A delegation, led by mayor Mongameli Bobani, is in China on an investment drive to help lure new funders for innovative “smart city” projects.
The visit, if a success, could see the city clinching deals for the roll-out of wireless broadband as well as new technology linked to the security field, such as surveillance and CCTV cameras.
Bobani, along with acting city manager Peter Neilson and acting senior director of projects Tando Tsepane, are in Shenzhen for three days, meeting with businesses and the local government.
The trip follows engagements between the municipality and the National Treasury dating back to July 2016.
The municipality undertook to get into a public-private partnership for its “5th utility smart project”.
The proposal by Neilson, who was then acting executive director for electricity and energy, was approved by the council on December 4.
The various elements linked to this “smart” project include:
● Providing increased security and surveillance across the metro;
● Allowing the city to apply new technology to existing water and electricity meters;
● Ensuring efficient and effective public lighting; and
● Adhering to international standards of acceptable level of electricity losses, among others.
Neilson said on Tuesday they had already met with various companies and the local government of Shenzhen.
“We are visiting China looking at a smart city and its opportunities for social and economic growth as well as funding possibilities for the public- private partnership,” he said.
“It’s very interesting. The programmes range from electronic or digital governance to enhanced efficiencies, enhanced utility management, education, health, safety, internet, farming and a few other things.”
They are expected to leave China on Wednesday for Hong Kong before returning to the Bay.
Bobani said the trip was going well.
“For us to be a major player in the global economy, we need to learn and work with the best in the world.
“The trip is about seeking economic spin-offs and direct foreign investment.
“We have met local government representatives from different cities and we were taken through about the smart city implementation and infrastructure,” he said.
Bobani said they would embark on more fact-finding trips.
“Shortly, during the course of this year, we will also be going to South Korea for shipbuilding investment exploration, Germany for eradication of bucket toilets and a factfinding mission on converting waste into energy.”
He said more detail on the China trip would be disclosed at the next council meeting.