The Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube and the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr Solly Malatsi jointly handed over a newly refurbished Digital Lab at Phefeni Senior Secondary School in Soweto on 2 February 2026, marking an important milestone in Government’s efforts to expand digital access and prepare young South Africans for a rapidly changing, technology-driven world. The Digital Lab, made possible through a partnership with Microsoft South Africa and supporting partners including Jozi My Jozi, represents a tangible investment in the future of learners and educators at Phefeni Secondary School and the broader Soweto community.

Receiving the computer laboratory keys during the handover ceremony, the principal of the school, Mr Mahumani Matimu, promised both ministers that the school will make good use of the laboratory: “The resource will enhance Computer Applications Technology (CAT), the newly introduced subject”.

Dr Neo Mothobi, Chief Education Specialist for EdTech, under MST, Curriculum Innovation and E-Learning, views the handover of the laboratory as a good gesture of Public-Private Partnership in education. “In his 2019 State of the Nation (SoNA) address, President Cyril Ramaphosa identified the rollout of ICT infrastructure in education as a central priority for national development and social justice. He explicitly committed Government to providing teachers and learners with digital devices and content, framing this not merely as a technological upgrade, but as a critical intervention to bridge the digital divide. This pledge recognised that equitable access to technology is a fundamental prerequisite for modern, quality education and for preparing South Africa's youth to participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This framework acknowledged that success depends on the synergy of all components: providing hardware without reliable internet would be ineffective, and connectivity without relevant digital learning materials would fail to transform teaching and learning. The vision, therefore, was to create an integrated ecosystem. This initiative was presented as a strategic investment in human capital, aiming to foster digital literacy, enable new pedagogical methods, and ultimately cultivate a future-ready generation capable of driving innovation and inclusive economic growth,” explained Dr Mothobi.

Both Ministers emphasised that access to reliable digital infrastructure is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Digital labs such as this one open new pathway for learners to develop critical digital skills, enhance literacy and numeracy through technology-enabled learning, and gain exposure to tools that are increasingly essential in higher education and the world of work. This handover is a shared commitment by both the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies to ensure that schools are not only safe and dignified spaces of learning but are also equipped to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

Whilst acknowledging the progress represented by the handover, the Ministers reiterated that many schools across the country still face serious infrastructure challenges, including unsafe buildings, overcrowding, and limited access to learning resources. Partnerships with the private sector are therefore critical in accelerating the pace of change and addressing historical backlogs. The Ministers emphasised that this initiative is not a handover to Government alone, but to the learners, educators and the community. The success of this Digital Lab will depend on collective ownership, responsible use, and a shared commitment to protecting and maintaining the facility so that it continues to benefit future generations. Infrastructure, the Ministers stressed, must be matched by quality teaching, strong school leadership, active community involvement, and disciplined, motivated learners. Technology is a powerful enabler, but its impact depends on how effectively it is integrated into teaching and learning. The Ministers called on learners to use the Digital Lab responsibly, to be curious, ambitious and committed to their studies. Educators were encouraged to leverage the new tools to innovate in the classroom, support every learner, and nurture critical thinking and confidence.