South Africa has kicked off the development of a groundbreaking smart city known as Westown in Shongweni, near Durban, with the first phase commencing on March 27, 2025. This ambitious project is expected to attract around R15 billion ($822 million) in private-sector investments over the next decade to fifteen years, with the potential to create over 23,000 jobs in the region.
The initial phase of Westown will involve the construction of retail spaces, residential units, and healthcare facilities strategically positioned near Hillcrest, just off the N3 highway. This development is aimed at bolstering the area’s infrastructure and providing essential services to the local community. The planning for this project started 15 years ago, as mentioned by Themba Masimula, the senior project manager from the eThekwini Municipality’s Catalytic Projects Unit.
The primary objective of the Westown project is to transform the development trajectory of the region, fostering economic growth and urban revitalization. This initiative is part of South Africa’s broader strategy to establish smart cities that integrate advanced technologies and sustainable practices to enhance urban living conditions. Similar projects like the Nkuna Smart City in Limpopo have been launched to stimulate local economies and create employment opportunities.
The Shongweni smart city project reflects the government’s dedication to harnessing technological innovation and strategic planning to tackle urbanization challenges and promote inclusive economic development. While the current focus is on Shongweni, the vision extends far beyond, with the South African government planning similar smart city developments in Gauteng and Limpopo provinces.
These developments typically involve collaborations between governments and technology firms to implement advanced infrastructure and intelligent systems. For example, Lagos State in Nigeria has partnered with Huawei Technologies to deploy Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) to improve traffic management and road safety. Similarly, Zimbabwe has introduced an AI-driven traffic management system in Harare to optimize traffic flow and reduce accidents.
As South Africa embarks on the Westown smart city project, it aligns with a continental trend towards integrating technology into urban development. This initiative signifies a collective effort by African nations to invest in intelligent infrastructure, creating sustainable, efficient, and livable urban environments. The development of Westown in Shongweni is a significant step towards realizing a futuristic and technologically advanced urban landscape in South Africa.
