Future-Proofing Cities: Rapid Urbanisation, Young Democracy, Real Solutions

Guest: Nosipho Hlatshwayo, CEO, South African Cities Network
Host: Dan Claassen, Managing Director, Future Cities Africa

Episode Summary:

Nosipho Hlatshwayo, CEO of the South African Cities Network (SACN), explores the distinctive character of rapid urbanisation in South Africa - fuelled by one of the world's youngest populations and just 30 years of democratic local governance since 1994.

She outlines how SACN helps cities through action-oriented research, knowledge-sharing among municipalities, and global partnerships. At the heart of their work lies the flagship State of South African Cities Report, released every five years since 2004.

Nosipho emphasises its track record of foresight: the 2011 edition already predicted severe water shortages in Cape Town and Nelson Mandela Bay long before the Day Zero crisis hit. The upcoming 2027 edition will mark a milestone by reviewing more than 25 years of democratic local government and posing critical questions about the next quarter-century.

Nosipho clarifies that 'smart cities' in the South African context are not about high-tech glamour but about practical, data-driven solutions that boost efficiency, access, and affordability - from integrated public transport ticketing and real-time burst-pipe repairs in eThekwini to GPS-tracked waste trucks that keep residents informed of delays.

She cautions against technology-first thinking and instead advocates holistic future-planning that anticipates shifting economies, evolving citizen needs, and changing consumption patterns.

Finally, Nosipho addresses the difficult balance between redressing historical service backlogs in underserved areas and building climate resilience. She champions nature-based solutions, cheaper and greener alternatives, updated engineering standards, and treating climate resilience and municipal financial health as two sides of the same coin.

Throughout the conversation, Nosipho stresses that while SACN delivers world-class evidence and early warnings, real change ultimately depends on political will and decisive action inside South Africa's municipalities.