Future Cities Africa podcast

Key Themes from the Discussion Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Stakeholder Participation Drawing from experience on cross-border projects like the Maputo Corridor, Hannes stresses that successful PPPs require early, genuine, and integrated stakeholder engagement (communities, businesses, government departments, media). It's not a one-way info dump - show willingness to adapt designs/processes based on feedback. Address "what's in it for them" (e.g., subcontracting, jobs). Harmonize legislation, operations, and processes across borders to avoid conflicts. Communities are sophisticated (including professionals like engineers/lawyers); involve them respectfully to avoid resistance. Direct, open, fact-based communication (including with media) builds the right perception and counters misinformation. Innovative Approaches for Urban Resilience and Sustainability Africa's rapid urbanization and congestion create big opportunities for smarter transport solutions. Tolcon is evolving beyond traditional tolls/weighbridges/ITS to address emerging needs via its renewable energy and software companies. Key innovations highlighted: Smart tolling (satellite-based, multi-lane free-flow, congestion/time-based pricing). Integration with navigation apps (e.g., Google Maps/Waze) for incentives to avoid peak congestion. Intelligent traffic management (adaptive traffic lights using real-time data). These reduce unnecessary congestion, improve efficiency, and help make cities more competitive and sustainable while tackling infrastructure funding gaps. Lessons for Future Urban Projects Proper project preparation is essential (feasibility studies, traffic/environmental assessments) to attract funders. Strong project structure: Harmonize cross-border elements and create unified implementing authorities where possible (as in Maputo Corridor). Prioritize local involvement for equitable benefits - make communities feel ownership, create jobs, and build local capacity rather than relying on external firms that "build and leave." Tolcon's Excitement and Future Role Hannes is optimistic about growing government willingness across Africa to develop infrastructure and close the competitiveness gap. Tolcon wants to contribute by: Leveraging its deep African understanding and experience. Delivering sustainable solutions with skill transfer, local employment/contractor use, and training - so countries become self-reliant. Avoiding dependency; aim for projects where locals can operate independently after Tolcon exits. This supports job creation, economic development, connected cities, and scalable transport corridors/urban mobility solutions. The company is eager to participate in the expanding pipeline of African projects, especially ahead of events like Infrastructure Africa 2026. Overview of Tolcon Group Tolcon Group is a leading South African provider of transport infrastructure management services, operating since 1985 as an ISO-accredited company. It consists of six operating companies and specializes in: Toll and weighbridge operations and maintenance Freeway/intelligent transport systems Route management and routine road maintenance Toll system development and supply Additional areas like renewable energy (solar) solutions, software development, and specialist electrical installations The company has 40 years of experience in South Africa (e.g., managing contracts for SANRAL and private concessionaires) and is expanding into Africa, with an established presence in Zambia and active exploration in countries like Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda. Tolcon positions itself as a trusted, integrity-driven African partner focused on sustainable growth, not just short-term projects.

Dive into the movement flipping Johannesburg's story from 'the city is finished' to 'watch this space'. In just two years Jozi My Jozi has lit up bridges, cleaned streets, built a full-size inner-city football field and signed a deal to revive the High Court precinct, all powered by citizens and smart partnerships. Guest: Innocent Mabusela, Head of Stakeholder Relations and Communication at Jozi My Jozi Host: Dan Claassen, Managing Director, Future Cities Africa

Welcome to the Local Government Innovation Series on Future Cities Africa, presented by Business Engineering. Explore how Swartland Municipality keeps topping national rankings for financial sustainability, ease of doing business, and digital innovation - from launching South Africa's first 'IDP in Your Pocket', to paperless land-use and building-plan portals that unlock rapid development, to turning a devastating 2020 ransomware attack into even stronger systems. Swartland is proof that a small municipality can lead the way. Guests from Swartland Local Municipality Joggie Scholtz - Municipal Manager Alwyn Zaayman - Senior Manager: Development Management Olivia Fransman - Senior Manager: Strategic Services Host Dan Claassen, Managing Director, Future Cities Africa

Dive in to what rapid urbanisation actually looks like on the ground: from the unique challenges of a 30-year-old democracy and a super-young population, to smarter-city solutions that actually work, future-proof planning, and how to deliver services to millions while building climate resilience – without bankrupting municipalities or repeating yesterday's mistakes.

Dan Claassen sits down with Bronwyn Williams, co-author of the explosive new book Survive the AI Apocalypse: A Guide for Solutionists. It calls the next decade a full-on reset: jobs evaporating, deepfakes everywhere, every old life script burnt to the ground… and a supernova of brand-new choices exploding open. A lot of people are freaking out – but what if this great shrinkage is actually our continent's biggest breakout moment ever?
 Bronwyn's here to flip the fear into firepower.  Five hard hitting questions: from turning panic into solutionist superpowers, to building future African cities where humans and AI amplify each other instead of one wiping out the other.

