Computer Centre a Life-changer – City Vision, 20 October 2011

Mbongiseni Maseko

It was a life-changing moment when Bardale Secondary School opened its computer centre, at Mfuleni, on Monday.

The centre which was donated by Transnet Rail Engineering (TRE) has 20 computers installed with programs that are in line with the learners’ studies.

Transnet also donated five computers for teachers.

The ceremony was blessed by the presence of Donald Grant, MEC for Education in the province, Poobalan Pillay, TRE centre manager, Sindisiwe Dlamini, ICT senior manager for TRE, Dr Heinie Brand, director of metro north education district, staff and learners.

Grant said the realisation of the importance of technology in education and its successful implementation in schools is a necessity.

He also said it will improve learner access to subjects such as computer applications, technology and IT.

“It is because of investments like this, through the Western Cape Education Department IWCED) and public-private partnerships, that we believe we will achieve our goal in expanding access to quality ICT infrastructure and internet services,” Grant said.

He also said the Western Cape Education Foundation (WCEF), under the auspices of the WCED, completed an audit to ascertain what is needed to facilitate the introduction of a Wide Area Network (WAB) for schools.

“The department is negotiating and assessing the level of investment required and I am pleased that we have received support from individuals such as Mark Shuttleworth to move this venture forward,” he added.

Grant also advised learners to use the facility to expand and broaden their minds and improve skills.

The school was operating under one roof with Umzamomhle Primary School, in Drift Sands before they moved into their new site last year.

Life has never been easy since then as the school did not have necessary resources such as a library.

Athini Manyosi, the school principal, said the donation is a big achievement for the school.

“It is going to help learners to know computer literacy and for their school work.  I am happy about it,” Manyosi said.
Dlamini told learners not to burn the centre when they are not happy about something, but instead to raise their grievances in a disciplined manner.

Bulelani Ndlala (16), a Grade 10 learner warmly welcomed the centre.

“I am happy, because we had to pay when we go to internet café.  The centre is going to make life better for us,” Ndlala said.

Grant also thanked TRE for the wonderful initiative.