The City has announced a major digital upgrade to its SmartCape programme, expanding public access to computers, internet connectivity and digital skills training across libraries and community facilities.
SmartCape provides residents with free access to computers, internet services and basic digital literacy training at facilities across the metro. As part of the latest investment, the City will upgrade SmartCape computers over the next two financial years, strengthen its public Wi-Fi network and allocate more than R15 million towards modernising IT infrastructure and equipment in municipal libraries.
The SmartCape initiative was launched in July 2002 with five computers installed at six public libraries. Today, more than 550 000 residents are registered users, with access available at 101 libraries.
The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Theresa Uys, said the upgrades would improve connectivity and access to opportunities in the digital economy. The City is also introducing faster public Wi-Fi speeds, tokenless access and expanded coverage at additional facilities.
Recent data shows strong SmartCape participation among residents aged 11 to 13 and 41 to 50. The programme has also attracted users across generations, with an 83-year-old resident among those who have completed the City’s weekly in-person digital literacy training courses.
In addition to training and internet access, SmartCape offers LAN gaming at selected facilities, providing young people with supervised opportunities to engage with technology. The City currently operates 16 gaming stations across various sites, primarily during school holiday periods.
Following general internet browsing, OpenOffice Writer remains the most commonly used application on SmartCape computers, particularly for drafting CVs and job applications. Typing tutor programmes are also widely used to improve keyboard and productivity skills.
The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham, said libraries continue to serve as essential public spaces for learning, job searching and accessing information. In the last six months of 2025, City libraries recorded nearly four million visits and welcomed more than 24 000 new members, serving over 253 000 residents.
Alongside digital upgrades, the City is investing in infrastructure improvements across its library network, including the R14.8 million expansion of the Hector Pietersen Memorial Library in Lwandle and upgrades at Khayelitsha, Brown’s Farm and Suider-Strand.
