact, engage, and learn has changed, and we have to understand the importance of connectivity and creating opportunities for young people.
Despite the government’s promises, the allocated R78 million towards e-learning and digital infrastructure development falls drastically short of what is required to bring our province in line with global educational standards.
To date, 1535 of the 2700 schools that have been identified to benefit from the current broadband rollout have been connected, However, the slow pace of progress leaves our learners at a significant disadvantage in an increasingly digital world.
The ongoing delays with the Premier’s Broadband initiative, which has frequently stalled, remains a serious concern.
Incorporating e-learning in Eastern Cape schools is essential for aligning students with global educational standards, enhancing learning through interactive digital content, and bridging the gap in education quality, especially in rural areas.
E-learning equips students with crucial digital skills needed for the modern job market. It offers flexibility, allowing personalised learning experiences that cater to different learning styles and needs, ensuring all learners succeed.
The Western Cape Government has rolled out e-learning projects to integrate technology into the classroom. This includes providing resources and training for teachers to effectively use digital tools in their teaching practices, thereby enhancing the learning experience for students
The Western Cape has also partnered with the private sector to connect schools to fibre, ensuring superfast internet connections of up to 1 gigabit per second.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will call on the MEC of Education, Fundile Gade, to allocate additional funding towards e-learning initiatives in the Eastern Cape. The current allocation of R78 million is simply insufficient to address the vast needs of our schools, particularly those in rural areas.
We will also continue to monitor the rollout of the Premier’s broadband initiative to ensure that schools are provided with the necessary connectivity, as per his commitment to connect an additional 1032 schools during the 2024/25 financial year.
This investment is critical for levelling the playing field for our learners and preparing them to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Without this essential funding, the Eastern Cape risks falling further behind, trapping our students in a cycle of disadvantage and digital exclusion.
The DA will fight tirelessly to ensure every Eastern Cape learner has the tools to succeed in the digital age. We are committed to securing the funding and support necessary to bring our schools out of the digital wilderness.