Rinchi
TechInAfrica – The State Information Technology Agency (SITA) has launched a software engineering program for South Africa’s high schools. The program is part of the national initiative that includes coding, software development, and other ICT skills. The initiative is aligned with SITA’s business development which will implement one province at a time.
The program will officially be inaugurated by Pule Herbert Isak Makgoe, the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Education in the Free State at Kopanong Secondary School at Turglaagte, Mangaung in Bloemfontein.
Supported by the NDP and the National ICT Policy White Paper, SITA aims at empowering South Africans by advancing its service through technology, improve life’s quality through partnership creation, and provide youths with ICT skills for the better future of South Africa.
SITA’s School of Software Engineering will be implemented in five high schools, including Kopanong Secondary, Thabo-Vayo Secondary in Rouxville, Lekgarietse Secondary in Welkom, Rebatla-Thuto Secondary in Koppies, and Mohaladitwe Secondary in Makwane, QwaQwa.
These schools were selected for their excellent academic track record, their locations in five different districts, and the outstanding work ethic of learners, educators, governing bodies, and parents.
SITA will provide these schools with 40 computers per laboratory, internet connectivity, a curriculum, mentors, and technical resources for the program. The program will equip the students with the necessary ICT skills. When they graduate, they will be offered a scholarship for tertiary education in the ICT area or internships at SITA or guided in business development to help them build SMEs.
The implementation of SITA’s School of Software Engineering is a response to President Ramaphosa’s call for digital transformation in South Africa. In order to leverage ICT skills to transform communities, the agency is planning for further expansion and helping to find technological solutions to socio-economic problems.
Source: itnewsafrica.com
