Cape Town: City’s SmartCape is all set to increase digital literacy and skills for Capetonians. The Information Systems and Technology (IS&T) Department of the City of Cape Town is pleased to announce a major digital boost to its already thriving SmartCape digital access and literacy programme.
SmartCape provides residents free access to computers, internet connectivity and basic digital skills training at public libraries and community facilities across the city. As part of this investment, the City of Cape Town will upgrade SmartCape computers, and will strengthen its public Wi-Fi network, by allocating over R15 million towards modernising IT infrastructure and equipment in City libraries to ensure that the residents have access to reliable, up-to-date digital resources.
The SmartCape programme was initiated in July 2002 with five computers that were deployed at six public libraries across the City.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Corporate Services – Alderman Theresa Uys stated that over 550,000 people are registered SmartCape users across the city. At 101 libraries, residents can use computers to browse the internet, create documents such as CVs and improve typing skills. These SmartCape computers will be upgraded over the next two financial years.
The City of Cape Town is also improving public Wi-Fi, with faster speeds and tokenless access coming soon, plus which will also expand Wi-Fi coverage across more City facilities. Uys added that these upgrades will help the residents to connect, learn and access opportunities in the digital world.
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.
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.
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham stated that the Cape Town’s libraries are some of the most important public spaces in the communities. Every day, residents use them to study, search for jobs, access information and connect to opportunities. That’s why the rollout of high-speed WiFi and SmartCape upgrades across the facilities is so important.
Higham added that the demand for these services is clear. In the last six months of 2025, the libraries recorded nearly four million visits, welcomed over 24,000 new members, and now serve over 253,000 residents.
The City of Cape Town is further investing in modernising its library network. In the current financial year, over R15 million has been allocated to upgrade IT infrastructure and equipment across the libraries. Infrastructure investments are also being made and already includes the R14.8 million expansion of the Hector Pietersen Memorial Library in Lwandle and upgrades at Khayelitsha, Brown’s Farm and Suider-Strand.