Durban's smart city plan is aimed at enhancing public safety

Huawei presented its digitally smarter eThekwini plan for Durban, which could improve public safety, create intelligent traffic management, urban management, and monitor infrastructure such as water pipelines. 

The presentation to the eThekwini Executive Committee (Exco) meeting on Wednesday was part of Huawei's national digital strategies to promote economic and productivity development.  

Matamela Mashau, Huawei's Chief Technology Officer (CTO), stated that many countries realised that a digital strategy is needed to promote the economy. 

He explained that the process involves different stages and emphasised the need for South Africa to build a national e-Government cloud that will reduce IT costs and accelerate digital system construction. 

He said it will make it easier for citizens by utilising Artificial Intelligence to improve services and exchange data. 

“The State Information Technology Agency has partnered with Huawei to develop a Government Private Cloud. This cloud infrastructure, built and operated by SITA, aims to consolidate government IT resources, enhance efficiency, and promote collaboration between different departments,” he said. 

He said Huawei has the technical strength and that they invest continuously to improve their service. He said they can help eThekwini to build these integrated systems for:

• Citizen-centric public services that are universally accessible 
• Whole of Government approach to digital transformation 
• Simple, efficient, and transparent government systems

Mashau said they assisted 700 cities globally and eThekwini has many applications which can be transformed into one smart network with real-time monitoring.   

“There should be a single dashboard for the city, from transportation and traffic management to electricity usage. This will be able to manage and visualise everything that is in the city, including government agencies, hospitals, clinics and schools,” he said.  

Mashau also elaborated on the AI-powered video surveillance that can detect and see threats before they happen. 

“This will curb vandalism on water, electricity and other infrastructure. You can use technology to patrol these sites without physical manpower,” he said. 

Mashau also touched on intelligent traffic solutions that will ensure safe, efficient and sustainable traffic condition improvement. 

“The expected benefits would be traffic violations captured per day and traffic violation fines issued monthly,” he said. 

He also spoke of a united traffic management centre; a holographic road network and an all-in-one integrated street pole site. He said the system will enhance water management, including avoiding non-revenue water.  

Councillor Nkosenhle Madlala, an ANC executive committee member, was concerned about data sovereignty, skills transfer, and speedy repairs if the system malfunctioned. 

“As a democracy, we are weary of protecting our sovereignty. While we are amazed at the level of integration AI will provide, do we have protection from hackers?” he said. 

DA Councillor Andre Beetge, wanted feedback from any municipalities in South Africa that have implemented the plan already, to see if it works in the local government environment. 

In response, Mashau said training will be provided to municipal staff on an ongoing basis and he also ensured that the system was protected. He added that most of the technology was rolled out in some African countries where they have seen notable successes, especially in traffic management. 

“The municipality will manage the infrastructure. We will not have access to the data clouds, and they won't be accessible to the public. We allow our customers to get people to conduct vulnerability testing on the system and also inspect that all the controls have been enabled,” he said. 

Zandile Myeni, Deputy Mayor of eThekwini, said the session allowed officials to be brought up to speed on a smart city approach.

Cyril Xaba, eThekwini Mayor, said they welcome new ideas as they become available in the market, so that people get to know what is there and how it can assist. Xaba said he had seen smart city initiatives already being implemented in China and India.

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za