Mugabe to launch e-learning programme

PRESIDENT Mugabe is expected to officially launch the e-learning programme at Chogugudza Primary School in Goromonzi

District tomorrow. The massive computerisation programme targets all schools in Zimbabwe by 2015 as the country moves towards a knowledge based economy.

Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, Information Communication Technology Minister Nelson Chamisa said: "His Excellency the President will officially launch the e-Learning Centre at Chogugudza."

He said Education, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister David Coltart will also grace the occasion, where a computer laboratory was built.

Minister Chamisa, however, blasted telephone service providers for profiteering despite reduction of duty and exemption of most of their communication equipment from paying duty by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority.

"Base stations are coming in duty free and even software and other ICT equipment but the cost is not going down. 

"We are currently working with the regulator to review the pricing. There is no system in place. 

"We need a new pricing model so that customers get value for their money," Minister Chamisa said.

He said Government will protect the public from unscrupulous telephone service providers and urged them to source for investors not to squeeze the public of their hard-earned cash.

"Service providers should look for investors and never to use customers as investors.

"You will begin to skin the customer alive because you are trying to get money. 
"So we will protect customers from unscrupulous activities. 

"We don't want price controls," Minister Chamisa said.

He said Zimbabwe had made significant strides in the ICT sector and use of technology had increased from 13 percent to 72 percent.

Minister Chamisa said by 2015 Zimbabwe would be counted among ICT developed countries as the e- Learning programme will also be introduced in clinics and hospitals among other institutions.

He also said e-Governance was already functioning as computers had already been introduced to parliamentarians.

Minister Chamisa said the programme had been received well by parliamentarians and most of them were eager to learn computers.
He said ICT was the backbone of any developing nation and his ministry will ensure that by 2015 every household should have access to or exposed to the digital world.