Microsoft has launched an initiative called CityNext, which uses a range of technology that it says will help South African cities become more prosperous.
In a statement, the company explains the initiative makes use of cloud technology, mobile devices, data analytics and social networks to connect functions like energy, water, infrastructure, transportation, public safety, tourism, recreation, education, health and social services, and government administration.
Microsoft SA MD Mteto Nyati launched the initiative in Cape Town this week, and says the project aims to speak to the difficulties created by an expanding population, including the need to modernise aging infrastructure, provide critical services to citizens, and deal with socio-economic issues like unemployment, social inequality, poverty, crime and disease.
An important element of the programme will be a focus on helping cities create small businesses, develop skills and reduce unemployment, says the statement.
Nyati says Microsoft will work with its network of solution partners to help cities transform their operations and infrastructure, engage their citizens and businesses, and accelerate innovation and opportunity.
"The bigger picture is that cities can become the engine-rooms that will drive government's National Development Plan objective of eliminating poverty and reducing inequality by 2030. This is where we can drive real impact around areas like enterprise development, empowering our youth through job creation and skills development, creating a safer and more secure South Africa, and improving service delivery."
One potential Microsoft CityNext customer, the Western Cape government, is investing in more modern technology capabilities to help it operate more efficiently and to roll out services that will enable better interaction with its citizens. Lance Williams, CIO of Western Cape government, says the ultimate beneficiaries of a more sophisticated technology infrastructure would be the citizens of cities, who would enjoy more responsive and transparent government services, many delivered online.
"If we can work with cities to help small companies to succeed in the first three to five years of their lives, we will help grow job creation and economic development significantly," says Nyati. "This will have a major impact on the well-being of cities and entire communities."
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