Picture: Deputy Minister, Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu and MTN SA Foundation Director, Arthur Mukhuvha
By BAKANG MOKOTO
The residents of Ipelegeng Township near Schweizer Reneke, welcomed the launch of a new computer lab. This comes after the Deputy Minister for Social Development, Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu in partnership with MTN Foundation launched the centre recently.
Mase Makgoane (26) said the computer lab will assist many youth from disadvantaged backgrounds to access computers. Makgoane added that a computer lab will also create a space where learning and educational activities can be executed.
“I want to applaud the department of social development along with its partner, MTN Foundation for considering our community. Many people, especially the youth do not have smart phones to access internet and that count against us.
“We need to be on the same level with the global community and ensure that we are equipped with technology. Many schools are moving to digital platform and use technology for educational methods. We will also be able to access internet at any given time because data is too expensive,” she said.
Another resident, Thabiso Dire (19) shared the same sentiments. Dire said computer labs create inclusive, structured learning environments, where learners can prepare for a tech-heavy future.
“We have socio-economic challenges in our area and I hope this will minimize the chances of boredom. I hope my fellow youth will make positive use of this computer lab and stop engaging in negative activities such as crime, alcohol and drugs abuse because that might ruin their future.
“We also urge our fellow community members to ensure that the computer lab is safe and no one steal or vandalise it. I will visit the centre to study more about technology and make use of the internet too,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bogopane-Zulu said they established a partnership with MTN SA Foundation to institute Multi-Media Computer Laboratories that are responsive to the improvement and enhancement of the quality of life of poor and vulnerable sectors within the community.
She further said Ipelegeng Community Care Centre was identified as one of the centres, which will benefit from this partnership.
“This will enable the Ipelegeng community to acquire the relevant skills for future opportunities. The centre is part of efforts to carry the community along in South Africa’s digital advances.
“As we move into the digital age, rural areas are not left out. They must also be able to interact with what is happening in the country virtually, participate in webinars and be heard virtually. The centre comes with connectivity for the next 24 months, which will enable our children to access computers,” said Bogopane-Zulu.
She added that the computers at the centre are loaded with a comprehensive digital content from Grade R to Matric. Bogopane-Zulu said the centre will also be serving as a catch-up space, where young people can come and do their school work.
“Learners have lost a lot in their studies because of COVID-19 lockdown. A total of five multimedia centres are to be rolled out across the province,” Bogopane Zulu said.
MTN SA Foundation Director, Arthur Mukhuvha said technology is crucial to teaching and learning especially now that the world is dealing with a pandemic. Mukhuvha added that the country is dealing with the pandemic at the moment that has affected everyone one way or the other.
“MTN is using the power of technology to assist the community with much-needed technology to advance learning and research, but more importantly again for the community to acquire a new set of skills in the new modern world,” he said.
The Guardian 