DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION BY RAINE ST.CLAIRE
Collaborative initiative to enhance education systems across Africa
T
he digital divide remains a persistent concern in contemporary society, particularly in education and more so in rural communities where its impact is pronounced. WHAT ARE THE BARRIERS TO EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA? Around 90% of schools in the United States are equipped with a minimum of one computer for every five students, while an impressive 98% of classrooms across America currently have internet connectivity.
A renowned think-tank in the United States, Pew Research, has discovered that 92% of teachers believe that the internet has a significant impact on their teaching abilities, primarily due to enhanced access to content, resources, and materials. In contrast, the situation in South Africa is quite different. According to a report by NEIMS in April 2021, only 0.55% of public schools in the country have
42 | Public Sector Leaders | July 2023
access to the internet, and 58% of public schools lack computers altogether. It comes as no surprise that the key factors identified as obstacles to learner achievement in crucial subjects in South Africa include teachers’ lack of confidence, inadequate teaching skills, and limited access to highquality educational resources.
