by Khotso KD Moleko
Before we even start arguing about smart cities, let us first rewind a bit and take a closer look at the "progress" made concerning the NDP (National Development Plan).
We all know that, it was the issue of Julius Malema's discipline or lack of, and the NDP that thrust Cyril Ramaphosa back into the political spotlight and into the minds of ANC delegates who saw him as the Trojan horse to replace Jacob Zuma as ANC president. Otherwise, Ramaphosa was an insignificant member of the ANC, at least as far as the branches were concerned.
But for the public, Ramaphosa was always the darling who stood next to Mandela in 1994 and helped draft the Constitution.
But now as president, Ramaphosa seems to have forgotten his quiet years as a soft and loyal member of the NEC of the ANC who assured all and sundry he will forever be obedient to both the good and bad of the ANC.
How then can Ramaphosa be expected to be this new champion of discipline and order? Why does Ramaphosa speak about smart cities when he knows very well that a city in a developing country and a stagnant economy can not be built in 5 years? If this is so true, why are we still having housing shortages, people squashed in back rooms and shacks as well as a lack of accommodation for students?
Why not use this 5G to build smart RDPs, smart police, smart prisons and smart hospitals or better yet, a smart economy, able to be junk-status free, would be highly welcome. Even the preparations for the 2010 Soccer World Cup took place over many years, and the actual building of the infrastructure and stadiums required the effort of FIFA, the South African government, locals and the private sector.
The smart city mantra remains a sweet dream sounding very nice during a time of despair. But the reality is, as a president, Ramaphosa will not build any smart city but perhaps a smart village.
Let us remember that the smart city is supposed to be built already, under a first term presidency of Ramaphosa, and fully finished within 10 years.
Ramaphosa did not say, "we have a dream" or the ANC or government have a dream and commitment to build a city.
It is acceptable for Ramaphosa to say, "I have a dream to build the foundation of a smart city in my presidency."
Because there is no guarantee that he or the ANC will still be in power after 2024?
* Khotso KD Moleko, Mangaung, Bloemfontein.
** The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media.
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