The eThekwini Municipality recently received international recognition for its climate action efforts, winning a prestigious innovation award for the development of Westown Smart City at the BRICS Urban Innovation Awards in Moscow. The awards were part of the week-long BRICS Urban Future Forum, which brought together global cities to share insights on digital developments in megacities.
On behalf of the eThekwini Municipality, Mayor Cyril Xaba attended the conference and received the award. He attributed the win to the city’s ongoing efforts to plan for and adapt to climate change. “We were the first city in Africa to develop a climate action plan, which was launched in 2020 to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. We are pleased that the plan is now delivering tangible results.”
Xaba conveyed his gratitude to the developer of Westown Square, Fundamentum Property Group, for working with the city to expedite environmentally sustainable urban development. Launched in March this year, Westown has become a new city and an economic hub for Durban’s Outer West region. It forms part of the R15 billion Shongweni Development and is designed as an eco-friendly city through several sustainable initiatives, including the rehabilitation and integration of existing green spaces.
During the forum, Mayor Xaba also commended South African companies that are leveraging new technological advancements to make Durban a smart city. He cited the Transnet Port Authority Durban Terminal’s digital initiatives to enhance the port’s efficiency and underscored the importance of cities learning from one another to improve their competitiveness. “This drive is crucial in making Durban Africa’s trade gateway.”
Nine other cities received awards in various categories linked to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The award was presented by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Rae Kwon Chung, who is credited for his seminal work on climate change.
