Education Minister Kader Asmal on Thursday signed an agreement with computer company Microsoft to provide all 32000 government schools with free access to Microsoft software.
The agreement, announced in February during President Thabo Mbeki’s State of the Nation address will save government an estimated R100 million per year.
”Technology has created dramatic changes in the way people communicate, learn, play, do business and solve problems. These changes require an appropriate response from government,” Asmal said.
Microsoft representative Mark Hill said he was proud to be part of an initiative to make technology more accessible for schools.
”We urge all technology players to join us in providing the necessary hardware, infrastructure, training and support,” Hill said.
Government is presently working with representatives from the company to plan a nationwide rollout of the software programme.
”As a company Microsoft is dedicated to investing in youth and education-related programmes. We believe that if you provide people with the resources they need, they will accomplish great things,” Hill said. – Sapa