KwaZulu Natal

North West

Eastern Cape

Gauteng

Education

President Mbeki has stressed the need to promote Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in order to "leapfrog" the digital divide and strengthen the regional economy. South Africa has a mere 13% of schools having access to one or more PC's. ICT's (Information Communication Technology) for education is seen as a critical driver in achieving this goal.

Many rural communities have no access to modern day ICT's let alone educational material such as books. The Minister of Education recently launched the Educational Technology Forum, where the CSIR's contribution, as a member, will be to pilot new innovations and undertake research in support of this initiative.

Access to communications will mean rural communities can be linked to many important distance and open education initiatives unfolding in South Africa. Several higher education institutions offer online courses and these communities can access these opportunities. In this regard, online access will allow learners from these communities to implement their knowledge and learning in support of their communities.