Former Deputy President of South Africa and former Speaker of the National Assembly, Baleka Mbete, is leading discussions with the Alfred Nzo District Municipality (ANDM) Mayoral Committee and the Alfred Nzo Development Agency (ANDA) on the proposed Smart City Development in the district.
The project, presented as Inqanawe: the First District Development Model (DDM) pilot city on South Africa’s Eastern Seaboard, is envisioned as a transformative initiative aimed at bridging infrastructure gaps between rural and urban areas.
The Inqanawe model is designed to address apartheid-era spatial injustices by creating a secure, sustainable economic hub that fosters long-term growth, equitable prosperity, and local ownership. Mpahlane village has been identified as the ideal site for this ambitious project, given its strategic location—with close proximity to a highway, Margate Airport, Port Shepstone Train Station, and a seafront basin.
The proposed smart city is expected to generate employment, enhance social services, and contribute to poverty alleviation in the region. By integrating modern infrastructure and economic opportunities, the initiative aligns with the government’s efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable development.
