Cape Town’s history is no longer being preserved only on ageing paper tucked away in archive rooms. Instead, the City is embracing modern technology to safeguard more than a century and a half of historical records while making them easier for future generations to explore, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The latest investment includes specialised scanning equipment, a growing digitisation programme and the development of an online eHeritage Information Management System that is expected to give residents greater access to the city’s historical collections by July 2027.
The initiative was recently showcased during a visit by the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Alderman Theresa Uys, to the Environmental Heritage Resources Information Centre (EHRIC) in Wale Street.
Protecting Cape Town’s story
From historic maps and building plans to newspaper archives and mayoral records, EHRIC houses one of Cape Town’s most significant documentary collections, capturing more than 160 years of the city’s development.
According to the City, preserving these records has become increasingly important as many of the original documents are fragile and can no longer withstand regular handling.
To help protect them, the City has introduced two specialised scanners. A Bookeye 5 scanner is being used to digitise delicate books, bound volumes and historical newspaper collections dating back to the late 1800s, while a ROWE large-format scanner is preserving oversized building plans, maps and other archival material.
Many historical maps are already available through the City’s online CityMap Viewer, with the future eHeritage platform expected to expand public access to photographs, research reports, declaration notices, building plans and other heritage records.
Interns helping preserve local history
The project is also creating valuable workplace experience for young professionals.
Four interns who joined the Environmental Management department earlier this year are assisting with cataloguing historical material, digitising property valuation records known as the ‘Yellow Pages‘, capturing information for heritage databases and scanning archival documents.
During her visit, Alderman Uys also met Khanyiswa Mahambehlala, who previously joined the City through its Corporate Services internship programme before securing a permanent position.
She said she was encouraged to see interns gaining practical experience while contributing to work that helps preserve Cape Town’s heritage for future generations.
Why digitisation matters
Around the world, archives are increasingly turning to digitisation to protect irreplaceable historical records from damage caused by age, handling and environmental factors.
For Cape Town residents, improved digital access could also make it easier for researchers, students, property owners, historians and anyone curious about the city’s past to explore documents that were previously difficult to access.
As cities continue to modernise, projects like this ensure that the stories, maps and records that shaped Cape Town are preserved not only in carefully protected archive rooms, but also in digital form where they can continue to educate and inspire future generations.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
Hanover Park Urban Outreach Concert celebrates local talent in Cape Town
Picture: Andrew Neel / Unsplash
