Rural-Urban Migration and Smart Cities : Implications for Service Delivery in South Africa 

A discourse on the use of information technology in urban administration is reshaping our views on contemporary cities. So too is a new set of programmes and strategies designed to realise sustainable cities for the future. In South Africa, the concept of "smart cities" is gaining traction to promote sustainable natural environments, enhance civic performance and service delivery, and bring cheaper connectivity to more people. Much of this attention appears to come from a technological stance and a business management perspective with little consideration for the social dimension. In particular, the thrust towards sustainable cities of the future appears to be silent on the rural-urban migration that typifies many African countries. This paper attempts to bring the social aspect of rural-urban migration into the discourse on smart cities of the future by using Lee's theory of migration. It does so by firstly focusing on the structural inequalities and complexities in South Africa's rural municipalities, how these drive rural-urban migration and the consequences thereof. The discussion then proceeds to suggest what policy directives could strengthen the functioning of rural municipalities so that the ideals of the smart cities of the future unfold within a context that is cognisant of the rural-urban relationship and challenges.