The 1990s marked the beginning of SchoolNet South Africa’s journey in advancing digital learning and educational technology. During this period, foundational partnerships, teacher support networks, and national ICT initiatives helped establish the groundwork for technology-enabled education across South Africa.
Volunteer teacher forums and online networks were established across provinces, creating early opportunities for collaboration, communication, and digital learning support among educators.
SchoolNet South Africa was officially launched through the Department of Education’s Centre for Educational Technology and Distance Education, with a vision to expand access to ICT in education.
Funding and support for ICT development initiatives were received through international partners, including:
These partnerships helped strengthen digital education programmes and infrastructure development.
The Soros Foundation provided Mathematics, Science, and Technology (MST) support programmes for schools in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape, contributing to improved access to technology-enhanced learning opportunities.
World Links supported schools through improved connectivity, educator training, and broader education technology initiatives aimed at integrating ICT into teaching and learning.
The launch of the Telkom Foundation’s 1000 Schools Project represented a major milestone in expanding ICT access and infrastructure to schools across South Africa.
The initiatives and partnerships established during the 1990s laid the groundwork for SchoolNet South Africa’s continued efforts in digital learning, teacher development, and education innovation in the years that followed.