Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga on Friday said the Council of Education Ministers (CEM) has received a progress report on Operation Phakisa as it relates to the education sector.

The progress report included progress around the creation of digital content such as interactive work books, school connectivity, the Department of Basic Education television channel and ICT professional development, among others.

Early last month, Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe announced that Operation Phakisa Labs will be conducted in the mining and education sectors. He said the focus will be on ITC to enhance basic education.

Operation Phakisa is an adaptation of the Big Fast Results methodology that was first applied by the Malaysian government successfully in the delivery of its economic transformation programme. The operation, which chiefly focuses on unlocking opportunities in the ocean economy, was launched last year.

“The Operation Phakisa ICT lab is envisioned to take place over six weeks during June/July 2015. A total of 120 full-time and part-time participants will attend the lab with an estimated 80 participants present at any given time during the lab.

“High levels of commitment are expected to be demonstrated by all organisations and government departments by releasing their officials and employees for full or part-time participation as shall be required,” she said.

The Minister was addressing media on Friday, following a CEM meeting in Pretoria yesterday.

Deputy Minister Enver Surty said the department had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Platco which had resulted in the establishment of two education broadcasting channels to support Grade 7 to 12 in language subjects, mathematics, science and other gatekeeping subjects.

He said the content was currently being broadcast on DSTV 319 and OVHD 201.

“The good thing about the Platco or OVHD platform is that there is only a once-off payment, which includes a dish, a decoder and the installation is required.

“We are actually encouraging those young professionals who are looking to give back to their communities to  donate these packages to their old schools. The package can be bought from any major retailers,” he said.

Deputy Minister Surty said the CEM had approved the norms and standards for the functionality and location of teacher resource centres (TRC), which will be gazetted for public comment.

“We currently have 147 TRC’s. They are offering teachers’ programmes such as EFAL CiPELT training, CAPS content training, MST teacher training, principals and SMTs training, ICT leadership and integration into teaching and learning, library services provided, A+ ICT programme for the youth, and digital classroom with all subjects.

He said 65 ICT labs were connected to the internet, with the assistance of Vodacom, Unisa and MTN.

“We are aiming to achieve universal connectivity for our teacher centres,” said the Deputy Minister.