Question NW1013 to the Minister of Basic Education
21 June 2018 - NW1013
Xalisa, Mr Z R to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What (a) number of (i) primary and (ii) high schools do not have (aa) computer lab and (bb) internet connection in each province and (b) amount of funding is required to build computer labs and install internet connection to eradicate the backlog?
Reply:
a) According to National Education Infrastructure Management System (NEIMS) as at March 2018, below are the figures:
PROVINCE |
NO COMPUTER LABS |
INTERNET CONNECTIVITY |
||
PRIMARY SCHOOLS |
HIGH SCHOOLS |
PRIMARY SCHOOLS |
HIGH SCHOOLS |
|
Eastern Cape |
4 049 |
685 |
2456 |
1 322 |
Free State |
388 |
144 |
306 |
171 |
Gauteng |
235 |
154 |
280 |
107 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
2 950 |
935 |
2 342 |
1 964 |
Limpopo |
2 138 |
1 119 |
2 546 |
838 |
Mpumalanga |
735 |
291 |
852 |
679 |
North West |
644 |
161 |
281 |
275 |
Northern Cape |
216 |
31 |
0 |
0 |
Western Cape |
503 |
70 |
250 |
13 |
Total |
11 858 |
3 590 |
9 313 |
5 369 |
b) An estimated amount of R 16 billion is required to provide computer labs with connectivity.
*Note 1: The cost of physical infrastructure to erect a building/ space for a lab needs to be surveyed by a quantity surveyor per site. However, it should also be noted that due to technological advancements, it is no longer necessary to provide a computer laboratory to all schools. Further, the provision of mobile computer facilities has reduced the need for these.
*Note 2: The cost of infrastructure for connectivity requires an individual assessment for fibre, wireless, satellite or others depending on location and other factors.