In a major step forward for digital inclusion, Snapplify has been awarded the tender by the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture to roll out a province-wide digital library and e-lending platform over the next 36 months. This project, secured under tender number SCMU14:25/26-0001, represents not only a new chapter for readers in the Eastern Cape, but a deepening of Snapplify’s growing partnership with government to improve access to knowledge and education in South Africa.
Bringing Books to Everyone, Anywhere
For communities across the province — from urban townships to rural villages — this initiative means that thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, newspapers and magazines will soon be just a few taps away. Whether using a smartphone, tablet or desktop computer, Eastern Cape residents will be able to read in their own time, in their own language, and without needing to visit a physical library. The platform supports low-data access, offline reading and local-language content — ensuring accessibility for all.
A Growing National Footprint in Public Sector Education
This tender win adds to a long line of active government partnerships Snapplify is delivering nationwide – positioning the company as a trusted education technology provider across departments and provinces.
In the Eastern Cape alone, Snapplify is already working closely with the Department of Education to deliver digital identities for every student and teacher in the province, as well as providing access to learning platforms and a full digital library to every school. This latest award from the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture now extends that digital access beyond schools – reaching the broader public.
It’s a model that has already shown real-world impact in other provinces. In Mpumalanga, Snapplify has partnered with both the Department of Education and the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture. With the Department of Education, Snapplify is providing schools with educational digital content and tools, while the provincial DSRAC has launched a community-wide public digital library – already live and delivering free access to books for thousands.
Elsewhere, in the Free State, the Department of Education is working with Snapplify to provide digital identities and access to libraries and platforms for every school in the province. In Gauteng, Snapplify supports the provincial education department by supplying e-textbooks to all schools, ensuring every learner has the resources they need to succeed.
AI for Literacy and Learning
At the heart of these partnerships is a shared vision: creating more equitable access to education through technology. The Eastern Cape project goes further by introducing Book Buddy – Snapplify’s AI-powered reading assistant. For the first time, readers will not only be able to borrow books digitally, but interact with them. Book Buddy can answer questions about a book’s content, generate summaries and quizzes, support revision, and explain difficult concepts – all in the reader’s chosen language. It’s a learning companion designed to empower students, parents and lifelong learners alike.
A Shared Vision for Inclusive Education
“Government partners across the country are recognising that access to books and knowledge must be both inclusive and digital,” said Wesley Lynch, Snapplify CEO. “This latest tender award is a reflection of the trust placed in us - and a vote of confidence in how we’re helping build a more accessible education ecosystem for South Africa.”
The Eastern Cape digital library project will be launched soon, with updates shared on the Snapplify education site. From school learners to public library users, the rollout will ensure that no one is left behind in the shift to digital.
