The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has lined up an exciting programme in celebration of Software Freedom Day on Saturday, 15 September 2007.

Coordinated globally by the non-profit company Software Freedom International, the goal of the Day is to educate the public about the benefits of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in all fields, from home and business through to government and education.

FOSS provides users with the source code and the freedom to modify the software and distribute the modified versions.

It allows users to copy and distribute the software freely, which is of particular benefit to students and small business owners who often cannot afford expensive packages.

The Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Derek Hanekom, will deliver the opening address at the event, which will be held at the DST Building, in Pretoria, from 09h00 to 15h00.

The official programme boasts a number of activities, including chess coaching, workshops and games.

The development of chess in schools is widely believed to have a significant impact on the learning of Maths and Science, and the DST will therefore be hosting a number of learners, chess players and coaches.

According to the department’s Chief Information Officer, Aslam Raffee, there are a growing number of schools in SA and around the world who are integrating chess into the curriculum.

“However, there is a shortage of tutorial programmes and simple tournament software for schools, despite the availability  of free software chess playing engines, chess databases and Internet client tools,” he said. 

There are a number of free software packages specifically catering for schools, which include school administration software, educational software and games.   

“With this effort we hope to enhance those offerings by providing quality, cross-platform tools for chess learners and educators,” said Mr Raffee.  Coaches, players, learners and programmers will meet and discuss interventions in this area.

He said the exercise was a good example of how using the freedom offered by free software could achieve worthwhile, tangible benefits for young people in SA and elsewhere.

The Department is using Software Freedom Day to create awareness and promote the benefits of FOSS in South Africa.

This follows Cabinet’s approval of a strategy in February 2007 to roll out FOSS in government.

The State Information Technology Agency has been instrumental in driving the national FOSS project while formulating its own migration plan.

It launched the FOSS Programme Office at the beginning of September.

The office was developed to coordinate all FOSS work in government, create required skills, ensure that government procures FOSS compliant IT and assist all government departments with their migration processes.

 
Issued by the Department of Science and Technology

For more information contact:

Celeste Tema, Deputy Director: Communication and Media Liaison, Department of Science and Technology on +27 843 6784/ +27 83 399 0765 or celeste.tema@dst.gov.za

Aslam Raffee, Chief Information Office, Department of Science and Technology on +27 843 6613/ +27 82 563 5357 or aslam.rafee@dst.gov.za