The City of Johannesburg (COJ) has set its sights on using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve service delivery in South Africa’s economic hub.
This was revealed yesterday by Joburg executive mayor Dada Morero, when he delivered the State of the City Address.
In his speech, Morero also said the COJ is looking to support the Lanseria Smart City Programme to boost the city’s economy.
Read more: ZA: Joburg mayor eyes AI to boost service delivery
South Africa is experiencing a significant IT skills shortage, jeopardising its digital transformation and economic growth. Essential fields such as cybersecurity, data analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and software development are notably impacted, revealing a deficit of 20 000 to 70 000 qualified professionals.
This significant shortage of IT skills affects not only business operations but the market as a whole. Globally, the IT industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors, and for a country like South Africa, which is still in its development phase, keeping up with global standards is a significant challenge.
Read more: Is South Africa's IT skills shortage hindering digital transformation?
The launch of FNB’s new online toll solution is helping to advance smart city mobility by streamlining toll road payments and reducing fraud. Traditional toll payment methods were inconvenient and vulnerable to abuse, but this innovative system enhances security, curbs fraud, and supports safer, more efficient travel for South African motorists.
FNB’s new online toll solution overcomes the vulnerabilities of traditional systems by processing EMV chip card payments — credit or debit cards with embedded microchips for added security — instantly through an online platform. This solution not only enhances security but also reduces fraud risk, as users retain possession of their cards or devices during the transaction.
Read more: ZA: Smart city infrastructure gets a boost with FNB's new toll solution
The shift toward paperless parking systems is transforming the way shopping centres and malls manage vehicle access, payments, and security.
While first-world countries have rapidly adopted advanced digital parking solutions, South Africa is gradually catching up, facing unique challenges and opportunities.
This article explores how paperless parking systems compare between South Africa and developed nations.
Read more: Paperless Parking In Malls: South Africa vs. First-World Countries
MTN is more than a connectivity provider – it is also a South African leader in IoT.
It started its IoT journey in Machine-to-Machine (M2M) infrastructure, and now boasts a telemetry base of approximately 6 million subscribers – highlighting the key role MTN plays in the local IoT industry.
MTN’s M2M proficiency is particularly notable through its MTN Connected Things (MCT) CMP platform – which it has built in partnership with Eseye.
Read more: MTN’s impressive IoT capabilities – and how they can empower Smart Cities in South Africa