Question No. 405
Mr JBR Lorimer (Democratic Alliance) to ask Minister of Basic Education:
Whether there are minimum standards with regard to (a) libraries and (b)
media or computer centres for (i) primary and (ii) high schools; if not, (aa) why not and (bb) when will such minimum standards be enforced; if so, (aaa) what are they in each case and (bbb) what is the (aaaa) learner to book and (bbbb) learner to computer ratio supposed to be?
Reply:
Yes.
(a) and (b) The national minimum norms and standards for school infrastructure prescribe norms for the size of libraries and computer centres for primary and secondary schools. According to the said norms, which were approved in 2009, libraries are indicated as media centres.
(bb) These norms and standards will be implemented with effect from the 2010 financial year (all new constructions).
(aaa) The libraries and computer rooms are regarded as core spaces required for teaching and learning. The norms for these spaces are indicated in terms of size and these are the same for both primary and secondary schools, and the norms are:
* Media centre or library
Minimum norm: 60 square metres
Optimum norm: 120 square metres
* Computer rooms or centres
Minimum norm: 60 square metres
Optimum norm: 80 square metres
(bbb) Presently no ratios have been prescribed.
Issued by: Department of Basic Education
26 February 2010
Source: Department of Education (http://www.education.gov.za/)
