Vodacom Central Region—which serves the Free State and Northern Cape provinces this fiscal year—is spending more than R400 million on network improvements. With an emphasis on linking underprivileged areas throughout the Free State and Northern Cape, this money will be used to build network infrastructure, improve capacity and resilience, and empower communities.
To increase broadband coverage throughout the region, the region spent R340 million in 2022–2023 and R500 million in the 2024–2025 fiscal year.
This three-year investment of more than R1.2 billion is a component of Vodacom’s long-term goal to have the most dependable and extensive network available to all South Africans, regardless of where they reside.
Breakdown of how the fund will be disbursed
R210 million of the total investment will be used to upgrade the fibre and microwave systems, while R150 million will be used to establish new locations and radio infrastructure.
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The region is speeding up the rollout of 4G and 5G sites to boost coverage and capacity by utilising licensed spectrum, such as 700MHz to 3500MHz.
An additional R40 million will be allocated to power backup systems to guarantee network availability during load shedding and vandalism incidents.
“Our network investment will support a growing demand for superior connectivity services in the region, with data traffic up 42 per cent and our data customer base growing by 3,63 per cent year on year. We continue expanding 4G and 5G coverage, particularly in remote communities, to enable all our customers to benefit from these services, driving our goal of building an inclusive digital society. In doing so, we have seen an increase in 5G adoption, with a 66.2 per cent year-on-year growth,” says Evah Mthimunye, Managing Executive for Vodacom Central Region.
Addressing affordability barriers
In addition to this network investment, Vodacom is working to remove financial constraints that keep many people from fully taking advantage of the digital economy. By providing individualised data and voice offerings based on customer behaviour and location, Just4You and Just4YourTown allow people to connect at reduced prices that cater to their individual requirements.
Customers can move from basic connectivity to 4G and 5G-enabled smartphones through the Easy2Own initiative, which offers smartphones through an affordable device financing model. As a result, the region’s 68.3 per cent smartphone penetration rate is rising.
Youth empowerment
Vodacom has hosted 80 Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) interns in the area in prior years, and this fiscal year, the company is placing 35 interns throughout business units and towns in the Northern Cape and Free State, in keeping with its commitment to youth empowerment and the development of digital skills.
Eight interns have already been hired for full-time positions through Vodacom stores or partners. The Free State’s Vodacom Bursary is also helping eight bursars, bolstering the supply of qualified graduates joining the workforce.
Investment in technology-driven solutions to improve service delivery
Vodacom Central Region also assists nearby municipalities with technology-driven solutions to enhance service delivery and financial sustainability.
Vodacom successfully implemented an innovative electricity metering project in the Northern Cape in collaboration with Sol Plaatje Municipality, tackling issues like revenue losses from non-payment, erroneous billing, and illicit connections.
By March 2025, the municipality—including Kimberley—had installed 15,453 smart meters. In addition to increasing billing accuracy, the project had boosted the local economy by hiring 33 data collectors and 52 electricians.
“Through sustained investment in our network and digital solutions, Vodacom Central Region is working to ensure that no community is left behind in the digital era. Whether it is connecting individuals and businesses, empowering young people through digital skills training, or supporting municipalities with smart technology, we are contributing to inclusive, sustainable economic growth in the region and making a meaningful difference in the lives of South Africans,” concludes Mthimunye.