In yesterday‘s budget speech, The National Treasury has announced that they have set aside quite a substantial amount for the school broadband project.
The school broadband project aims to bring broadband internet to different schools across South Africa. This project is led by the Department of Communications.
A whopping R374 million has been set aside for the project. In the official Medium Term Budget Policy Statement, the Treasury further explained that the Adjustments Appropriation Bill and the Division of Revenue Amendment Bill set out amendments in the current financial year.
The Treasury said that these changes to certain allocations – including the school broadband project – are to be made possible by re-prioritisation with the current, existing expenditure envelope.
Back in 2012, in it‘s vote for the national budget, the Department of Communications said their goal wit the school broadband project was to connect 1650 schools to the internet by March of this year.
It is not entirely clear whether or not they managed to reach their goal, but the additional funds set aside for the project should ensure that number is met.
Currently, there are various projects by international companies being utilized in SOuth Africa to ensure internet access for all – especially schools. One such project is Microsoft‘s “˜White Space‘ project.
Internet access in Africa and especially schools will have a massive impact on education and henceforth the economy as whole.
Let‘s hope the government spend their budget wisely.
Source: MyBroadband
