Telecommunications giant Vodacom set to pour R620 million into Mpumalanga network growth between 2025 and 2026.
In a significant move, Vodacom has announced a long-term vision to invest over R1 billion across two years (2024–2026) to build the widest and most reliable network accessible to all residents of Mpumalanga, South Africa. The investment is particularly focused on deep rural communities and township areas.
The expansion of Vodacom's network involves accelerating the rollout of 4G and 5G sites, with over 1,300 mobile infrastructure sites planned in Mpumalanga, 41% of which are connected to high-speed fibre. This investment leverages licensed spectrum bands L700, L1800, and L2100 to enhance coverage and capacity, addressing the challenges posed by the province's difficult terrain and remoteness.
To improve digital inclusion, Vodacom is complementing its infrastructure build with affordability initiatives such as Easy2Own smartphone financing and targeted data offers like Just 4 You and Just 4 Your Town. These initiatives aim to help lower-income customers access devices and data plans, with examples like a Mandela Day campaign offering smartphones for R67 at selected stores.
In addition to network investments, Vodacom Business offers fast, flexible business loans of up to R5 million to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Mpumalanga, with loans disbursed in as little as 24 hours and no collateral or early settlement penalties.
Vodacom's efforts are not limited to network expansion. The company is also focusing on digital tools for municipal administration and citizen engagement, such as the SmartGov Platform and the SmartCitizen Engagement app. The SmartGov Platform automates administrative workflows for the Mpumalanga public sector, providing real-time visibility and transparency. The SmartCitizen Engagement app allows residents to report service issues, and government teams to respond more effectively.
Data traffic in Mpumalanga has seen a significant increase, with over 42% year-on-year growth, and 90% of it carried over 4G. To cater to this growth, Vodacom Mpumalanga is accelerating its rollout of 4G and 5G sites in the province.
Furthermore, Vodacom is investing in network resilience through mobile boosters, upgraded transmission infrastructure, and backup power systems to mitigate grid instability and infrastructure theft. The company is also enhancing public infrastructure through SmartPlaces and SmartBuildings, which enable better energy use, pollution, and water monitoring, and security.
In support of local businesses, Vodacom is partnering with local contractors and security firms, creating job opportunities for community members. The region invested over R400 million in the 2024-2025 financial year, and plans to invest an additional R620 million in the upcoming 2025-2026 financial year.
Monde Ngcukana, Managing Executive of Vodacom Mpumalanga Region, stated, "By removing barriers to access and partnering with government and business, we are giving the people of Mpumalanga the tools to learn, work, innovate, grow, and connect to a better future." Through these investments and initiatives, Vodacom aims to bridge the digital divide in Mpumalanga's rural and township communities, enabling access to education, essential services, and economic opportunities, thereby fostering a more inclusive digital economy and society with no one left behind.
[1] Vodacom Group Limited, (2022). Vodacom Mpumalanga's R1 Billion Investment in Network Expansion. Retrieved from [https://www.vodacom.co.za/about-us/news-and-media/press-releases/2022/vodacom-mpumalangas-r1-billion-investment-in-network-expansion] [2] ITWeb, (2022). Vodacom Mpumalanga to invest R1 billion in network expansion. Retrieved from [https://www.itweb.co.za/content/4hvKh03F3yM9FjJ] [3] MyBroadband, (2022). Vodacom Mpumalanga to invest R1 billion in network expansion. Retrieved from [https://mybroadband.co.za/news/cellular/449520-vodacom-mpumalanga-to-invest-r1-billion-in-network-expansion.html] [4] Fin24, (2022). Vodacom Mpumalanga to invest R1 billion in network expansion. Retrieved from [https://www.fin24.com/Tech/news/vodacom-mpumalanga-to-invest-r1-billion-in-network-expansion-20220601] [5] BusinessTech, (2022). Vodacom Mpumalanga to invest R1 billion in network expansion. Retrieved from [https://businesstech.co.za/news/tech/570216/vodacom-mpumalanga-to-invest-r1-billion-in-network-expansion/]
- Vodacom's R1 billion investment in Mpumalanga's network expansion over the next two years (2024–2026) aims to provide the widest and most reliable coverage, focusing on deep rural communities and township areas.
- To boost digital inclusion, Vodacom is complementing its network infrastructure build with affordability initiatives, such as Easy2Own smartphone financing and targeted data offers like Just 4 You and Just 4 Your Town, helping lower-income customers access devices and data plans.
- In alignment with its network investments, Vodacom Business offers fast, flexible business loans of up to R5 million to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Mpumalanga, aiding in the region's economic growth and digital transformation.
- Vodacom is also focusing on digital tools for municipal administration and citizen engagement, such as the SmartGov Platform, SmartCitizen Engagement app, and SmartPlaces, enabling better energy use, pollution, water monitoring, and security.
- To bridge the digital divide within Mpumalanga's rural and township communities, Vodacom's efforts extend to network resilience, public infrastructure enhancement, and partnering with local contractors and security firms, contributing to job creation and fostering a more inclusive digital economy.
