On 19 January 2018 the City of Cape Town released a request for ideas (RFI) to the marketplace on how the City can make use of digital technology and data to enhance its performance, and enable residents and businesses to engage more actively with the City.
The City are seeking information and ideas on any products, technologies or other offerings that could leverage existing infrastructure and data. The City is interested in exploring innovative ways to deliver on its objectives as an organisation. One of the over-arching requirements is the formation of partnerships that will take advantage of the City’s significant investment in optic fibre deployment, the CCTV camera network and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Areas of Interest include the following, among others:
- Public safety
- Infrastructure planning and maintenance
- Energy efficiency
- Transportation and integrated urban development
- Water and waste management
- Using cloud computing technology as a disruptive model enabling clustered community commerce and to address social challenges within these communities
“The global challenges of rapid urbanisation, climate change, increased pressure on resources, and the provision of infrastructure and services all need to be addressed at the city level and the City believes that there are technology-based solutions out there that can enhance service delivery and make economic growth for residents a real possibility. Thinking outside the box and developing these solutions will help us move this city from good to great,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Councillor Raelene Arendse.
The City has to continuously evaluate its performance in the digital space, and look at new and innovative ways to keep abreast of developments and changes in this space.
Ideas will be welcomed from innovators, technologists, telecommunications specialists, advertising agencies, social entrepreneurs, engineers, architects, designers, academic organisations, NGOs, and general city enthusiasts working locally or internationally.
All respondents have until 16 February 2018, to submit their ideas via the City’s ‘Have Your Say’ platform here.
To see the official media release which is published on the City’s website click here.
