Sunrise at the mouth of Mapuzi river in Coffee Bay, on the Eastern Cape Wild Coast – Image: Andre Seale / VW PICS / Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Sunrise at the mouth of Mapuzi river in Coffee Bay, on the Eastern Cape Wild Coast – Image: Andre Seale / VW PICS / Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Cyril Ramaphosa is a little bit in love with the idea of building a ‘new city’ for South Africa. Developments in Lanseria, Durban, and Mooikloof are all aimed at creating new business and economic hubs across the country – however, this latest project from the ANC hasn’t gone down too well with the public.
Where is this planned ‘new city’ for South Africa?
The government says it wants to build this new city on the N2 Wild Coast route, between Port St John’s and Port Edward. It takes about three-and-a-half hours to drive between these towns, and no major highways directly connect the two significant locations. Therefore, the Ramaphosa administration sees this part of SA as a blank canvass.
Ramaphosa trying to sell his vision for a new city
The so-called ‘greenfield project’ is another part of Cyril Ramaphosa’s infrastructure drive. The president explained that it would form part of a catalytic venture, which creates jobs and improves service delivery as construction progresses:
“There are also seven projects developing 112km of a new highway between Port St Johns and Port Edward, and improvement projects along the existing N2 and R61. Of this, the Port St. Johns and Port Edward portion is a greenfield project that commenced in 2016.”
“This is SANRAL’s flagship infrastructure project here in the Eastern Cape. It is one of 18 designated national Strategic Integrated Projects or SIPs of catalytic value. By this, we mean that they don’t only spur economic activity, but community development, service delivery, and job creation.”
The critics are out in force
Cyril can talk a good game, but the implications of a new coastal city are wide-ranging. The Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape is a pristine beauty spot, and some fear that rapid construction could undermine its image.
What a Sin! The ANC plan to build a city between Port St John's and Margate! That means they going to start something they can't finish but finish forever part of the most beautiful coastline in the world..
— Heartbeat Of Africa (@PeterDermauw) September 26, 2021
- Others are concerned about the priorities of the ANC, who are struggling to maintain our existing cities…
The 'liberators' are at it again. They are now promising to build a smart city between Margate and Port St Johns. It would be easier to remove all the pit toilets, build schools and provide clean water to the EC than making these kak promises.
— Sia (@lesiamolibeli) September 27, 2021
- Cynics are also baffled about how the project will be funded, given the ANC’s tightened purse strings:
They can't pay their staff but they want to build a New City..ANC ke problem ka bo yona l. Let'go and ❎
— Nico 01 (@evans_raphala) September 26, 2021
Wild Coast developments draw suspicion
Meanwhile, there’s been staunch opposition expressed against the Mtentu Bridge project, also based in the Eastern Cape. Locals have protested what will be ‘the highest bridge in Africa’ by the time it is completed, fearing that they are being excluded from a very lucrative opportunity. It seems Ramaphosa has some way to go before convincing us all:
“We know that this project has not been without its challenges. Construction had to be halted at the Mtentu bridge site because of concerns by communities that they were not being properly included in the development.”
Cyril Ramaphosa
