Smart Village Conference for indigenous knowledge-led rural regeneration
The role of technology in transforming rural economies will be highlighted at next week’s Smart Village Conference, taking place at the International Convention Centre in East London.
Ms Gugulethu Zwane, Acting Director-General of Science, Technology and Innovation, will deliver the keynote address, highlighting the role of technological advancements in transforming rural economies.
Hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation in collaboration with North-West University and Nyandeni Municipality, the conference will focus on developing strategies for creating smart villages that harness digital transformation, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.
The "smart village" concept is increasingly recognised as a strategy for rural development, although a clear understanding of what makes a village smart is still developing. Traditionally, the concept is linked to the quality of IT infrastructure. However, it can also be seen as a phenomenon arising from self-organised, bottom-up community actions that address local challenges and exploit emergent opportunities.
The conference will bring policymakers, academics, industry leaders and community stakeholders together to discuss this pioneering approach to rural regeneration in the country.
The media are invited as follows:
Date: 19-20 February 2025
Time: 08:30
Venue: East London International Convention Centre
Issued by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.
For more information and to RSVP, please contact Mr Pontsho Mantlhakga at 072 346 5219 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
