In a significant step towards future-proofing education in South Africa, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, handed over a cutting-edge media laboratory to Naledi Primary School on the 29th of April 2024. This landmark initiative, a testament to the commitment to enhancing education through technology, is powered entirely by a locally manufactured off-grid solar photovoltaic energy system.
The laboratory boasts a locally manufactured Microcare 10kW Inverter, 10kWp Solar Panels, and 20kWh of Lithium-Ion batteries which was installed by WHR Solar Solutions, an accredited Microcare installer. This proudly South African solution powers the entire lab using solar and battery energy, enabling students to be independent and self-reliant in their studies. The entire system, designed and produced within South Africa, underscores the nation’s capability in renewable energy solutions. This clean energy setup ensures uninterrupted power supply, enabling continuous access to modern teaching and learning services on computers.
This media laboratory is one of Minister Nzimande’s special projects aimed at addressing societal grand challenges identified in the Science, Technology, and Innovation Decadal Plan. By integrating advanced technology into the education sector, this initiative seeks to future-proof education and skills development across the country.
“The provision of clean energy solutions for poor and rural communities is a critical policy focus for the Department of Science and Innovation,” stated Minister Nzimande. “This media laboratory not only represents a leap towards sustainable energy but also equips learners and educators with the tools they need to thrive in a technology-driven world.”
The modern facility is set to revolutionize the educational experience at Naledi Primary School. By introducing learners and educators to technology-driven classrooms, the lab will play a crucial role in preparing young people for the demands of the future. This initiative is a beacon of hope for many rural communities, highlighting the potential of renewable energy in transforming education using locally manufactured innovation.
Microcare is a leading South African manufacturer of renewable energy products, specializing in advanced power electronics. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Microcare produces a range of inverters and solar products designed to provide reliable and sustainable energy solutions. The company’s products are engineered to meet the unique demands of the local market, emphasizing durability, efficiency, and affordability. Microcare plays a pivotal role in advancing renewable energy adoption across South Africa, empowering communities with clean energy and supporting the nation’s goal of sustainable development. Their involvement in projects like the media laboratory at Naledi Primary School highlights their dedication to integrating technology and renewable energy to transform education and improve lives with proudly South African designed solutions.
As the sun-powered computers come to life, the students of Naledi Primary School are stepping into a brighter, more technologically advanced future. The media laboratory stands as a symbol of progress and innovation, paving the way for other schools in the region and beyond to adopt similar sustainable solutions. The media laboratory at Naledi Primary School is not just a facility; it is a catalyst for change, inspiring a new generation of learners to embrace the possibilities of the future using locally manufactured South African products.
For more on Microcare and the innovative customized solution at Naledi Primary School please contact their marketing team on 041 453 5761 or email sales@microcare.co.za
Govt Reference: https://www.dst.gov.za/index.php/media-room/latest-news/4245-school-in-rural-north-west-gets-media-lab
