Free Computer and Internet Access - Thanks to City's Smart Cape Access Project

A public access point has been opened in the foyer of the 44 Wale Street building. Five computers have been installed which can be used by anyone for up to forty-five minutes per day. The computers can be used to surf the internet, and every user gets a free e-mail account.

All media are invited to the opening of the Smart Cape Access Point where Councillor Belinda Walker, Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services and Human Resources, will officiate. Details are as follows:

DATE: Wednesday, 14 November 2007
TIME: 12:00
VENUE: 44 Wale Street, Cape Town

"Since we launched the Smart Cape Access Project in 2002, over one hundred thousand people have made use of the computers installed in Cape Town's public libraries" says Nirvesh Sooful, the City's Chief Information Officer. "This is our first move to expand computer access to other public buildings, so that more people can gain experience of computer use. We hope that workers and residents in Cape Town's CBD will find this new facility useful".

The City's e-governance strategy is built around three activities: giving people access to computers, helping them develop the skills to use them, and providing on-line information that is useful and relevant to local people. "Our Library Access Points and Digital Business Centres are still only reaching a small proportion of the residents of our city," says Sooful. If people are to get computer experience - which is a vital skill for employment in the modern economy - then we need to build more facilities like this one." The computers highlight websites that feature local businesses and communities.

The 44 Wale Street building - in the heart of the Cape Town CBD, opposite the Provincial Government buildings on the corner of Long Street - housed the offices of the former Cape Metropolitan Council. The building is now used by departments of the City administration. The foyer area has been converted into a large public space with information and displays covering a range of City services, as well as the Smart Cape computers.

The Access Point will initially be open Monday - Friday from 09:00 through to 16:00.

Issued by:
Lisle Brown
Media Liaison Officer
Tel: 021 400 3065
Cell: 084 888 1901

Communication
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 400 2201

Media Queries:
Douglas Gelderbloem
Manager: E-Governance
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 400 1626
Cell: 084 711 77