Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced the government’s commitment to investing in the province’s economic growth and transportation sector by embracing smart mobility solutions.
In celebration of October as Transport Month, Gauteng is hosting a two-day summit in collaboration with Smarter Mobility Africa at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg.
During his address on the first day of the Smart Mobility Summit, Premier Lesufi emphasized the province’s shift from a mining-centric economy to a digitally focused-one. He underlined the importance of positioning Johannesburg as the centre of four key economic sectors that would drive the city’s future prosperity: finance, information communication and technology (ICT), insurance, and entertainment and lifestyle technologies.
Statistics from Stats SA demonstrate the remarkable growth of the Gauteng economy, outpacing other regions with a 2.8% growth rate. Financial institutions played a significant role in driving this economic growth.
Premier Lesufi also unveiled plans to expedite the implementation of a single-ticket solution for public transport, allowing commuters to use a unified ticket to access various modes of transportation, including taxis, Prasa trains, and Gautrain buses.
He affirmed Gauteng’s readiness to leverage its infrastructure, resources, and skills to support functional projects and ideas that contribute to the province’s economic development.
MEC for Transport and Logistics Kedibone Diale-Tlabela emphasized the transformative impact of the fourth industrial revolution on transportation, citing innovations such as driverless cars, autonomous trains, and artificial intelligence. She also announced the appointment of Tshepo Kgobe as the new Gautrain CEO and highlighted progress in the Gauteng-Limpopo rail link project.
Additionally, the province unveiled initiatives including secure, tamper-proof registration plates and the launch of smart licensing centres in townships, with the first centre set to open in Atteridgeville later this month.
The Smart Mobility Summit showcases Gauteng’s commitment to embracing technological advancements and sustainable transportation solutions to drive economic growth and enhance the quality of life for its residents.
By Lerato Mailoane
