Cities are where the battle for sustainable development will be won or lost (UN, 2012). There is much to do and South African cities are taking up the challenge of transitioning to becoming sustainable cities.
Despite the many constraints and challenges that exist, our cities are harnessing the opportunities to create liveable and sustainable cities. We asked them to share some of their sustainability transition stories highlighting the progress they are making, reflecting on the challenges and how they are tackling them. This showcase is a collection of those stories. From integrated planning in Msunduzi Municipality, energy efficiency and renewable energy in Buffalo City, the City of Tshwane and the City of Joburg, to sustainable township economies and sustainable livelihoods in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, our cities are demonstrating practices that can be scaled up and replicated. eThekwini Municipality is implementing transformative riverine management, the City of Ekurhuleni is fighting the alien invasive species the water hyacinth, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality is actively re-using water and the City of Cape Town is building broad-based water management partnerships.