Soweto residents can now enjoy more than just street lighting, as the City of Johannesburg rolls out its new Smart Poles project, turning ordinary street lights into hubs of technology and public service.
The first Smart Poles have been installed along Mpumelelo Street in Slovo Park, marking the beginning of a digital infrastructure initiative aimed at improving connectivity, public safety, and urban services across the city.
What Smart Poles Bring to Communities
Each Smart Pole integrates multiple technologies in one structure. Residents can access free high-speed 4G and 5G WiFi in surrounding areas, allowing them to connect online without relying on expensive mobile data.
The poles also feature LED smart lighting for improved visibility and energy efficiency. Public safety measures include CCTV cameras and emergency panic buttons linked directly to city response teams, giving residents extra security after dark.
City officials say the poles are future-ready, capable of supporting environmental sensors and other smart-city technologies as the project expands.
A Step Toward a Digital Johannesburg
Johannesburg MMC for Transport, Kenny Kunene, said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernise urban infrastructure and bridge the digital divide, particularly in communities where reliable internet remains a challenge.
“The Smart Poles improve night-time visibility, enhance security, and give residents direct access to online services. It’s about bringing modern digital services closer to the people,” Kunene said.
First Phase Focused on Soweto
The rollout is being managed by the City’s Metropolitan Tech Company (MTC), with CEO Thedi Moropa describing the installation as a key milestone in Johannesburg’s journey toward becoming a fully connected smart city.
If the Soweto phase succeeds, the technology could be expanded to other neighbourhoods across Johannesburg, potentially transforming how city residents interact with public spaces.