It is already at play on the local front, with the Gautrain, eFiling and the Natis platform just some examples.
Utilisation of modern electronics and merging with the Internet of Things provides government and service providers with the ability to streamline their processes and provide the consumer with a simple yet sophisticated digital experience, says Roger Blewett, who is the senior solutions executive at Lightstone.
“We are collating data from satellites, sensors and solution partners which we analyse and synthesise, followed by applying advanced AI and machine learning to answer the where questions for strategic decision making and planning.”
Being able to extract and analyse spatial information provides public and private sector role players like banks and the government with a deep understanding into the landscape for future planning and service delivery.
“Earlier this year President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his vision to create a unique smart city, and it is essential that South Africa take on the challenge.”
It is estimated that by 2030 approximately 70% of South Africans will be living in urban areas and its dwellers will be looking for smart city living.
“To prepare for this modern notion, a city should embrace the digital transformation and apply location technology that is currently available.”
Blewett says smart city living should not be seen as a developed world concept but setting a sound road map in collaboration with the public and private sector to ultimately enable South African smart city success.