MEC Gade Hands Over ICT Lab in Ngcobo

UPPER GQOBONCO, NGCOBO, EASTERN CAPE – A major boost to digital education has arrived at Sitoza Senior Secondary School following the official handover of a new ICT laboratory equipped with 30 laptops.

The handover took place on Tuesday, with Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality Member of the Executive Committee, Councillor Mbongeni Tyantsi, joining Eastern Cape MEC for Education, Fundile Gade. The initiative was delivered in partnership with telecommunications company Telkom.

Supporting over 1,400 learners

Sitoza Senior Secondary School, a public high school located in Upper Gqobonco near Ngcobo, serves 1,426 learners and employs 34 educators. The introduction of the ICT laboratory is expected to significantly strengthen teaching and learning at the school.

For a school of this size, improved access to technology represents a meaningful step forward in enhancing classroom resources and learner support.

Bridging the digital divide in rural schools

The new ICT lab aims to address the ongoing digital gap affecting many rural schools across the Eastern Cape. Learners will now have access to essential digital tools that support research, computer literacy, and modern learning methods.

Access to technology is increasingly important for learners progressing into higher education and entering the job market, where digital skills are often required.

Public-private partnership driving progress

The collaboration between government and Telkom highlights the importance of partnerships in improving education infrastructure, particularly in under-resourced communities.

Efforts such as this form part of broader initiatives to improve educational outcomes and ensure learners in rural areas are not left behind in the digital age.

A step forward for Sitoza learners

The new ICT laboratory represents a positive development for both learners and educators at Sitoza Senior Secondary School. With improved access to digital resources, the school is better positioned to enhance learning outcomes and expand future opportunities for its learners.