JOHANNESBURG, REPUBLIQUE D’AFRIQUE DU SUD – SOAD Signs Historic Cooperation Agreement for the Development of the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Smart City
In a landmark moment for Pan-African advancement, the State of the African Diaspora (SOAD) proudly announces the signing of a historic Cooperation Agreement with the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Municipality to launch the visionary Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Smart City Project. This transformative development stands as a living tribute to the indomitable spirit and legacy of one of Africa’s most revered freedom fighters, Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
This monumental achievement is the result of the unwavering leadership and dedication of H.E. Minister Penny Mkhize, Minister of International Cooperation of SOAD, and H.E. Dr. Milton A. Walters, Minister of Education, alongside the steadfast partnerships of, H.E. Madam Capa, Deputy Minister of Agriculture for the Republic of South Africa, member of the Parliament of the Republic and G20 who comes from the same village where Mama Winnie was born and the beloved family of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. The other important stakeholders and partners in this relationship wereCllR Mayor Madam Daniswa T Mbatha, his Executive Mayor’s from other districts e.g Alfred No and the immense support this initiative received from the office of the Premier of the Eastern Cape under the leadership of HE. Oscar Mabuyane.
The Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Smart City will be a dynamic and sustainable urban center encompassing residential housing, offices, retail shops, a solar farm, agribusiness facilities, and a world-class medical complex featuring a 400–800 bed hospital, and rural medical facilities, a faculty of medicine, and a school of nursing. The design also includes a building of a new branch of one of the prestigious universities in the Eastern Cape ( name not revealed yet for confidential purposes). This university shall partner with the University of the State of the African Diaspora (USOAD). The partnership shall extends to other universities primary and secondary schools, training and vocational institutions within the jurisdiction of the Local government where this cooperation agreement is signed for, a hotel and conference centers. Complementing these will be modern transport infrastructure, railway networks, a refurbished airport, and a vibrant shopping mall—all integrated through cutting-edge green technology and sustainable design principles.
In alignment with SOAD’s commitment to renewable energy and environmental stewardship, several photovoltaic solar power plants will be constructed in partnership with local and international collaborators. The project will also include the creation of the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Historical Site Center, dedicated to preserving her life’s legacy, advancing women’s empowerment, and promoting global awareness of her contributions to freedom and justice. With its heritage Centre which shall be installed in Mama Winnie’s village,SOAD is prepared to spare nothing to make this Smart City a beauty that shall stand out in the crowd, with resilience against struggle which is synonym to who she was and what she stood for.
This historic initiative is more than a development project—it is a movement toward self-determination, innovation, and Pan-African unity, symbolizing what can be achieved when Africa and its Diaspora work hand in hand. The Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Smart City will serve as a beacon of hope, education, and opportunity for millions, embodying the vision of a renewed, resilient, and empowered Africa.
