Recent years have seen Stellenbosch emerge as one of the fastest-growing regions in South Africa. Spurred on by a thriving innovation ecosystem and growth in value-adding sectors, the town has witnessed sustained economic growth, declines in unemployment, and rise in human development and service delivery. By 2020, the town’s reputation was cemented when it (together with Franschhoek and Paarl) was
recognised as the third most valuable district in the country. But while Stellenbosch has emerged as the prosperous jewel of the Cape Winelands, the region’s townships such as Kayamandi are all too often left out of the picture. As such, while resident in the township may find themselves near to the heart of one of South Africa’s top technology and scientific communities – unequal access to goods, services and opportunities means that significant growth and development in one of Stellenbosch’s most vulnerable communities is yet to reach its full potential.
However, this is about to change, as Kayamandi is set to become South Africa’s first Smart Township – a community empowered by innovation, where a combination of high- and low-tech solutions play a pivotal role in redressing digital inequality, enabling greater social and economic inclusion, and fostering urban resilience for future generations.
