Next to the sine qua non of basic mathematics education, nothing is more vital for ensuring our keeping abreast of technological and cultural developments in the world than information technology. A high level of skills in computing are needed to prepare us for the coming information age. We need to aim at providing equal access to information technology to all students. Redressing relative underdevelopment allows one to leapfrog several stages of development and avoid expensive blind alleys. Advanced information technology can often be used to provide easy to use tools, and it enables and supports other technological activities such as competitive manufacturing.
Software can itself be an export product.
It provides essential support for community development. The new high speed networks support effective computer mediated collaborative work. The research and development supported our country should address local needs which would otherwise be neglected by international computer science research. Addressing local needs should lead to an entry in international software markets via quality niche products. The success of South African products can open up a new export industry which makes extensive use of trained people and requires a relatively small capital investment.