SA Libraries ICT Workshop EAST LONDON, EASTERN CAPE Date: 28 – 29 November 2019 Connectivity Challenges and Mitigation Strategies: North West Provincial Library Services Background • 4 Districts – Ngaka Modidri Molema – Bojanala Platinum – Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati – Dr Kenneth Kaunda District • Total Number of libraries: 125 • 24 Mini libraries supported by SALB • Internet contract terminated in 2017 (MESO IT Solutions) (Audit Query) • Tender advertised and SCM processes at an advanced stage for 125 libraries. • Total Number of libraries connected currently: 35 (municipalities) • Total number of libraries not connected: 90 Libraries Connected Name of Municipality Name of Library TYPE OF CONNECTIVITY DR KENNETH KAUNDA Maquassi Hills Wolmaranstad Municipality Lebaleng Municipality Kgakala Municipality Leeudoringstad Municipality Matlosana Klersdorp Municipality Orkney Municipality DR. RUTH DEGOMOTSI MOMPATI Mamusa Schweize-Reineker Municipality Ipelegeng Municipality Amalia Municipality Migdol Municipality Taung Taung Wi-Fi Pudimoe Municipality Lekwa Teemane Bloemhof Municipality Christana Municipality Libraries Connected NGAKA MODIRI MOLEMADISTRICT Ratlou Setlagole Municipality Mafikeng Danville Radiolink Ditsobotla Lichtenburg Municipality BOJANALA DISTRICT Moses Kotane Tlokweng Mabeskraal Mogwase Rustenburg Tlhabane Radio link Phokeng Radio link Boitekong Radio link Rustenburg Radio link Karlienpark Radio link Phatsima Radio link Monakatho not on MLO Radio link East End Radio link Mathopestad Radio link Charora Radio link Kgetleng River Koster ADSL Moses Kotane Mogwase ADSL Manamela Radio link Tlokweng Radio link Mabeskraal Radio link ICT challenges • Internet tender not yet awarded • Lack of infrastructure e.g. Telkom • High cost of computer equipment • Budget cuts • Lack of technical IT skills • Lack of IT support in libraries • Theft and Arson • Lack of support from Provincial SITA Mitigating strategies • Internet tender at adjudication level • Wireless connectivity solutions (radio and Vsat) • Prioritise and allocate sufficient budget • Appointed IT Technicians on EPWP programme to assist the 4 Provincial IT Technicians • IT training conducted by IT Technicians • Informing people not to burn libraries and theft during library promotional programmes • Issues with Provincial Sita escalated Budget Allocation • IT Connectivity 2019/20 – Internet Services: R6,500,000.00 • IT Connectivity 2020/21 – Internet Services: R6,750,000.00 • Training: 0 budget • Strategic meetings: – R350,000.00 : Stakeholder’s workshop – Municipalities budget for Forum meetings. Provincial IT Strategy • ICT Committee established in 2018/19 • LIS represented • Mandate: Drafting the Departmental ICT strategy • 2019/20 strategy drafted, focusing on the bigger projects (PIA, eBooks and electronic Archiving) • 2020/21 to include the following in our plan: – Hardware – Software – Human resource THANK YOU.