SmartCape in City of Cape Town’s libraries to become even smarter

The City of Cape Town’s information systems and technology department has announced a major digital boost to its already thriving SmartCape digital access and literacy programme earlier this week.

SmartCape provides residents with free access to computers, internet connectivity and basic digital skills training at public libraries and community facilities across the city.

The SmartCape programme was initiated in July 2002 with five computers deployed at six public libraries across the city. Today, more than 550 000 people are registered SmartCape users across the city. Residents can use computers at 101 libraries to browse the internet, create documents such as CVs and improve their typing skills.

SmartCape computers upgraded

These SmartCape computers will be upgraded over the next two financial years. The City is also improving public Wi-Fi with faster speeds and tokenless access coming soon, as well as expanded Wi-Fi coverage across more City facilities.

These upgrades will help more residents connect, learn and access opportunities in the digital world, said Theresa Uys, the City’s Mayco member for corporate services, on Monday at Durbanville Library to celebrate the success of the SmartCape programme.

According to a media release by the City, recent statistics show strong SmartCape usage among the 11 to 13 and 41 to 50 age groups. The programme has also demonstrated its accessibility across generations, with the oldest participant to date being an 83-year-old resident who successfully completed the City’s digital literacy training course. The course is offered weekly, in person, at multiple City facilities and aims to equip residents with essential computer skills.

LAN gaming

In addition to training and internet access, SmartCape also offers LAN gaming, providing a safe environment where young people can engage with technology in a constructive way. The City currently provides 16 gaming stations across various facilities, with activities primarily focused during school holiday periods.

Following general internet browsing, the most commonly used application is Open Office Writer, typically for drafting documents such as CVs and application forms. This is followed by a typing tutor programme, which helps users improve their keyboard and digital productivity skills.

“Cape Town’s libraries are some of the most important public spaces in our communities. Every day, residents use them to study, search for jobs, access information and connect to opportunities. That is why the rollout of high-speed Wi-Fi and SmartCape upgrades across our facilities is so important. The demand for these services is clear. In the last six months of 2025, our libraries recorded nearly four million visits, welcomed more than 24 000 new members, and now serve more than 253 000 residents,” said Francine Higham, the City’s Mayco member for community services and health.

“The City is further investing in modernising its library network. In the current financial year, more than R15m has been allocated to upgrading IT infrastructure and equipment across our libraries. This is to ensure residents have access to reliable, up-to-date digital resources,” she says.

Infrastructure investments are also being made and already include the R14,8m expansion of the Hector Pietersen Memorial Library in Lwandle and upgrades at Khayelitsha, Brown’s Farm and Suider-Strand.