South Africa’s annual October Transport Month
With just under two months remaining until South Africa’s annual October Transport Month (OTM), the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, in collaboration with Smarter Mobility Africa (SMA) summit, is poised to deliver an exceptional event program set to unfold in October.
This groundbreaking partnership underscores the pivotal role of transport in attaining the 2030 sustainable development goals and highlights the Gauteng Province’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the movement of people and goods.
Africa Mobility Month
The upcoming fifth edition of the SMA summit, scheduled from October 1st to October 4th, 2023, coincides with October Transport Month and Africa Mobility Month. With its central focus on mobility as a linchpin for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and broader 2030 visions across the continent, the SMA summit champions the cause of integrated smarter mobility. It is regarded as a critical catalyst for economic growth, job creation, enhanced equality, environmental protection, and improved public health.
MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, expressing her anticipation for this year’s October Transport Month, remarked, “We are looking forward to this year’s October Transport Month under the theme of Growing Gauteng Together through Smart Mobility. This year marks five years of our partnership with Smarter Mobility Africa, and we are excited about what has been planned for the people of Gauteng this year. OTM is a very important month for us as it gives us an opportunity to showcase the good work that the Provincial government is doing in facilitating mobility in our province.”
The SMA summit continues to serve as a global forum, bringing together industry experts, policymakers, and representatives from cities across Africa. It also provides a platform for innovators to showcase their solutions and ideas to organisations seeking mobility solutions.
Smarter Mobility Africa summit
Ben Pullen, Group Director of Mobility at Vuka Group, the organisers behind the Smarter Mobility Africa summit, emphasised the significance of their partnership with the Gauteng Province, stating, “Since launching Smarter Mobility Africa Summit in 2019, the Gauteng Province has been the perfect home to explore the challenges and opportunities around mobility in Africa. As we head into the fifth year of working with the province, we’re thrilled to take this partnership to the next level.”
Pullen further explained, “Organizing Africa’s integrated smarter mobility event each year is no small feat, and it takes a collective effort from our Hosting Partners and wider stakeholders to ensure that what we deliver is relevant to solve on the ground needs and is having a real impact on advancing transport in Africa.”
The summit will encompass a wide range of themes, including Micro Mobility, Public Transport, New Energy Vehicles & Battery Technology, Mobility as a Service, and Smarter Fleets.
The Mobility Start-up Village
In addition to the conference program, attendees can expect inspiring speakers, cutting-edge exhibits, specialty events tailored to industry-specific challenges, test drives of the latest vehicles, education site visits, and training workshops. The Mobility Start-up Village will connect participants with innovative mobility start-ups and SMEs from across Africa.
Pullen also highlighted the powerful networking opportunities for those working in transport, logistics, energy, and sustainability. “As a delegate at the summit, you will have access to our concierge-led matchmaking service, designed to create meaningful connections with potential business partners, paving the way for collaborations and growth.”
His Excellency Paul Mashatile, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa in attendance
With less than three weeks to go, it is now confirmed that His Excellency Paul Mashatile, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, will deliver a keynote address. Mashatile, who played a pivotal role in the development of the state-of-the-art rapid rail network in Gauteng called Gautrain during his tenure as MEC within the Gauteng Province, adds to the esteemed leadership participating in the SMA summit.
Smarter Mobility Africa continues to draw the attention of South Africa’s top leadership, auguring well for the future of sustainable mobility in the region. This annual event serves as a testament to the commitment of all stakeholders involved in shaping the future of transportation in Africa.