The City of Cape Town is investing in faster, more reliable digital access by upgrading 590 SmartCape computers at 50 public libraries across the City.

Faster, more reliable SmartCape access

The project, being implemented by the City’s Information Systems and Technology Department, will over time see a technology refresh of all SmartCape computers at all City libraries. A further 379 will be upgraded in the future. The 590 computers already upgraded provide faster and more reliable access for residents using library facilities for schoolwork, job applications, online services and other digital needs.

SmartCape provides free access to computers and the internet, while City libraries also offer digital literacy training.

“The SmartCape service was introduced in our libraries in July 2002 when we placed five computers at libraries. Since then, over the past 24 years, this programme has made a massive contribution to improving residents’ access to opportunities. We now have 560 350 registered users who use our computers to send emails, compile CVs, apply for jobs, do research for school assignments, and so forth. Registered users get 45 minutes’ free internet every day, and if you access the service with Wi-Fi you get 500MB free data every month. We are extremely proud of how this programme has evolved over two decades and the exceptional uptake from our local communities,” said the City’s Mayco Member for Corporate Services, Theresa Uys.

“For many residents, our public libraries are the gateway to opportunities. They are where learners complete schoolwork, jobseekers apply for work, entrepreneurs build businesses and residents can access important services. By upgrading 590 SmartCape computers at 50 libraries, we are making that access faster and more reliable to meet the growing demand for digital services. This investment improves overall performance, reliability and security, and enables patrons to use digital services more efficiently so library users can access the tools they need to learn, work and connect,” said Mayco Member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham.

SmartCape usage surges across libraries

SmartCape usage has surged across libraries since the hardware roll-out started, with libraries recording more than 1 000 monthly sessions including Kuyasa, Scottsdene and Nazeema Isaacs. Many libraries host more than 600 sessions for children under 12 on a monthly basis.

Last week, Delft Library was broken into and computers from both the SmartCape area and the circulation desk were stolen. These computers were relied upon by learners, jobseekers and residents accessing essential online services.

“When a library is targeted, it is not the City that suffers most – it is the community. Every stolen computer is one less opportunity for a learner to complete homework, a jobseeker to submit an application or a resident to access essential online services. We appeal to anyone with information to come forward so that these important community resources can be recovered,” added Higham.

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