The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has learned with great disappointment reports of a break-in and theft of ICT equipment at Phafogang Secondary School in Soweto over the past weekend.
The ICT equipment stolen at the school were part of the roll out of phase 2 of the Paperless Classroom project, which saw the distribution of tablets to Grade 12 learners in 375 schools across the Province and installation of Smart Interactive Boards in Grade 12 classrooms in these schools.
The Department is extremely concerned that valuable resources in schools which are meant to enhance the delivery of quality education to learners are seen by some as an opportunity to feed their criminal deeds and rob our learners of their right to quality basic education.
The Department views this break-in as a brutal and barbarous act, carried out by nothing, but thugs who seek to disposition and reverse the gains this government has made in elevating the standard of the delivery of quality education to our learners.
The Department would like to categorically state that it remains committed and determined to realise its vision which aspires to build a world-class education system by modernising public education and improve the standard of performance of the entire system. No amount of thuggery will deter our efforts in attaining this vision.
A criminal case has been opened with the local police and the police are currently investigating the matter. The Department will strengthen security at the school, including installation of high tech security system. The police have also undertaken to assist with patrols.
The Department would like to make an appeal to members of the community who might have information that could lead to the arrest of these criminals to come forward and present this information to law enforcement agencies and ensure that these criminals face the full might of the law.
For more information contact:
Gauteng Department of Education’s spokesperson, Phumla Sekhonyane
Cell: 071 860 4496
Tel: 011 355 1530
