Two new cities for South Africa? Here’s what you need to know

What’s this, two new cities for South Africa? Plans are being implemented as the country begins development on these two new cities. Here’s what you need to know.

Slowly but surely, Cyril Ramaphosa’s vision for South Africa is coming into focus. The president had previously been derided as a ‘dreamer’ for targeting the development of new cities in Mzansi, despite the obvious challenges facing our existing ones. However, we now have lift off on two groundbreaking developments.

WHY SOUTH AFRICA IS BUILDING NEW CITIES…

The ambition for these new cities is to reverse the legacy of apartheid and its spatial planning. Many of our poorer citizens live dozens of miles away from CBDs, in cramped housing settlements.

Building a bustling urban conurbation from scratch gives the government a chance to create something that is fit for purpose in our democratic era. It may have taken almost three decades, but the ANC is now steaming ahead with these projects – which have the potential to create a flurry of jobs and housing alternatives.

WHERE ARE SOUTH AFRICA’S TWO NEW CITIES BEING BUILT?

AFRICAN COASTAL SMART CITY, EASTERN CAPE:

A ‘smart city’ is set to break new ground on the Wild Coast. Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane confirmed during his recent State of the Province Address that the project is ‘gaining momentum’, and the construction of this unnamed location has the potential to draw major investment to the region.

This new city will be based between Port St. John’s in the Eastern Cape, and Margate in KZN. The development is still in the planning phase, but it’s expected to get off the ground soon, given the opportunities a brand new coastal hub could provide. As far as the ANC is concerned, they’re sitting on a banker…

NKOSI CITY, MPUMALANGA:

Development could start as early as June 2022 on this so-called ‘agri-city’, which boasts an urban design based on a farming economy. Green energy will power most of Nkosi City, and it will be home to about 3 500 individual living spaces. Office blocks, schools, and even a new hospital are at the heart of the project.

The second of our two new cities is slated to be in the Pienaar region of Mpumalanga. To the west, there is the well-frequented Mpumalanga International Airport, and to the east, Kruger National Park sits on the doorstep.

By: Tom Head

ALSO READ: Get back to nature in Gqeberha: Four things to do