Oaklands High pupils will be able to work on website development, coding and programme development thanks to a new cyber lab which was opened at the school on Tuesday February 4.

The Lansdowne school’s new computer lap was made possible by a donation by the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) in partnership with the National Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT). The installation of the new lab has an estimated cost of R900 000, according to SITA.

DCDT also partnered with the City of Cape Town who through the Ward 60 office helped find Oaklands High as a beneficiary of the lab.

The new lab consists of 40 laptops, a digital projector, charging carts, chairs and desks.

DCDT Minister, Solly Malatsi says this computer lab will introduce a wealth of opportunities for pupils.

“This will allow you to unlock skills in coding and careers that you would not have thought about before,” he said.

Minister Malatsi said pupils could now have goal about working as software engineers or AI specialists because the careers of the future are in the digital space. The lab is part of a country-wide DCDT project to put labs in schools in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, North West, Northern Cape and Limpopo.

SITA Coastal Regional Executive, Xolani Mbulawa, says his organisation reports to DCDT.

“We will also assist in doing digital and skills training for pupils and teachers,” he said.

Mr Mbulawa said they want to help the government to provide an environment for youth to be “effective and efficient” in digital skills.

School principal Mahir Jeffery thanked the minister and partners which he said would help the pupils to prosper.

“My wish is that my pupils will engage and benefit from this cyber lab,” he says.

Mr Jeffery said the lab would open up digital literacy doors for pupils.

Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews thanked the minister and the partners,

He told pupils that it would be up to them to make a success of the new lab.

“You can choose success, to help change the trajectory of your families and become a beacon of hope in your communities because you choose success every single time,” he said.

He said the lab was not just about computers and the internet: “It is about getting access to new opportunities, new skills, and a future that is full of possibilities.”

Oaklands High head boy, Masibulelo Tembani said the lab would provide opportunities for pupils and enhance their digital focus. Masibulelo said pupils would now be able to learn IT skills, coding and robotics.

Ward 60 Councillor Mark Kleinschmidt said the lab was cause for celebration.

“It is much needed and our pupils are coming from previously disadvantaged areas. The pupils are humble and it is a fresh opportunity for them to take advantage of this cyber lab,” he said.

The minister of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, far right, unveiling the plaque for the new cyber lab. On the far left is the Director of Metro Central Education District, Brenda Robertson and Oaklands High principal Mahir Jeffery.

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Oaklands High unveils new computer lab