As a municipality determined to grow our local economy and create meaningful work opportunities, we remain guided by the words of Phil Gramm: “Government is not the generator of economic growth – working people are.”
Since the launch of the R5 billion Leratong Smart City Development in June, that principle has been brought to life on the ground. Today, local businesses, workers, and young professionals are not only witnessing transformation, but they are also actively building it.
Strategically located around Leratong Hospital, the Leratong Smart City is set to deliver:
- Approximately 15,000 mixed-income housing units
- The 42 000m² Leratong City shopping centre, on track for completion in October 2026
The mall’s structure is already rising, and while many see the promise of what will come, fewer realise the community upliftment already happening behind the scenes.
Local SMMEs at the forefront
Following targeted stakeholder engagement sessions to promote inclusive economic participation, the project now supports:
- 28 Local SMMEs, from 15 different wards
- Local businesses contracted for services including soil poisoning, brickwork, plastering, plumbing, carpentry, electrical works and more
This is real stimulation of local procurement and the construction sector.
Out of the 495 workers currently on site, 330 are from local communities, an impressive 67% local labour participation. This includes general labourers, artisans, and engineering trainees who are gaining valuable hands-on experience through the project.
During our site visit, we also met Kagiso-based quantity surveying student Mbuso Kunene, who spoke proudly about how this opportunity is strengthening his portfolio, building his confidence, and opening doors for future career growth.
These are the human stories behind the infrastructure, proof that Leratong Smart City is not only transforming land but also transforming lives.
This is more than data; it is evidence of a deliberate effort to ensure that communities closest to the project benefit first.