Building Smart Cities Booklet Web

13 Unemployment

This Gauteng City Region (GCR) Smart Cities Strategy, developed by the Gauteng Infrastructure Financing Agency (GIFA), the Department of Infrastructure Development (DID), and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), responds to the Premier’s directive. It aligns with the collective vision of transforming Gauteng into an integrated, innovative, and sustainable smart city region, while fulfilling the aspirations of its people and driving economic growth. Gauteng Province, South Africa’s economic powerhouse, contributes approximately 35% of the national GDP and nearly 40% of the country’s industrial output. Despite being the smallest province by land area (1.5% of South Africa’s total landmass), it is home to nearly 16 million people, making it the most densely populated region in the country. Rapid urbanisation, driven by population growth and economic expansion, presents both opportunities and challenges. The vision is to transform Gauteng into a 3-trillion-rand economy by leveraging world-class planning, governance, and economic strategies.

The Gauteng City Region (GCR) extends beyond provincial borders to include economically linked areas such as Rustenburg, Sasolburg, and KwaMhlanga, forming a single interconnected economic ecosystem. This strategy proposes treating the GCR as a unified entity to harness its full economic potential, streamline governance, and leverage regional synergies for sustainable growth. The Gauteng City Region Smart Cities Strategy outlines a vision for transforming Gauteng into a globally competitive smart city region. By integrating advanced technologies, fostering economic development, and enhancing human capital, the strategy aims to create a digitally connected, resilient, and inclusive urban environment. Key challenges are addressed through the 10 strategic interventions. A robust monitoring and evaluation framework ensures progress tracking, impact assessment, and timely interventions. By aligning with international best practices, this strategy positions Gauteng as a leading global economic and technological hub.2.0

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