In a move aimed at maintaining relevance and influence in the South African market, Microsoft South Africa has renewed its free software commitment to schools at a cost of 750 million rand (US$98.2 million).

Under the agreement, Microsoft's operating systems and productivity software will go to about 26,000 schools for use by 11.2 million pupils. Microsoft also renewed the training initiative that has taught 17,000 teachers to use computers in the classroom since 2002.

The renewed commitment emphasizes Microsoft's desire to encourage skills development to create a competitive economy, said Microsoft SA's acting managing director, Fernando de Sousa.

"I have seen how software can help people be more productive and creative," de Sousa said. "I believe that software can also play a critical role in helping societies address their most difficult challenges."

Software and technology innovation can help strengthen health care, protect the environment, improve education and extend social and economic opportunities, de Sousa added.

"Educating our youth is the cornerstone of sustainable economic growth," said Education Department Director-General Duncan Hindle. "I am pleased to see the technology industry collaborating with the education community to help teachers and pupils use technology."

Though Microsoft products are still widely used in South Africa, the government adopted open-source software in government offices, arguing that the high licensing fees were weighing heavily on the government.

The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.