In a significant step toward digital inclusion in KwaZulu-Natal’s educational landscape, technology company Net Nine Nine will launch its first-ever school-built computer lab at Wood and Raw Secondary School in Empangeni on Friday, 20 June 2025.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, to be held on the day, marks a milestone in the company’s commitment to enhancing digital literacy among South African learners, many of whom grew up with such technological apparatus at home.
The newly established facility features twenty high-performance computers equipped with the latest educational software, high-speed internet connectivity, and a comprehensive range of peripherals designed to create an optimal learning environment.
The lab’s ergonomic design ensures comfort for extended learning sessions, while smart energy solutions maintain the facility’s sustainability goals.
This isn’t just about providing computers, according to Net Nine Nine, it’s about creating a comprehensive digital ecosystem where learners can develop the skills necessary for the modern workforce.
The school is expected to express their profound gratitude for the initiative, especially noting that the computer lab will address a critical gap in their educational resources.
Before the concept was brought to life, the school principal said many of their learners have had limited exposure to technology and this will democratise access to digital tools and opens doors to opportunities previously beyond reach for many of their learners.
The lab will serve the entire school with internet connection coming from the same Net Nine Nine, offering structured computer literacy programs, coding classes, and integration with the standard curriculum across subjects.
Beyond serving the school’s immediate population, the facility is designed to function as a community resource during after-school hours, providing digital literacy training for adults and serving as an internet access point for residents of surrounding areas, but that will heavily be reliant on the school’s governing body.
Net Nine Nine has announced plans to use this inaugural project as a blueprint for similar initiatives across KwaZulu-Natal, and many across the country.
The company has committed to maintaining the facility and providing technical support, ensuring the lab’s sustainability.