The Mpumalanga department of education has set aside R3.6-million to have more than 1000 schools connected to the internet by next year.

MEC Reginah Mhaule said the department was fast-tracking the roll-out plan.

She said the department would ensure that every principal received a tablet with connectivity, which would improve communication and administration. This would also ensure that principals were accessible at all times.

“This seeks to bridge the digital divide in keeping with the currents trends and will mitigate communication bottlenecks,” Mhaule said, adding that the delivery of tablets for principals had started.

The department is also planning to equip more than 1000 schools with computers and connection to the digital space by next year.

“The department is accelerating efforts to roll-out connectivity to 1131 public schools by 2015. We also planned to install safety promotion systems in 368 schools. In addition, the department will ensure that 13250 educators in our schools are computer literate by the end of the financial year,” said Mhaule.