Polokwane's Vision 2030 was launched to guide the city's long-term development with the vision aiming to transform Polokwane into a modern smart city.
Members of the mayoral committee of the Polokwane Municipality gathered in Mookgophong last Monday for a two-day Mayco strategic session where municipal manager Thuso Nemugumoni presented a clear vision for the future of Polokwane.
The presentation highlighted both the city’s opportunities and challenges as it moves toward its ambitious Vision 2030 goals.
Nemugumoni emphasised that Polokwane is more than just the capital city of Limpopo: “It is the economic centre of the province. With its strategic position in the Capricorn District and its access to the N1 highway connecting South Africa to Zimbabwe and beyond, Polokwane is a vital gateway to the rest of Africa. Rapid population growth, however, now being one of the top 10 biggest populous cities in the country according to StatsSA, is placing significant pressure on infrastructure and service,” the municipal manager said.
She went on to say that the increase in population and households is challenging the local authority’s ability to deliver key services.
“We must prioritise innovation and sustainable practices to keep up with these demands,” Nemugumoni believes.
Polokwane’s Vision 2030 was launched to guide the city’s long-term development. Introduced in 2012/13 and driven by the Economic Growth and Development Plan (EGDP), the vision aims to transform Polokwane into a modern smart city. This involves integrating advanced technology, boosting service efficiency and improving quality of life.
“The Smart City concept acts as a guiding light, helping us become leaders in the knowledge economy not just in Limpopo, but across South Africa,” the municipal manager said and added that the vision is supported by six key areas: Smart Economy, Smart Environment, Smart Governance, Smart Living, Smart Mobility and Smart People. Each of these pillars aims to support progress and create a better, more connected city.
“The path forward is not without challenges. Polokwane faces notable service delivery issues, with significant backlogs in water, sanitation, and road infrastructure. For example, only 19.6% of the city’s roads are in good condition, while water service issues impact over 52 000 households, however, Nemugumoni was transparent about these difficulties. “Our old infrastructure and limited resources require creative solutions and strong partnerships. If we don’t act quickly, we risk being left behind.”
Nemugumoni said that, despite these challenges, the city has made important progress by, among others, developing e-Governance systems to improve transparency and efficiency, using alternative technologies to help clear service backlogs, smart metering to modernise energy systems and reduce theft and loss and steps forward with the Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network (IRPTN) and new public-private partnerships to support economic growth.
Nemugumoni’s presentation emphasised that building the Polokwane of tomorrow will require a joint effort from government, business and residents. She urged: “Creating a strong and innovative city is not something we can do alone. It needs everyone’s commitment and participation.”
Mpe delivering closing remarks that echo with direction and determination, “the tone is set for a bold way forward”.
“This session is not just a meeting, it is a launchpad, propelling Polokwane to the strategic forefront of the nation. Polokwane’s growth is not just a chapter in the province’s story; it is the plot twist that promises to reshape the future of Limpopo. Ready or not, the city is on the move and its next stop? The fast lane to progress,” Mpe said and concluded with: “This journey is only just beginning.”
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Barry Viljoen
Quelle/Source: Review Observer, 23.11.2024
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