AI Can Design Cities, But Can It Understand What Matters To People? 10 Ways To Keep Humans In Control
Generative AI, especially large language models like ChatGPT, is rapidly entering urban design research, offering instant literature summaries, policy scenario drafting, and rapid testing of land‑use or climate simulations. While these tools accelerate analysis, the article warns that AI‑generated outputs often lack local context, can repeat dominant biases, and may produce fabricated references. The authors’ recent study highlights both the productivity gains and the hidden risks of treating AI output as definitive. To safeguard the discipline, they propose ten practical cornerstones that keep human judgment, contextual knowledge, and academic integrity at the core of AI‑augmented planning.
Reshaping Africa’s Infrastructure Dispute Landscape
Africa is entering a massive infrastructure expansion, yet many multi‑billion‑dollar projects face delays, disputes, and cost overruns. The Africa Construction Law (ACL) organization, founded in 2020, convened its sixth annual conference in Johannesburg, gathering lawyers, engineers, financiers, and developers from...
TRIM Advances Rail Reform With TOCs Onboarding And Expanded Network Access
Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) has finalized Rail Access Agreements with all 11 allocated Train Operating Companies, bringing the total number of active rail operators in South Africa to twelve. The new entrants span coal, manganese, containers, fuel and general...
Public Gets Three More Weeks To Comment On Eskom Nuclear Site – But Critics Say It’s Not Enough
Eskom has pushed the deadline for comments on its Draft Environmental Scoping Report from 5 May to 25 May, adding a 21‑day extension for the proposed 5,200 MW nuclear plant. The report, which leans toward the Thyspunt site, comes with a 2,700‑page dossier...
Transnet Opens Cape Town Liquid Bulk Terminal Bid
Transnet National Ports Authority has issued a Request for Proposals to award a 25‑year concession for a private operator to run the liquid bulk terminal at the Port of Cape Town. The selected partner will finance, operate, maintain, refurbish and...
The R2.8Bn Private Investment Unlocking SA’s Struggling Rail Logistics Sector
South Africa has approved a R2.8 billion (~$150 million) private investment to operate freight trains on its rail network, with ARC among 11 successful bidders. The initiative is part of a broader R2 trillion ($119 billion) logistics reform aimed at easing pressure on state‑owned...
South Africa’s Electricity Reforms Enter Critical Execution Phase Amid Market Transition
South Africa is shifting its electricity reform agenda from policy design to concrete execution, with a revised pricing policy due for public consultation in May 2026 and the South African Wholesale Electricity Market (SAWEM) slated to launch in Q3 2026....
Five Reasons Why South Africans Are Switching to Gas
South Africans are rapidly adopting LPG as a reliable, versatile energy source amid grid instability and rising electricity costs. A recent Nersa‑approved 18.36% tariff increase over two years has accelerated the shift, with households using gas for cooking, heating, water,...
Call for Wastewater Technology Providers to Support South Africa’s Sanitation Future
South Africa’s Water Partnership Office has issued a Request for Information to build a national database of onsite grey‑water, black‑water and decentralized wastewater treatment technologies. The RFI seeks proven solutions that enable water reuse, sludge management, energy recovery and sustainable...
Senqu Bridge Launch A Key Achievement In Lesotho Highlands Water Project
The Senqu Bridge, a R2.4 bn (~$126 m) structure spanning 825 m and rising 90 m above the Polihali Reservoir, was launched in Mokhotlong as the flagship crossing of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). The bridge restores all‑year‑round connectivity to remote...
South Africa Infrastructure Expo Returns In June, Expanding To Include Transport Evolution Africa, Spotlighting Transport And Infrastructure Priorities
The South Africa Infrastructure Expo returns June 9‑11 2026 at Johannesburg’s Gallagher Convention Centre, now co‑located with Transport Evolution Africa and the 14th Big 5 Construct South Africa. The three‑day event aligns with the National Development Plan 2030 and the National Infrastructure Plan 2050, bringing...
DMPR Corrects Diesel Price Adjustment For May
South Africa’s Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) issued an erratum correcting a miscalculation in the May 2026 diesel price adjustment. The department had mistakenly applied a 0.93‑cent levy reduction instead of the intended 93‑cent cut, inflating the wholesale...
The Green Drop Crisis: We Have The Skills, Now We Need The System
South Africa’s latest Green Drop Report found that 396 of the 848 wastewater treatment works assessed are in a critical state, with only about a quarter meeting required standards. The shortfall threatens drinking water, agriculture and public health across millions...
Fuel Has Become A Fault Line In Construction
Fuel price spikes triggered by the Iran conflict have rippled through the construction sector, inflating costs for plant, transport, materials, and labor. The surge exposes a systemic weakness: many contracts lack escalation clauses, forcing contractors to absorb higher expenses. Late...
Price Of Petrol And Diesel To Increase From Wednesday
South Africa's Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources announced that, effective Wednesday, pump prices will rise by R3.27‑R6.19 per litre for petrol and diesel. The increase is partially offset by a R3 reduction in the general fuel levy for petrol...