Manenberg residents will get free internet access and learn computer skills as the Students Health and Welfare Centres Organisation (SHAWCO) opens a computer laboratory in the area in June.

SHAWCO, a student-run, non-governmental organisation based at UCT, received R300 000 from the Stempels Foundation to start the centre, to be housed at the Manenberg Primary School. The money went towards setting up a secure lab at the school, to be used not just by schools, but also for the centre's adult evening classes. But SHAWCO still needs to raise funds for 32 computers.

SHAWCO's executive director, Varkey George, said they decided to add the computer skills programme to empower both young and old.

"It will be a combination of getting young people skilled so they are equipped for their careers, and providing the community with access to the internet," George explains.

The organisation has been running arts and sport programmes in Manenberg for many years