11 Mar 2026

The Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education is making strides in introducing digitalisation in schools across the country. 

The initiative aims to revolutionise the way students learn by incorporating technology into the classroom, enhancing teaching methods, productivity and access to resources. 

Speaking at Sehithwa Primary and Sekgoma Junior Secondary Schools recently, Minister Nono Kgafela-Mokoka emphasised that digitalisation was the way forward, particularly for learners in rural or underserved areas who would have access to quality education

This transformation, she said would not only enhance understanding but would also keep learners engaged and motivated. She also said it would address some of the challenges encountered in schools such as overcrowding in classrooms and would reduce hours of contact with teachers because learners would learn on their own. 

She said digital learning also eliminated geographical barriers, making quality education more fun and accessible without the need for extensive infrastructure. 

“We are forging government-to-government collaboration to ensure our dream comes true as we intend to install digital infrastructure and distribute gadgets to schools to ensure access to technology,” she added. 

Ms Kgafela-Mokoka also acknowledged that the shift would not only benefit learners but teachers as well as support staff as they would constantly seek new knowledge and skills that would help them navigate the ever-changing landscape of their lives and careers. Self-professional development, she said was crucial as it opened new career paths, boosted confidence and kept employees competitive. 

The gathering was also informed that government has infused Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) component into school curricula from early child development to primary and senior levels to foster talent and creativity. 

The component aims to harness the diverse talents of learners in sports, arts and culture and foster problem-solving skills as well as prepare them for future careers. Minister Kgafela-Mokoka also pointed out that government took the school feeding programme serious and advised kitchen staff to adhere to food safety and hygiene standards. 

Sekgoma Junior Secondary School head, Mr Lucky Zankare appreciated the renovation of the school kitchen into a state-of-art-facility, a development that has resulted in learners now receiving their meals on time. The school has an enrolment of 556 learners; 404 of whom are on boarding basis. 

Despite that, Mr Zankare complained about shortage of teachers, which he said negatively impacted the quality of education, adding that currently the school relied on temporary teachers. 

He said the school had one permanent teacher each for Mathematics, Social Studies and Physical education. This, Mr Zankare said, weakened the syllabus coverage because focus was given to completing classes while learners at Form 1 and 2 levels were left behind. 

“We have never had a fully-fledged staff complement and this contributes to our poor performance. For the last five years, our performance has been unsatisfactory,” he added.

He thus called for the ministry to fill up vacant posts. BOPA