The South African government has approved ZAR50 million in grant funding for a smart city valued at an estimated ZAR1.5 billion.

This was announced by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) at the official launch of the Nkuna City project, which will be built at Limpopo’s Nkunzana village. According to a dtic press release, the initiative aims to integrate business, retail, commercial, industrial, hospitality and residential land uses.

The grant forms part of the government’s Critical Infrastructure programme, which focuses on the construction of bulk infrastructure, road upgrades, sewer treatment plants, bulk electricity and fibre connections. Through collaboration with municipalities, the programme aims to enable economic activity and attract investment.

Nomalungelo Gina, dtic Deputy Minister, says that investment in the Nkuna City project will create about 8 250 construction jobs and 6 230 permanent direct jobs.

12 October 2021
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