The project is believed to be the biggest of its kind and is set to be active in 2015. According to a report in MoneyWeb, this system has been devised in an attempt to address teacher absenteeism.
Currently, across South Africa, manual sign-in systems still exist for teachers, which has left the system susceptible to abuse and fraud. Some teachers sign in on behalf of others, while some forget to sign in at all.
Read more: South African Department of Basic Education eyes massive biometric system
The project, believed to be the biggest of its kind within government, is set to be implemented in 2015, and should provide the department with real-time statistics relating to a lack of teachers in classrooms.
However, biometric clock-in systems are susceptible to vandalism, and the range and diversity of schools in SA will make implementation challenging.
The Smart ID Card will replace existing civic and immigration identity systems and will allow the government to digitally capture all biometric and biographical data of South Africans in one single system.
Read more: South African Home Affairs on target to introduce Smart ID Cards in 2013
This morning, Stella Tembisa Ndabeni-Abrahams, deputy minister of communications, handed over computer lab equipment and connectivity to the province’s Jonguhlanga Secondary and Chief Henry Bokleni High schools.
Read more: ZA: Department of Communications moves on rural ICT project
Mayor Tau said a project like PAIL would bridge the digital divide.
“One has been keen on the project like this one. Not only does it bridge the digital divide, but it also promotes access to information. The digital age is ensuring that the information is available by the click of the finger,” said Clr Tau.
Read more: ZA: Johannesburg: The oldest township library goes on-line