Key Takeaways
- African cities require smart tech solutions that prioritize community involvement to address local challenges effectively.
- Residents in Westbury emphasize a desire for technology that enhances safety, sustainability, and cultural expression.
- Participatory approaches have proven effective in urban planning, leading to more inclusive and relevant outcomes.
Redefining Smart Cities
Rapid urban growth in African cities provides both opportunities and challenges. The concept of smart cities—enhancing urban life through digital tools—has emerged but often overlooks the essential input from community members. A recent study led by Terence Fenn from the University of Johannesburg highlights the need for local residents to shape the future of their neighborhoods.
The focus of this research was Westbury, a working-class neighborhood in Johannesburg affected by historical spatial injustice and ongoing issues like unemployment and gang violence. Despite these obstacles, Westbury is a community marked by resilience and strong cultural ties.
Using a method called Participatory Futures, the project engaged 30 residents from various backgrounds in workshops aimed at envisioning their ideal neighborhood and how technology could facilitate that vision. This method, similar to initiatives in cities like Helsinki and Cape Town, emphasizes local creativity in urban planning.
Key findings showed that residents prioritize technology that aligns with their values and daily lives rather than merely adopting high-tech solutions. Safety emerged as a crucial concern; while community members welcomed smart surveillance, they insisted on local control over these systems, aiming to foster security without increased oversight.
Issues of energy sustainability were also paramount. Frequent power cuts fueled interest in solar energy solutions, with residents advocating for solar hubs to provide reliable power for homes and local businesses.
Cultural expression was another focus. Ideas included using augmented reality to celebrate local history and art, employing technology as a medium to connect past narratives with future possibilities. Participants further envisioned digital centers for skill-building, where youth could learn valuable trades like coding or music production.
The envisioned technology in Westbury concentrates on reinforcing community values—safety, creativity, and resilience—rather than showcasing high-tech innovations.
For African smart cities to thrive, they must emerge from the collaboration of residents, recognizing the nuances of daily life. Examples from Cape Town and Medellín support this view, demonstrating the success of participatory planning that prioritizes local voices.
Given the historical context of colonialism and structural inequality affecting urban development in Africa, the approach to creating smart cities must involve active community participation. The most effective urban solutions will stem from engaging residents as co-creators of their environments, underscoring that technology should serve the community, not the other way around.
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