Presented by Business Engineering Guest: Dawie de Jager, Deputy Municipal Manager, Kouga Local Municipality Episode Focus: How Kouga went from financial distress in 2016 to becoming the best-performing municipality in the Eastern Cape (2025 SAPOA | Ratings Africa Awards) and achieving repeated clean audits. Key Takeaways: Turnaround Foundation (2016 onwards) Clean, ethical governance and strict financial discipline were non-negotiable Appointed competent, ethical people despite salary-cap challenges Strong consequence management for fraud and unethical behaviour Excellent CFOs enforced compliance with the MFMA led to Kouga's first clean audit and continuous improvement Performance Management & Oversight Cascaded performance agreements from top to bottom Introduced Ignite system with monthly tracking and live dashboards Strong political-administrative alignment and council oversight Infrastructure & Visible Results Fixed dilapidated bulk water & wastewater treatment works (e.g., state-of-the-art upgrades at KwaNomzamo) Massive road resealing program (targeting 71% of roads) + new gravel-to-tar projects Innovation in Service Delivery Smart technology on suction tankers, smart metering pilots, upgraded wastewater plants Central incident management system: call centre - job dispatch - photo proof - SMS notification - customer rates the service Ward-based WhatsApp groups, multilingual communication, online building-plan submissions Digital Transformation (Collaborator & Beyond) Collaborator platform streamlined document management, policy reviews, council resolutions, and agenda preparation PowerBI service-delivery dashboards give real-time ward-level insights Early AI exploration: internal search on documents, future WhatsApp AI assistant (with caution) Future Outlook Balancing cutting-edge tech with the human touch South Africans still value Embracing AI and smart tools proactively 'so we are not left behind' Kouga's success recipe = ethical leadership + financial discipline + competent people + smart digital systems that make governance and service delivery transparent, fast, and accountable. A standout example for local government in South Africa.

Dive into the impactful corporate social responsibility initiatives of the Sanlam Foundation. This episode explores how Sanlam Foundation drives social and economic change through education, enterprise development, and financial literacy, while addressing challenges and fostering sustainable outcomes in urban nodes like Bellville. Presented by the Greater Tygerberg Partnership, my guest in this episode is with Ray-ann Sedres, Head of Sanlam Foundation.

His Worship, Councillor, Prince, Thuso Moyo, Mayor of City of Victoria Falls, outlines the city's post-2020 infrastructure upgrades, community-driven tourism recovery strategies, robust digital platforms for transparent service delivery, and promising opportunities for partnerships to build a smart, green city by 2030. The city, upgraded from town status in 2020, has launched a US$15 million WASH project—raising US$4.5 million through stands sales—to construct 5 million and 750,000-liter water reservoirs, improving supply despite infrastructure lags.  Tourism, employing 90% of residents, suffered severe COVID-19 setbacks with business closures, prompting strategies like small business stands in areas like Kishasa, youth skills training to curb substance abuse, and support for vulnerable groups. Digital transformation is central to enhancing transparency, efficiency, and global accessibility: leveraging platforms like Facebook (for live-streaming updates), WhatsApp, Twitter, TikTok, a chatbot, and website for resident engagement; enabling seamless online payments via EcoCash and internet banking; and allowing remote applications for housing, tenders, and licenses - even for diaspora residents. A dedicated new planning department and submitted master plan further embed initiatives like digital signages, positioning the city as a tech-forward hub to attract international investors and streamline operations toward sustainability goals.  Partnerships with NGOs like PRI for city cleaning and MOUs with community leaders advance the 2030 vision of a smart green city - the cleanest by then -fostering investments like four to five new hotels.  Challenges include bureaucratic delays in ministry approvals, but no major political instability; the peaceful environment attracts global tourists and funds, prioritising tourism as one of Africa's seven wonders.

We discuss key initiatives driving change, including improving financial management and assurance in municipalities, prioritising performance management, advancing professionalisation, enhancing policy implementation, promoting sustainable change, and how the annual Local Government Conversations webinar series by Future Cities Africa fosters collaboration and improves municipal practices.

Uncover key lessons from Harare's growth and the role of ordinary people in driving urban change. My guest today is Davison Muchadenyika, Senior Urban Specialist at the World Bank Group and author of The Making of an African City. He's worked with many governments across Africa to build sustainable, inclusive cities.

