On behalf of Northern Cape Provincial Government, I am very pleased to be here to celebrate yet another milestone development, namely, the launch of the Cyber lab.
I congratulate all stakeholders and especially the Provincial SKA SA Project Office under the leadership of Dr Bernie Fanaroff and Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) E-learning Manager, Ms Khosi Mahlangu, for promoting this new approach to Science and Technology access. This demonstrates the strong commitment of stakeholders in the advancement of science.
Information and Communications Technologies have been identified as being central to development both in our country and across the African continent as they present us with an opportunity to leapfrog decades of development.
The best way to maximise the return on investment is for our learners to fully utilise the facility. Parents must encourage the learners to utilise the facility to the best of their ability.
The educators should use the infrastructure and technology to enrich their learner inputs.
This project and technological benefits should be part and parcel of the community as a whole and it is the whole community that should use the project to the fullest and at the same time ensures that it is protected against acts of theft and vandalism.
If possible, the technology could be used to access government service related information.
I take this opportunity to appeal to each member of the community, including the learners, parents and the community at large to ensure that this infrastructure is used to its maximum potential.
Ladies and gentlemen, I have no doubt in my mind that this significant project will serve as a catalyst to improve learner performance in the area of mathematics and science and to prepare Learners to take advantage of the opportunities that will emanate from the developments associated with the Karoo Array Telescope, the MeerKAT and the SKA.
We expect the learners from Carnarvon High to work hard and do well in their school work so that they will be counted among the Scientists, engineers, technicians and artisans that will be involved in the projects.
The Northern Cape province is fully aware of how these projects are going to meaningfully transform the region. In the same way we are confident that the learners from Carnarvon will rise up to the challenge and ensure that they take advantage of all opportunities that this project presents.
I also take this opportunity to extend a special welcome to the Honourable Minister of Science and Technology, Mrs Naledi Pandor who will now deliver the keynote address.
I thank you.
Source: Northern Cape Provincial Government
Briefing notes by Premier of the Northern Cape, Ms Hazel Jenkins, on the occasion of the launch of the SKA Cyber lab at Carnarvon High School
Province
