At the Smart Cities Lab 2025 hosted at Wits University, Acting Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements, Tasneem Motara, delivered a keynote address outlining the province’s ambitious Smart Cities Strategy, aimed at transforming service delivery, revitalizing urban spaces, and restoring dignity for residents. The event, organised in partnership with ACSUS and Gauteng DID, gathered policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders to explore practical solutions for future-ready African cities.
MEC Motara emphasised a people-first approach, focusing on creating inclusive, resilient, and economically vibrant urban areas. Key initiatives highlighted include revitalising central business districts into economic hubs, implementing smart water and energy systems, and integrating digital tools to modernise municipal service delivery. The strategy also targets the renewal of townships and informal settlements and sets an ambitious goal of creating 100,000 jobs by 2030, prioritising youth, women, and marginalised communities.
“The Smart Cities Strategy is about shaping Africa’s urban future in a way that benefits all residents,” Motara said, underlining the province’s commitment to inclusive urban innovation and sustainable development. She further stressed that technology, combined with community engagement, will be central to building cities that are not only efficient but also socially and economically empowering.
The Smart Cities Lab 2025 serves as a forum for dialogue, showcasing concepts, practices, and implementation strategies that position Gauteng as a leader in urban transformation and smart infrastructure development across the continent.