SLOVO PARK STEPS INTO JOHANNESBURG’S SMART CITY FUTURE

The City of Johannesburg welcomed the successful launch of the Smart Wi-Fi Pole in Slovo Park, marking an important milestone in advancing digital inclusion and strengthening smart city infrastructure across the municipality.

The launch event was attended by close to 500 community members, including residents from Slovo Park and neighbouring communities. The strong turnout reflects the growing interest among residents in initiatives that expand access to connectivity, enhance safety and unlock digital opportunities.

This initiative represented the first deployment of its kind in the City where Wi-Fi connectivity is extended directly into the community, allowing residents to access the internet from the comfort of their own homes, rather than relying solely on traditional public hotspot zones. As one of the first communities to benefit from this innovative technology, Slovo Park is paving the way for the broader rollout of similar smart infrastructure initiatives across other parts of Johannesburg.

A highlight of the event was the community walkabout and ceremonial ribbon-cutting at the Smart Pole. Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs), the Ward Councillor, community leaders and residents jointly marked the activation of the infrastructure, symbolising the importance of collaboration between the City and communities in driving development initiatives.

During the programme, the MMC for Transport, Cllr Kenny Kunene, emphasised the importance of expanding the initiative to other communities across the City, noting that such innovations are critical for improving connectivity and advancing Johannesburg’s smart city ambitions. The MMC for Human Settlements, Cllr Mlungisi Mabaso, highlighted the significance of investing in and developing informal settlements, emphasising that initiatives such as the Smart Pole contribute to improving the quality of life and ensuring that communities are not left behind in the digital era.

The strong engagement and enthusiasm demonstrated by residents at the launch underscored the significance of this initiative as a catalyst for inclusive development, improved digital access, and community empowerment.