The ambitious Nkuna Smart City Development is gaining momentum, with an additional 120 hectares of land added to the R6 billion project. Once completed, the development will include hotels, shopping centres, educational facilities, a private hospital, garages, a conference centre, as well as residential and industrial areas.
Last week, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Masingita Group, the main developers, and the Vhembe District Municipality and Collins Chabane Municipality. The signing ceremony, held on Tuesday, 4 March, at the VDM Council Chambers, was attended by several dignitaries, including Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba.
Nkuna City is located in Nkuzana village, near Hamasia, and is the brainchild of prominent businessman and developer Dr Mike Nkuna. During a media briefing, he stated that the project had already created numerous jobs and was expected to generate many more. He noted that during the initial construction phase in 2021, R50 million had been invested. With the latest expansion, an additional 120 hectares will be incorporated to accommodate the growing development needs.
According to Nkuna, the project has been a long journey that began 12 years ago. He emphasised that the development of Nkuna Smart City demonstrated how socio-economic conditions in rural areas could improve when the government and private investors collaborated.
Limpopo Premier Dr Ramathuba congratulated Nkuna on his efforts to further develop the region and transform Nkuzana City into a Smart City. She expressed hope that the partnership between the Masingita Group of Companies and the two municipalities would yield positive results.
"With the Nkuna Smart City, just imagine having your own hospitals and schools for your children. What would stop us from building our own Sandton here in Nkuzana if we have investors like the Masingita Group of Companies willing to invest? Let's expand our villages, build our own cities, and create jobs in our communities," said Dr Ramathuba.