Welcome to the Local Government Innovation Series on Future Cities Africa, presented by Business Engineering. Mayor Ralph Nyasha Maoneyi of Kariba Municipality, Zimbabwe, introduces Kariba as a tourism-driven town with a rich history linked to the Kariba Dam. He discusses key service delivery initiatives, including the Polyclinic and school expansions, challenged by only 12% devolution fund disbursements, leading to local resource reliance. The economic downturn and tourism decline are tackled with a revival strategy focusing on airport upgrades, road rehabilitation, and private-sector-led accommodation and adventure zones. Digitally, Kariba innovates with a chatbot for complaints or requests, a GIS system for mapping, and a housing module for profiling, boosting transparency and planning. Looking ahead, Maoneyi sees opportunities in water, energy partnerships, investment, and city-to-city diplomacy for smart, sustainable growth.

Bellville's vibrant informal food market showcases its vital role in South Africa's informal economy as we, presented by the Greater Tygerberg Partnership, explore traders' challenges and innovative solutions like trading prototypes to create a scalable urban trading model. Presented by the Greater Tygerberg Partnership Episode Guests Rirhandzu Marivate, Programs Manager at the South African Urban Food and Farming Trust Jacqui Samson, professional planner and owner of J Samson Consultancy. Episode Summary The episode highlights Bellville as Cape Town's second-largest CBD and a major transport interchange, attracting over 90,000 daily commuters. This bustling hub fosters a vibrant informal food trading system that provides accessible, culturally diverse food options, enhancing food security for residents and commuters. The market's informal traders form a symbiotic relationship with the formal retail sector, creating a dynamic supply-and-demand network that supports local businesses and commuters alike. Key challenges for traders include inadequate infrastructure (e.g., lack of storage, electricity, and sanitation), safety concerns, and cumbersome permitting processes. The AfriFoodLinks project, in collaboration with the Greater Tygerberg Partnership, is addressing these through innovative solutions like prototyping food vending structures, improving waste management with black soldier fly facilities, and introducing capacity-building programs for food safety compliance. These initiatives aim to create dignified, hygienic, and sustainable trading environments. The discussion also covers urban planning's role in integrating innovations like cashless systems, mobile trading structures, and enhanced waste management to support traders. The Greater Tygerberg Partnership's market management model and sustainability efforts, such as organic waste processing for composting, aim to empower traders to adopt greener practices. Co-design with vendors ensures these solutions are contextually appropriate, fostering trust and community ownership. The episode concludes with reflections on the informal economy's social ecosystem, where traders operate with a "social license" despite regulatory challenges. The Greater Tygerberg Partnership's goal to become a knowledge hub offers a scalable model for supporting informal traders across South African cities, emphasising technology (e.g., e-services, AI, and Wi-Fi access) and stakeholder collaboration to enhance business operations and urban resilience.

Welcome to the Local Government Innovation Series on Future Cities Africa, presented by Business Engineering. Nestled in the heart of Namaqualand, Kamiesberg is addressing rural challenges with innovative strategies, blending digital advancements and community-driven solutions. Let's dive into their journey of transformation, service delivery, and community connection!  

Welcome to another insightful episode on Future Cities Africa. In this episode we'll explore Our Future Cities's Framework for Great Places, shaping vibrant, equitable African cities through place-led development. We cover its core components, real-world applications, community co-creation, policy influence, global insights, and a bold vision for Africa's urban future. Rashiq Fataar, CEO of Our Future Cities, discusses the organisation's framework for creating vibrant, equitable African cities through place-led development. The framework consists of four core components: Place of Mind (functional spaces like transport hubs), Place of Heart (emotionally significant places), Design and Function (practical elements like seating and Wi-Fi), and People and Stewardship (active community involvement and management). These elements must work together, underpinned by an understanding of societal context, to create meaningful urban spaces. Rashiq shares real-world applications, such as the Regent Road project in Sea Point, where the framework revealed a need to enhance the "place of heart" despite strong design and function. He also highlights the role of informality as a strength in African cities, citing examples like vibrant informal markets and a drug harm reduction center in Durban that naturally became a placemaking hub. The framework informs policy advocacy by demonstrating practical solutions, such as pedestrian crossing art in Cape Town to improve safety, though Rashiq notes South Africa still lacks place-led thinking at a national level. Global insights from cities like Torino and New York have shaped the framework, emphasising the importance of density and quality public spaces, but it remains tailored to African contexts by starting with local societal conditions. Looking ahead, Rashiq envisions African cities evolving through inclusive placemaking, urging stakeholders to make placemaking "everyone's work" and foster unusual collaborations to empower communities. The episode underscores the need for a holistic, community-driven approach to urban development in Africa.

