President Ramaphosa delivered his State of the Nation Address last week, and apart from the usual disruptions and updates on the economy, he also mentioned an intriguing development near Lanseria Airport.

Before we go into that, though, do yourself a favour and catch up on the SONA debate that followed. Scrotums, shouting, abuse – the drama abounds.

On to happier, EFF-free things.

Ramaphosa mentioned a new smart city that is taking shape in Gauteng.

The development is underway thanks to a joint partnership between private investors, the Investment and Infrastructure Office in the Presidency and the Gauteng and North West provincial governments.

MyBroadband reports that the futuristic city is not only the first of its kind, but the “largest and most exciting property development ever seen” in South Africa.

The promo video, although a few years out of date, says it all:

The Lanseria Airport City will be designed in such a way as to have a minimal environmental impact. It’s South Africa’s first ‘green smart city’.

Crosspoint, in cooperation with the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements, will implement the Lanseria Airport City Mega Project over a ten-year period.

…The city will feature rainwater harvesting and solar energy to ensure that it has a very small carbon footprint.

“Lanseria Airport City is a green city of growth and opportunity that will enable all to work, play, live and dream,” Crosspoint said.

The city, located north-west of Johannesburg, will be easily accessible from Sandton, Midrand, and Fourways.

It comprises two major parts – the Three Town Precinct and the Lanseria Business Gateway.

The Three Town Precinct is a mixed-use development covering over 200 hectares, that features a residential area:

Commercial offices:

A retail sector:

An Education Precinct:

And, a Multi-Purpose Sports Complex:

The Business Gateway looks equally impressive.

The Lanseria Business Gateway is 130 hectares of prime real estate and will be a 24-hour smart city zone. It will be located between Lanseria Airport and the upmarket Blair Atholl Golf Estate.

It will offer conference, retail and business facilities, and a luxury hotel.

Apart from acting as a model for the city of the future, it also aims to be an ICT, training, and research centre, as well as a tourist destination complete with activities and leisure attractions.

The city is set to become home to between 350 000 and 500 000 people within the next decade.

Exciting times ahead.

[source:mybroadband]