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
South Africa has launched a new smart city in the eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal, which it says will create over 23,000 new jobs and tap the latest technology to offer residents a quality modern life.
Dubbed Westown, the new city is expected to cost R15 billion ($805 million) and to be completed over the next 15 years. Construction of the first phase started recently, with officials stating that it will be a “live, work and play” ecosystem housing residential properties, retail outlets, healthcare facilities, recreational amenities and more.
The first phase of a smart city development in Shongweni, outside of Durban, is set to launch today, Thursday, 27 March 2025.
According to a Newzroom Afrika report, the smart city development, dubbed Westown, is expected to attract around R15 billion in private-sector investment over the next 10 to 15 years and create more than 23,000 jobs.
The first phase is part of a larger project that includes retail, housing, and healthcare facilities. It is located just off of the N3 highway near Hillcrest.
The opening of Westown Square marks a new economic hub for Durban's Outer West region.
In a significant milestone for the region, the Westown smart city development in Shongweni, just outside Durban, officially launched its first phase on Thursday, March 27, 2025, with the opening of the highly anticipated Westown Square shopping mall. This innovative mixed-use development aims to transform the area into a bustling economic hub along the N3 corridor between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, often referred to as the "Midrand of KZN" by its developers, Fundamentum Property Group.
Read more: ZA: Durban: Westown Smart City Development Launches First Phase Today
Smart surveillance and AI can give impetus to SA’s digital transformation process, and although budgets are constrained, there is a clear opportunity for government to leverage the technology to support its ICT and telecommunications objectives.
This is according to Rudie Opperman, manager for engineering and training, MEA at network solutions provider Axis Communications.
Read more: Why smart surveillance, AI are essential to SA’s digital transformation