Reimagining Education: Injini Think Tank Advocates for EdTech in Parliament

The Injini Think Tank recently delivered a submission to Parliament during public hearings on the 2024 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) and Adjustments Appropriation Bill. True to our mission as a transformative force in African education, Injini urged policymakers to expand the scope of educational infrastructure to include digital solutions essential for 21st-century learning.

Broadening the Infrastructure Conversation

While commending the government’s ongoing investment in physical infrastructure through grants such as the School Infrastructure Backlogs Grant and the Education Infrastructure Grant, Injini emphasised that infrastructure must extend beyond bricks and mortar. South Africa’s 3,000 schools without adequate sanitation and 4,000 with unreliable water supplies highlight the urgent need for foundational improvements. However, these efforts alone will not close the gap in educational equity.

Injini highlighted that only 22% of public schools in South Africa had reliable internet access as of 2022—a statistic that perpetuates the urban-rural digital divide. Digital infrastructure, the representatives from the Think Tank argued, is as essential as safe classrooms, enabling equitable access to quality education and preparing learners for a technology-driven global economy.

Recommendations

Injini offered the following actionable solutions to bridge the systemic gaps in South African education:

1. Integrate Digital Infrastructure into Existing Grants
   The Injini Think Tank proposed that the School Infrastructure Backlogs Grant and Education Infrastructure Grant encompass investments in internet connectivity and classroom devices. This adjustment would modernise schools and equip learners with essential digital skills.
2. Establish Dedicated EdTech Funding
   Injini underscored the importance of interactive and personalised learning tools in reducing disparities by allocating resources specifically for educational technology initiatives. This recommendation aligns with South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030 and its constitutional mandate for accessible, quality education.
3. Promote Inclusive Education
   Recognising systemic barriers for learners with disabilities, Injini advocated for funding assistive technologies and training programmes for educators. These measures resonate with White Paper 6 on Inclusive Education, which emphasises the need for transformative policies to accommodate diversity in learning needs.

A Catalyst for Change

Injini’s recommendations align with research and global best practices, demonstrating how integrating EdTech improves learner engagement, narrows educational divides, and builds future-ready competencies.

As Parliament deliberates on these proposals, Injini remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering systemic change. By prioritising technology alongside physical infrastructure, South Africa has a unique opportunity to redefine education as a transformative force for equity and empowerment.

You can access the full policy submission document here. For further insights into Injini’s research and advocacy, visit www.injini.africa/research-and-advisory or contact us at info@injini.africa.

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