The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has presented a plan to improve school buildings and education-related infrastructure. education across South Africa over the next few years, according to a new plan released to the public for comment last week.

The ministry has released documents for Phase 2 of the National Infrastructure Plan 2050 for public comment, detailing the path the government will take in implementing projects. its massive infrastructure for the next 30 years.

In the education sector, the ministry has recognized shortcomings in the current government infrastructure targets, such as many schools still have pit toilets and no internet or libraries, but has outlined a way out of this situation. .

In particular, one of the most important changes expected in the 30-year plan is a coordinated move toward computer labs and other technology-related facilities for schools and colleges. .

This is in line with the broader goals of the Department of Basic Education in adopting new technology subjects such as robotics and coding, as well as promoting learners towards more apprenticeships and careers. than.

DBE is currently responsible for more than 22,000 schools, providing education from RR to Grade 12. As of 2021, the department is also responsible for the Centers for Early Childhood Development (ECD).

On the other hand, the Ministry of Education and Training is responsible for higher education, which currently includes 26 universities and 50 public vocational schools, nine community colleges, as well as many higher education institutions. private schools and private colleges. Plans are underway to move agricultural colleges to this portfolio.

DPWI says education infrastructure spending in South Africa exceeds Rs 12 billion per year, which is spent by provincial departments.

Despite the large budget, however, many problems remain:

Conservative estimates indicate that there is a shortfall of Rs 10 billion leading to a large backlog in maintaining the teaching facilities. teach;

schools still struggle with water and sanitation. While 99% of schools in the country have sanitation facilities, they are often not usable;

Schools and universities are overcrowded, with schools averaging up to 40 students per class;

Only one-third of public schools have some form of Internet access. 75% do not have access to a library or computer center, and 84% do not have Internet for teaching or learning purposes;

Out of 22,000 schools, only 848 are full-service schools – and learners still have difficulty accessing these schools due to poor transport mix;

For universities, half a million student accommodation is in short supply, and properly equipped computer rooms and laboratories are scarce.

To address these issues and more, the department plans a course through 2050 with a focus on building foundations in schools, while ensuring that schools and universities are equipped to manage the transition to technology.

For students, due to the expected increase in numbers and the lack of universities and university academies to provide them, many will turn to distance learning and online learning. In addition to building more facilities, the Ministry recommends implementing non-infrastructure solutions to cope.

Even so, to meet the urgent need in schools, the department wants permanent and portable classrooms to be quickly deployed to deal with overcrowding and the budget to be reallocated to focus into better equipping laboratories and workshops.

The government also plans to work with the private sector to fund and ensure that all educational institutions are connected to high-speed internet.

“There will be a system in place to allow learners to access educational content online after school. Access, reliability and usage will be assessed annually,” he said.

Another expected change is that unused buildings under the jurisdiction of ministries and provincial governments will be reallocated and converted into ECDs and community colleges to meet the needs of the community. bridge.

The Ministry of Education and Training will further also develop a comprehensive strategy to address student accommodation, especially for those with low incomes.

Short Term Goals

DPWI has stated that over the next three years DPWI aims to achieve several goals:

The Department will develop an ECD infrastructure plan, and enrollment in this area will double. More schools will be built, meeting minimum infrastructure standards and regulations, and encouraging the use of non-infrastructure solutions such as connecting schools via broadband.

She also wants to make sure that existing installations are used at 75% – that’s 1,500 hours per year. This will require renovation or modernization of facilities. Meanwhile, unused classrooms will be moved to community colleges or ECD facilities.

In the long term, the Ministry clearly states the following results:

New schools replace buildings built with unsuitable materials;

Strong focus on laboratories and computer rooms;

Student housing:

300,000 beds at 300 campuses over the next 10 years;

All schools and colleges will have access to the Internet and related infrastructure