The North-West University (NWU), in collaboration with the national Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Nyandeni Local Municipality, recently concluded a two-day conference focused on smart villages, themed “Indigenous Knowledge-led Smart Village Regeneration”. This event attracted participation from a diverse group of scholars, researchers, indigenous-knowledge students, traditional leadership and innovators representing various universities both nationally and internationally.
The conference featured a series of insightful presentations and discussions relevant to the development of smart villages, centring on critical topics such as the role of technology in transforming rural economies, the application of renewable energy and sustainable agricultural practices. The Smart Village Conference was held at the International Convention Centre in East London.
The conference convened a diverse group of experts to address critical issues relating to the successful implementation of the smart village initiative. The organiser of the conference intends to publish a special issue book as a formal output of the event. This publication will include contributions from participants, all of which will be subject to a rigorous peer-review process.
Mayor Mesuli Ngqondwana of the Nyandeni Local Municipality extended a formal welcome to the delegates attending the event and expressed appreciation to the committee responsible for implementing the smart village concept in Ward 5. He stated, “I would like to extend my sincere welcome to all our strategic partners for selecting Nyandeni as the site for this pilot initiative”.
The Eastern Cape Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Zolile Williams, commended the Nyandeni Local Municipality for its commendable efforts as a small municipality that is driving the advancement of smart village concepts throughout the province. "The success of this conference will be assessed by our capacity to harness and cultivate indigenous knowledge within the context of artificial intelligence and advanced technology. Our objective is to formulate strategies that foster the development of smart villages, which will promote digital transformation, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture," remarked MEC Williams.
Ms Gugulethu Zwane, acting director-general of the national Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, delivered her address, emphasising the significance of technological advancements in the transformation of rural economies. She articulated, “Indigenous knowledge represents a crucial social capital for indigenous communities and serves as their primary asset in the pursuit of survival. It is fundamental for food production, provision of shelter and the attainment of autonomy in their lives. Consequently, indigenous knowledge has emerged as an essential global resource for addressing the multifaceted challenges of the 21st century.”
Dr Motheo Koitsiwe, the director of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) at the NWU, underscored the institution's dedication to research that enhances community well-being. "We anticipate the publication of a special issue book as one of the conference outcomes, which will serve as a guide for the implementation of the smart village concept," stated Dr Koitsiwe.
Professor Giulio Verdini from the University of Westminster delivered the keynote address, presenting on the topic “Human-Centred Smart Rural Communities: A Global Perspective”. In his speech, he highlighted how rural development has often been overlooked due to urban-biased policies, despite the significant cultural, environmental and economic potential that rural areas possess. “A shift is occurring, with new approaches aimed at repositioning people and decolonising the economic and ideological influences on development worldwide,” said Professor Verdini.
Furthermore, the conference was designed to attract a diverse array of potential investors who may cultivate interest and actively participate in the initiative aimed at realising the vision of the smart village.
The development of the smart village master plan is progressing effectively, as the developers in Mthombe, which is recognised as “ Nyandeni, the Great Place”, are currently in the process of fencing the site.
Delegates to the Smart Village Conference
Prof Alber Modi (WSU), Prof Godwell Nhamo (UNISA), Prof Nancy Odendaal (UCT) and Prof Modimowabarwa Kanyane (UNIVEN)
