The Gauteng Departments of Education and Finance are concerned at the ongoing targeting of computer equipment installed in schools as part of the Gauteng Online project by criminal elements.
The Gauteng Department of Finance through the province’s technology support services is implementing the project on behalf of the Gauteng Department of Education. The project seeks to ensure that every learner in the public education system has access to a computer, e-mail address and the internet including elementary education in information and communication technology (ICT).
Security
The progress of the project has in the past been severely hampered by theft and vandalism. Following a comprehensive review process of the project in 2007 it was decided that the implementation model would change from the then desk top system to the new thin client system, including a comprehensive security system.
Albeit that, these acts of vandalism continue unabated. In some instances classroom walls are being broken, security alarms cut, etc. In addition to this, there is 24 hour security deployed in areas where there are laboratories.
Community cooperation
We are deeply disturbed by the ongoing acts of criminal elements that seem to be hell bent to disrupt the education of the African child.
We are making a special call to our communities to take charge of the schools in a drive to ensure that are centres of excellence through the provision of quality public education.
We are also pleading with communities to cooperate with the police in their investigations by providing information that may lead to the successful prosecution of the perpetrators of these cowardly acts. The two departments will endeavour to ensure that cooperation between the school governing bodies (SGB), community policing forums (CPFs) and the student organisations is strengthened to ensure that the project delivers optimally. We are currently reviewing our security strategy and model to ensure that theses assets are well protected.
Recent reports of theft and vandalism in schools like Thathezakho Primary School in Dobsonville are examples of such atrocious acts by the criminal elements.
Enquiries
Khusela Sangoni
Cell: 079 510 5408
Issued by: Department of Finance, Gauteng Provincial Government
25 March 2010
