Education department to add security features to tablets and return them to schools

After experiencing theft of 3,000 tablets from 88,000 that were issued to Gauteng schools, the education department has announced it will add security features and return the mobile devices to local schools.

According to Gauteng MEC for education, Panyaza Lesufi - reports that his department had removed the tablets from the schools indefinitely were incorrect.

Through a statement on Twitter, Lesufi said the aim was to "retrieve these tables to install them with additional security features" and return them to schools. Since the education department implemented a strategy to make learning simpler, interactive and technology-driven for pupils by issuing the tablets - several schools have had to contend with incidents of vandalism and theft as the mobile devices were targeted.

In one school, Lesufi recounted how windows were destroyed as thieves sought to steal the tablets.

“In one school they went on to set alight learners’ scripts and textbooks. It is winter‚ learners will be sitting in classrooms without windows. Teachers cannot even prepare for lessons due to vandalism of school property‚” said Lesufi.

However, this had not deterred the department from going ahead with their technology driven strategy.

"We're committed to the paperless class. Nothing will stop our quest of giving GP learners the best education in our lifetime," said the department.

- Additional reporting by RDM News Wire