Based on the 2014 MasterCard African Cities Growth Index, this study offers an integrated assessment of cities’ economic, investment and business potential but in addition, the potential well-being and progress of their citizens. The findings offer a baseline for the position of five South African cities and a comparison with major cities in and beyond Africa. The report continues with a discussion of the study commissioned by South African Cities Network that utilises the same methodology as that of the African Cities Growth Index, based on the most recent data at the time of writing, and assessing nine South African cities. This report acts as a barometer of the performance of cities on a range of specific criteria. It allows for internal comparison amongst cities in South Africa and external comparison with leading cities
across the African continent and beyond. The report begins with an overview of the growth trajectory of Africa and the general position of
cities in the growth and prosperity of the African region. It continues with a discussion of the benchmark criteria that are used to measure the performance of individual cities and a description of the methodology of assessment. The findings of the 2014 MasterCard African
Cities Growth Index are then discussed. Nine South African Cities – Buffalo City, Cape Town, City of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, eThekwini, Mangaung, Msunduzi, Nelson Mandela Bay and Tshwane – are assessed and the findings discussed. The report concludes with a number of brief notes, a review of methodology, terms and concepts.