NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION 824
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER:
(INTERNAL PAPER: 20 APRIL/PAPER 09)
Mr L S Ngonyama (Cope) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to question 74 on 7
March 2012, any interested party can establish a virtual
high school at present (details furnished); if not, what
constraints exist for persons who wish to establish virtual
high schools; if so, what is the position with regard to
registration of such virtual high schools
(2) Why has her department fallen behind other nations in this
regard
(3) Whether her department has recognised the economic and
other consequences of not offering virtual high schools to
the South African publicÂ
REPLY
1) No, virtual schools are not explicitly provided for in the South
African Schools Act of 1996. A school may be established if it
conforms to the definition of a school as defined in SASA and meet
all requirements of a âschoolâ and hence must adhere to the
requirements of SASA.
2) No, the Department of Basic Education cannot be said to have fallen
behind in this regard. Although a virtual school is not explicitly
provided for in legislation, all schools are encouraged to have an
online presence in addition to the physical structure or environment
and also provide online support to schools through the Thutong
portal.The DBE is working on programmes that integrate ICT in the
classroom.
3) The issue is addressed in (1) above.