A Google account is a wide-spread thing these days. Anyone who uses an android device (a cellphone other than an iPhone) has Google Play installed and must have a Google account for the phone to function correctly.
These accounts end in @gmail.com and are free. Most of the Google Apps work perfectly fine with a Google Account.
All schools qualify for a free GSuite Account. This means that you can have a personalised Google account for your school. In other words your Google would be user@school.co.za. This account will have all the same benefits that a normal Google Account has with some added functionality.
How do we get a GSuite Account?
Schools will have to register and go through a process of Domain Authentication and then also School Certification. Refer your school's principal and ICT champion to this page. You are welcome to contact your E-Learning advisers for support regarding this process.