Vodacom has initiated a program that allows a limited number of prepaid customers with 2G phones to upgrade to a 4G Kicka 6 smartphone for R67.
The initiative will commence in Stores in KwaZulu-Natal in observance of Mandela Month and eventually spread to Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
The device introduced on Friday is a 6″ 4G smartphone with 4GB RAM and 32GB ROM.
According to Vodacom, the campaign also fits the company’s annual theme, “It is in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.”
Millions of South Africans depend on 2G
Millions of South Africans are dependent on 2G devices, which restricts their access to necessary digital services, according to Rishaad Tayob, director of Vodacom South Africa’s consumer business.
“By offering affordable 4G smartphones, we are empowering people to participate fully in the digital economy,” he said.
“Following Madiba’s legacy of 67 years of fighting for equality, we have the power to make a positive impact. Vodacom is proud to turn that belief into action in the communities we serve.”
As a fitting homage to Mandela’s vision of equality and opportunity, this significant milestone will enable greater digital inclusion.
Mandela Day benefits for customers
This Mandela Day initiative helps Vodacom’s national 4G migration drive, guaranteeing more South Africans access to modern, dependable, and reasonably priced mobile technology.
Qualifying customers can save R632 on the Kicka 6 smartphone, which typically retails for R699. If they recharge with at least R29, they will also get a 20GB Buy and Get data offer worth R149.
Furthermore, as part of its “Surprise and Delight” campaign, Vodacom is giving away 67 smartphones on Friday, July 18, 2025, Mandela Day.”
“Eligible customers will be selected after participating in Vodacom’s Daily V-Up journey and will need to visit the Vodacom World Store in Midrand to trade in their 2G devices,” it says.
More affordable devices for Vodacom’s customers
The mobile operator claims that providing more affordable 4G-enabled devices, such as the Hisens U607 and Vodacom V54, retailing for R399 and R499, respectively, further democratises connectivity.
When it first introduced the Mobicel S4 4G cloud-based phone in 2024 for R199 and the Itel IT9300 4G device, which retails for R249, it broadened its selection of reasonably priced 4G devices.
“Our Mandela Month promotions support our ongoing purpose-led efforts to offer affordable entry-level smartphones and handset financing solutions,” said Tayob.
“By making 4G device ownership more accessible, we can connect everyone to a better future.”
The initiative will aid in closing the digital divide, support the government’s objectives for 4G coverage and make innovative technology available to everyone.