Introduction In this episode of the 'Local Government Innovation Series', the deputy Municipal Manager and ICT Manager of Kouga Municipality discuss their digital transformation journey, emphasising leadership strategies and improved service delivery. Episode Overview Welcome to the Local Government Innovation Series on Future Cities Africa, presented by Business Engineering. Over the past 18 months, Kouga has revolutionised its IT environment by adopting innovative technologies like drones for community safety, electronic bulk meter reading for electricity, and the Collaborator platform for document and policy management. These tools have improved transparency, service delivery, and operational efficiency. Key initiatives include a new customer care system with WhatsApp integration, live service delivery dashboards, and digitised processes for building plans and GIS functions. The municipality has also prioritised cybersecurity and embraced AI to enhance data accessibility. Leadership strategies focus on openness, with the mayor engaging the public through regular feedback sessions and live-streamed council meetings. Despite challenges like change management and data integrity, Kouga is committed to a citizen-centric approach, ensuring inclusivity and trust through proactive, technology-driven governance.

In this episode of the 'Local Government Innovation Series', Mayor Trevino Forbes of Walvis Bay Municipality shares how they're turning urban challenges into opportunities through sustainable development, digital transformation, and innovative governance strategies. Episode Overview: Welcome to the Local Government Innovation Series on Future Cities Africa, presented by Business Engineering. In this episode, Mayor Trevino Forbes of Walvis Bay Municipality discusses how the municipality is addressing urban challenges through innovative and sustainable initiatives. Key highlights include the launch of a pilot green hydrogen plant aimed at powering clean cooking and transport fuel in the new Green Valley suburb. This suburb is part of a broader effort to decongest densely populated areas and create a climate-resilient community. Additionally, the municipality is partnering with entities to explore waste-to-energy solutions at its landfill site. Mayor Forbes emphasises efforts to enhance service delivery despite challenges like the absence of a CEO (now resolved) and strained infrastructure, such as roads impacted by unusual rainfall in the desert town. A stormwater study has informed plans to integrate drainage systems into new developments. Community engagement is a priority, with open-door policies, WhatsApp channels, and public meetings ensuring residents' voices shape governance and budgeting. While digital transformation is currently limited, the municipality aims to automate processes and reduce paper reliance in its upcoming budget. Looking forward, Mayor Forbes sees opportunities in fostering an investment-friendly environment, twinning with regions like the Western Cape, and exploring water security and renewable energy solutions like desalination and solar power to position Walvis Bay as a leader in sustainable urban progress.  

'Pioneering a Greener Future: Inside Atlantis Special Economic Zone's Vision for Sustainable Industry and Inclusive Growth' is a special two-part series where we explore the future of green manufacturing and sustainable investment in Africa. Series  Overview: In this series, we dive into Atlantis SEZ's bold vision for the green economy and uncover how it's building a resilient ecosystem for investors and industries alike. We examine how this unique zone empowers green industries, supports ESG goals, and drives skills development for an inclusive, sustainable future.  Whether you're an investor, a manufacturer, or a change-maker, discover how Atlantis SEZ is redefining industrial growth in Africa.  Episode Guest: Selwyn Willoughby, Executive: Integrated Ecosystem at Atlantis Special Economic Zone

'Pioneering a Greener Future: Inside Atlantis Special Economic Zone's Vision for Sustainable Industry and Inclusive Growth' is a special two-part series where we explore the future of green manufacturing and sustainable investment in Africa. Series  Overview: In this series, we dive into Atlantis SEZ's bold vision for the green economy and uncover how it's building a resilient ecosystem for investors and industries alike. We examine how this unique zone empowers green industries, supports ESG goals, and drives skills development for an inclusive, sustainable future.  Whether you're an investor, a manufacturer, or a change-maker, discover how Atlantis SEZ is redefining industrial growth in Africa.  Episode Guest: Matthew Cullinan, Chief Executive Officer at Atlantis Special Economic Zone

Cape Town is a thriving green economy innovation hub. The city includes and is surrounded by a range of role players actively participating in green innovation and climate resilience. Cape Town is a hub for green businesses, from renewable energy to sustainable tourism. The city has built a supportive ecosystem and offers access to a growing local market. Cape Town's universities, research institutions, and private sector are driving cutting-edge solutions in cleantech. This episode is part of the "Invest in climate secure Cape Town series", a two-part series supported by the City of Cape Town Department of Enterprise & Investment, produced in partnership with City of Cape Town Risk and Resilience Department in the Future Planning and Resilience Directorate and GreenCape, featuring Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, City of Cape Town.

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a key policy tool that forms part of the European Green Deal (EGD) to reduce net GHG emissions across Europe and abroad. Within this context, CBAM can be defined as a carbon border tax on embedded GHG emissions of carbon-intensive products imported into the EU, also from SA. It can be viewed as an opportunity to drive local businesses towards greater economic resilience and green innovation. In this series, we will unpack its implications on business, building business resilience, key opportunities, where to find support, and much more. This episode is part of the "Preparing Western Cape businesses for CBAM challenges and opportunities", a three-part series supported by the Western Cape Government Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, produced in partnership with GreenCape, featuring Karen Bosman, Head: Advocacy & Advisory, Wesgro.