The Smart Cape pilot project was implemented in 2002, when the city installed computers and Internet access in six libraries that primarily serve disadvantaged neighborhoods. This was the first program to bring free access to computers and the Internet to Cape Town residents and a first for South Africa.
In a city where more than 60 percent of residents have never used a computer, Smart Cape has had a tremendous response. More than 7,000 people use the computers each month.
The Smart Cape computers have made a measurable and remarkable difference in the lives of many Cape Town residents. As Smart Cape program manager Myomena Ismail notes, "Librarians are not just custodians of books. Now, they’re helping create success stories of young South Africans."
Local government, public libraries and private enterprise have formed a unique partnership to support the project. In setting up the system, the city of Cape Town supplied refurbished computers, and Xerox and CableCom Ltd. donated printers and network cables.
Smart Cape plans to use the $1 million award to install Internet terminals in all Cape Town libraries, upgrade existing equipment and implement training programs.
Lizo Thomas came to Cape Town from Johannesburg looking for work. One day, he visited the Lwandle library and discovered the computers. After logging on, he found out that the library was hiring. He used the computer to apply for the job and now works at the library where he delights in teaching others to use the computers. When asked what he likes best about his position, Thomas said, “I’m upgrading the minds of my brothers who don’t have the opportunities I’ve had. This is not only my job, it’s my passion.”
Barisha Gasnola uses the library computers with her 11-year old son, Obaidullah, while her two younger children read in the children’s section. With her son’s help, Barisha is learning to explore the Internet for the first time. “I’m looking forward to using the computer for my own interests as well as helping my children. I know there are lots of sites that will open up the world to me,” she says.
Erik Klynhout, affectionately known at the library as “Grandpa,” volunteers at the Grassy Park library every day to help others use the computers. One of many volunteers who make the Smart Cape project possible, Klynhout helps young patrons use the Internet to help with homework assignments and research health information on topics like HIV/AIDS.