The City of Cape Town is investing in faster and more reliable digital access by upgrading 590 SmartCape computers at 50 public libraries across the town. The project is being implemented by the Information Systems and Technology Department. It will, over time, see a technology refresh of all of the SmartCape computers at all the City libraries.
Another 379 computers will be upgraded in future. The 590 computers that have been upgraded already 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.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Corporate Services – Alderman Theresa Uys stated that the SmartCape service was introduced in the libraries in July 2002 when they placed five computers at libraries. Since then and over the past 24 years, this programme has made a massive contribution in improving residents’ access to opportunities.
According Uys, they now have 560,350 registered users who use the 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 WiFi you get 500MB free data every month.
They are extremely proud of how this programme has evolved over two decades and the exceptional uptake from the local communities.
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham stated that for many residents, the 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, they are making that access faster and more reliable to meet the growing demand for digital services. This investment improves overall performance, reliability, security and enables patrons to access digital services more efficiently so that the library users can access the tools they need to learn, work and connect.
Reportedly, SmartCape usage has surged across libraries since the hardware roll-out started and libraries recorded over 1000 monthly sessions including Kuyasa, Scottsdene and Nazeema Isaacs. Many libraries host over 600 sessions for children under the age of 12 on a monthly basis.
Earlier this 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.
Cllr Higham further added that when a library is targeted, it is not the city that suffers the 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. The team appealed that anyone with information must come forward so that these important community resources can be recovered.
The City of Cape Town remained committed to investing in modern, accessible library services that help in bridging the digital divide and create opportunities for residents across Cape Town.