JEFFREYS BAY – Described by Jeffreys Bay Comprehensive School head boy, Meshack Dube, as a “digital wave”, the school’s new Cyberlab was officially opened on Friday – just two months after a visit by Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi and global IT partner Software AG.
The Minister’s visit in November was facilitated by the Kouga Local Municipality’s Special Programmes Unit. Following that engagement, Software AG established the lab and has since provided training to both educators and learners.
The impact of the programme was already evident, with two learners presenting projects, including an application called EduBuddy, designed to support pupils who for some reason are unable to attend school. The school also celebrated the launch of its first website, developed by four learners under the guidance of a trainer. Learners who completed the training received certificates in recognition of their achievement.
The official opening unfolded in three parts: an introductory briefing, the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, and the main event in the school hall.
Among those in attendance were Malatsi, Kouga Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, Software AG executive, Bjarne Sørensen from Denmark, the principal, Nomxolisi Makayi, and her educators, provincial and district education officials, members of the provincial legislature, councillors, School Governing Body members, including the chairperson, Mzwandile Yali, and other invited guests, who were treated to a coding and robotics demonstration.
Dube said that while people normally associate Jeffreys Bay with ocean waves, the screens in the Cyberlab would now reveal a different kind of wave – digital waves.
“The skills we will develop are the surfboards of the 21st century. We are celebrating an exciting milestone, and on behalf of all the learners, I express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this possible.
“Technology drives the world today, and access to digital resources is no longer a luxury but a necessity. We have been given an opportunity, and with it comes the responsibility to value these assets. This is an investment in our future.”
In turn, Sørensen expressed his gratitude for being part of the occasion and shared a personal story about using a tablet and keyboard to communicate with his mother, who later in life experienced hearing challenges.
“With these two devices, we were able to have a conversation for the first time in years,” he said, encouraging learners to make the most of the opportunities before them. “I hope this builds your courage and self-confidence and inspires you.”
Bornman said it was a privilege to witness the progress made at the school.
“This is a testament to the hard work of the principal and teachers, as well as the positive mindset of the learners. Take hold of these opportunities. The Cyberlab should make you thirsty for more, because you now have access to the world on many levels.”
He also thanked Malatsi for honouring his commitment to the school following his November visit. In his keynote address, Malatsi said that once his department became aware of the school’s needs, they partnered with Software AG to build digital infrastructure and expand access to digital opportunities.
“The conversation did not take long because Software AG shares our vision of empowering communities that previously lacked access to digital opportunities. Partnerships like these are essential. Government alone cannot solve every challenge; we need partners across society,” he said.
He added that his mission is to ensure learners can engage directly with digital resources in their studies and that these resources are both affordable and accessible.
“There must also be a willingness to learn and to strive for excellence. Many schools in the Eastern Cape could have benefited, but this school stood out because of the commitment shown by the local community, the teachers, and the local government. That gives us confidence in sustained growth and development.
“I am particularly proud that one of your matric learners ranked in the Top 10 in the province. Let that inspire the Class of 2026 to maintain – and even raise – the standard.”
Malatsi encouraged learners to use the Cyberlab to transform not only their own lives but also those of their families and communities.
“In the years to come, we want to hear stories of software developers, robotics innovators and data analysts emerging from this very school – young people who can say that access to this Cyberlab opened the door for them to participate in the digital economy.”
ALSO READ: Media and Communication team honoured with national excellence award
