FIELD TRIP
Engineering 4.0: The Future of Smart Cities in Africa
Field trip date: 1 December 2025
Organisation: University of Pretoria (UP)
City: Pretoria
Tour capacity: 12 persons
Itinerary
09:00 Pick up at the CSIR International Convention Centre (CSIR ICC)
09:30 Arrival at Engineering 4.0
09:35 Briefing by Engineering 4.0 officials
09:40 Tour of the Engineering 4.0 facilities
11:30 Transfer to Moja Gabedi
12:00 Arrival at Moja Gabedi
12:05 Welcome and lunch at Moja Gabedi, hosted by the UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal
13:00 Guided walkthrough of Moja Gabedi gardens
14:30 Transfer to the CSIR ICC
15:00 Drop off at the CSIR ICC
Please advise regarding any mobility challenges or special needs.
A field trip to the University of Pretoria’s Engineering 4.0 facility, and to Moja Gabedi, a vibrant community engagement hub.
Engineering 4.0
The term smart cities might conjure images of robots, flying cars and buildings that anticipate your every need. But according to researchers at UP’s Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT), truly smart cities are those where jobs, food and resources are accessible to all; where systems work together to improve quality of life; and where data is harnessed to drive sustainable change.
By leveraging the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the innovations of Engineering 4.0, EBIT is addressing African urban challenges such as food security, inequality and energy vulnerability – creating cities that are as inclusive as they are intelligent.
This tour will take journalists to UP’s state-of-the-art Engineering 4.0 facility, where cutting-edge research and technology are applied to meet Africa’s needs for rapid urbanisation, sustainable infrastructure and resilient energy systems. From advanced transport modelling and infrastructure testing to renewable energy and digital innovation, journalists will see first-hand how this facility is developing solutions for the continent’s future.
Story: UP launches Africa-first Engineering 4.0 facility for research on smart transport, cities and infrastructure
Video: Launch of Engineering 4.0
Moja Gabedi community engagement hub
Once a neglected rubbish dump and hotspot for crime, Moja Gabedi in Hatfield has been transformed into a vibrant community engagement hub and green urban oasis.
The site now thrives as a space for learning, social impact and environmental regeneration—embodying the spirit of Ubuntu, the belief that “I am because we are.” It is a truly African experience that reflects UP’s commitment to making a difference beyond the lab and lecture hall.
Delegates will be hosted by Prof. Francis Petersen, UP’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, and will explore lush gardens, therapy spaces and innovative community projects born from collaboration between students, staff and local residents.
Story: Moja Gabedi: From waste to a thriving community engagement hub
Video: UP Cares: Moja Gabedi