Townships and informal settlements were never designed to become major economic drivers, resulting in inadequate digital access today. However, technology can respond to some of the challenges faced by township residents and those living in rural environments, including transforming them into more inclusive micro-economies
Bushra Razack, CEO of Philippi Village
At Gwakwani, a small, rural village located in the northern area of Limpopo which previously had significant issues with infrastructure, electricity and telecommunications, the introduction of basic fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies has resulted in a smart internet-of-things village that is operating successfully without municipal infrastructure.
A partnership with the University of Johannesburg and Schneider Electric South Africa has reaped life-altering results for the community including providing electricity and clean water. The first phase of the project included the installation of a solar powered water pumping station, a mini cellphone charging station, a security lighting system and a remote monitoring and communication system. The second phase included the installation of solar lighting in households and the establishment of a local bakery which provides employment and bread to residents.
The Stellenbosch township of Kayamandi plans to be the first smart township in SA. In the latter half of 2022 the township embarked on a programme to implement a digital platform which is intended to serve as a catalyst for its digital vision. The idea behind smart townships is to use data and digital technology to improve the quality of life of its residents, enable better decision making and to connect local communities with local government. Ultimately, the idea is to use Kayamandi as an innovation lab for townships and rural areas both across SA and the African continent.
FOSTERING A CULTURE OF COLLABORATION
Bushra Razack, CEO of Philippi Village, a multipurpose commercial park situated in the Cape Flats township of Philippi, cautions that although we should use smart technology platforms to help people achieve a better life, the reality is that technology is not an answer by itself. “The creation of community and business hubs such as Philippi Village are a strategic and meaningful way to amplify the power of technology in an impactful, inclusive and relevant way,” she says. “Philippi Village is moving past simply informing or consulting the community, we are attempting to foster a culture of collaboration without passive coercion and facilitating administration aspects that allow the community to build their own economies.”
Artist Nardstar’s work around Philippi Village
WORKING WITH PARTNER ORGANISATIONS
Philippi Village has fibre and wireless internet access and is currently exploring how to use IT and technology to become more efficient, including working with partner organisations Afrolabs and CoderLevelUp to help address the digital divide. Afrolabs is working closely with Philippi Village to better understand how technology and humanity work together. David Campey, the founder of Afrolabs, says that a QR-community solution is being rolled out to allow residents to participate in community activities.
Philippi Village has also established CoderDojo, an international network of coding clubs aimed at the youth, including helping the local community develop coding skills. The hub is home to technology tenants currently, including Women in Tech South Africa and Silulo Ultho Technologies, which offers basic computer skills training. Philippi Village also provides the community with access to computers when required and supports programmes that provides informal traders with technology demonstrations and training, and connects them with cashless payment options. The latest tenant Close The Gap is an international social enterprise that aims to bridge the digital divide by offering high-quality, pre-owned IT devices to educational, medical and social projects in developing and emerging countries.
Artist Skubalisto’s work around Philippi Village
A HOLISTIC APPROACH
Despite all these advancements within Philippi Village, Bushra maintains that it is not technology alone that creates a successful “smart township”. Philippi Village focuses on an understanding of technology within its social-cultural context and brings a holistic approach to tech implementation including reducing food, water and other scarcities. Coming from a place of community sovereignty, Philippi is strategising an approach of technology for, and of, the people. This involves decentralised algorithmic governance and microeconomics that focus on stakeholder belonging and responsibility over its economies and environment.
