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2026 NEW CITIES SUMMIT IN JOHANNESBURG
Waterfall City Management Company will host the 2026 edition of the global New Cities Summit at Waterfall City in Johannesburg this December. This summit will cement its status as the leading global platform for advancing the future of urban development. Addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities of building thriving new cities around the world, the New Cities Summit is the essential gathering for those committed to reimagining urban living at scale and taking action to see ideas to fruition. Willie Vos, CEO of Waterfall City Management Company, said;“ It is a great honour for us to host the 2026 New Cities Summit at Waterfall City – the largest mixed-use development in Africa. While our 2,200-hectare smart city is only halfway complete, we believe it already reflects the pioneering urban design and humancentric principles that underpin this project. We are proud to showcase how innovative planning, long-term vision and dedicated property management can translate into a smart, safe and sustainable environment, where people can truly live, work, play and prosper. At the same time, we look forward to engaging with global thought leaders and gaining valuable insights during the Summit, as we continue building a city that raises the bar for urban development.”
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA ARCHITECTURE ALUMNUS’ S WIN AT GERMAN DESIGN AWARDS 2026
Mangaliso Mtetwa with his award-winning modular bench system being showcased at Ambiente 2026- an international trade fair held in Frankfurt.
What began in a first-year studio at the University of Pretoria( UP) has gone global on one of the world’ s most prestigious design stages. Mangaliso Mtetwa, an alumnus of the University’ s Department of Architecture, has claimed a rare double victory at the 2026 German Design Awards. His sculptural modular bench system, the Ubuntu Curve, received top honours in both the Excellent Product Design – Furniture and Excellent Product Design – Circular Design categories, placing South African design firmly in the global spotlight. Designed and made in South Africa through the Nyambose Group, the Ubuntu Curve embodies the human-centred and regenerative ethos cultivated during his studies. Inspired by South Africa’ s landscapes and the philosophy of Ubuntu –“ I am because we are” – the modular bench system fosters connection in public spaces while adhering to circular design principles. Constructed from recycled steel and Forest Stewardship Council( FSC)-certified timber, and engineered for modularity and repairability, it reflects the environmental responsibility embedded in his design approach.
Following its double award win, the Ubuntu Curve made its international trade fair debut at Ambiente 2026 in Frankfurt, where it was presented to global buyers, media, and design professionals. The moment marked an important international milestone for Mtetwa, as he showcased a South African design concept to the global design community.
While the recognition highlights the strength of architectural education at UP, it also reflects something broader: the impact of UP alumni who are taking the knowledge, values and mentorship gained during their studies and translating it into meaningful contributions around the world.
Mtetwa’ s achievement is a reminder that UP alumni continue to shape industries, communities and global conversations through innovation, leadership and purposeful action. From Pretoria’ s studios to international stages, graduates are demonstrating that excellence developed at the University of Pretoria travels far beyond campus – and that Tuks alumni are ready to make their mark wherever they go.
4 News Watch