Digital Future Accelerates With Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal

 

By Fred Felton | Nov. 27, 2025

Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal recently announced an investment of over R1.1 billion in network infrastructure for this financial year (FY26), showing its commitment to connecting communities and working towards digital inclusion across South Africa’s provinces with huge populations.

Imran Khan, Managing Executive for Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Region (L) with the team at Vodacom. Photo: Supplied. 

‘’Our investment in KwaZulu-Natal reflects our commitment to building a digitally inclusive province where everyone can access the opportunities of the digital economy,’’ said Imran Khan, Managing Executive for Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Region.

Vodacom’s R1.142 billion investment in KZN’s network infrastructure during the financial year shows the company’s commitment to connectivity in the province. The investment can be broken down into R796 million for radio projects, R289 million for transmission, R36 million to energy and R20 million towards core data networks.

This investment builds on Vodacom KZN’s strong network foundation. The province now enjoys 99.91% 2G population coverage, 99.9% 3G coverage, 99.12% 4G coverage, and 39.54% 5G population coverage. Vodacom will continue with rolling out advanced 4G and 5G technologies to improve connectivity for both urban centres like Durban and underserved rural communities across KZN.

Vodacom is also investing infrastructure in deep rural areas with over R100 million dedicated to extending coverage in previously underserved communities. This has brought reliable mobile coverage to villages including KwaMaphumulo, Nongoma, Vryheid, Empangeni, Nottingham, and the Kamberg valley region, as well as communities across uMkhanyakude which is primed for agro-processing, eco-tourism and renewable energy development.

These investments align with KZN’s strategy to strengthen secondary cities and rural economic hubs. Newcastle is emerging as a centre of manufacturing excellence; Richard’s Bay continues its role as a powerhouse in logistics and industrial gateway, while the South Coast and Midlands champion agriculture and tourism.

Vodacom Business KZN is positioning itself as the most trusted enterprise telecommunications provider in the region, supporting business transformation through its digital core strategy. The division offers integrated solutions like cloud services, cybersecurity, IoT, mobile and unified communications, hosting, managed services, and digital applications platforms.

‘’We’re transitioning from a traditional telco to a future-ready TechCo,’’ added Khan. ‘’Businesses today face emerging technologies like 5G, AI, and quantum computing, alongside competition from hyperscalers and digital natives. Our role is to help enterprises adapt to the pace of digitalisation through systems of advantage via our digital core and customer-360 approach,’’ noted Khan.

Vodacom Business supports businesses no matter how big or small.

Vodacom KZN would also like to make digital access affordable for everyone. They also have affordable programmes to meet customers where they are located.

With Just4You and Just4YourTown, customers get personalised data and voice offerings to suit their behaviour and location, ensuring lower costs. More KZN customers are using them to save money.

Easy2Own is a finance option which allows customers to access smartphones affordably. This programme is critical for people to upgrade from 2G and 3G devices to 4G and 5G devices, unlocking a world of opportunities.

Vodacom KZN is also looking to combat theft and vandalism, which threatens network availability for communities. Residents in the Nottingham and Kamberg valley area are also helping with this and they have partnered with Vodacom to install electric fencing around base stations which reduces vandalism.

‘’We recognise that network investment alone is not enough. Our focus on deep rural connectivity, business solutions, affordability, device access, and community partnerships ensures that the benefits of our infrastructure reach every resident and business in KwaZulu-Natal. With over R1.1 billion in network investment, including R100 million dedicated to deep rural areas, we are building a connected province where no one is left behind,’’ concluded Khan.

EThekwini informal trade facilities hailed for addressing unemployment

 

EThekwini informal trade facilities hailed for addressing unemployment

NONDUDUZO NGCONGO

MANDISA Gwexa, 26, from Mariannhill is proof that opportunity and determination can transform lives. Once an unemployed Environmental Management graduate, she turned her circumstances into motivation and today, she is an award-winning entrepreneur and employer.

After her internship in the private sector ended with no job prospects on the horizon, Gwexa decided to create her own opportunity after seeing informal trading spaces advertised by eThekwini Municipality. ‘’I realised that my lack of employment wasn’t the end, it was the beginning of something new,’’ she said.

In 2021, she started Mandisa Nailed It, a beauty salon specialising in nails, hair, and eyelashes, in KwaNdengezi. Her journey truly transformed when she was allocated formal trading space by eThekwini Municipality through its Informal Economy Support Programme. She applied for a trading stall.

‘’Securing that space was a game changer for my business. It gave me dignity, stability, and confidence to grow.’’

Gwexa praised the Municipality for its continuous training for small businesses, access to funding, and mentorship opportunities. ‘’The Municipality didn’t just give us space, they equip us to succeed,’’ she added.

From humble beginnings, Mandisa Nailed It has become a community hub, Gwexa now employs eight people, six full-time and two part-time and has trained more than 40 aspiring nail technicians, many of whom have gone on to start their own businesses.

She was recently awarded the Youth-Owned Informal Business Award at the 2025 eThekwini Municipality Informal Trade Awards.

‘’Winning this award has further elevated my business and has shown me that hard work pays off. I encourage other young people to apply for the opportunities government provides. I am excited to continue growing my business,’’ she said.

Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli said stories like that of Gwexa’s show the value of investing in the informal economy and small business. ‘’When small businesses thrive, communities thrive hence the Municipality will continue with its support of small, medium and micro-sized enterprises,’’ he said.

Extension of Special Debt Relief Programme

 

Extension of Special Debt Relief Programme

METRO REPORTER

AS a strategic measure to ease the City’s customers, the Executive Committee approved the extension of the special Debt Relief Programme during a meeting on 28 October.

The programme will run from 1 November 2025 to 31 January 2026 and offers domestic and business customers a 50 percent write-off on arrear debt accrued up to 31 January 2025.

Customers who are unable to pay their arrears in full may do so through instalment plans, provided the debt is fully settled by 31 January 2026.

Additionally, customers that have accumulated debt from 1 February 2025 to 30 June 2025 must settle the outstanding debt.

If they cannot afford to do so in one payment, they can enter an arrangement with the Municipality that will end on 30 June 2026. No interest will be charged.

Customers can visit their nearest Sizakala Centre for more information on the programme.

Multiple service delivery projects unveiled

 

Multiple service delivery projects unveiled

METRO REPORTER

ETHEKWINI Municipality continues to attract investment and prioritise service delivery to improve the lives of residents. This comes as eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba unveiled the newly constructed, state-of-the-art uMlazi G-Section Clinic recently.

The facility will bring much-needed relief to the uMlazi community where healthcare services were previously provided from a community hall and some patients had to be redirected to nearby clinics.

The new R15 million clinic underscores the Municipality’s ongoing commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality primary healthcare services to residents. Serving over 25 000 residents, the clinic is a strategic investment aimed at aligning Municipal health facilities with the National Core Standards.

Mayor Xaba also attended the official opening of the Isiphingo Shopping Centre on 29 October. He said this is yet another demonstration that Durban is open for business. ‘’The growth we are witnessing in the retail sector is due to our efforts to create a conducive environment for investors. As a City, working with all relevant stakeholders, we want to make it easy for business to invest in eThekwini Municipality.’’

And in yet another significant moment for the City, there was a jubilant atmosphere as the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) unveiled their 300^th new train during a launch in Durban on 29 October.

The unveiling forms part of PRASA’s national project to replace its aging fleet with brand-new, state-of-the-art trains. Attending the unveiling of the latest train in their fleet was Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy and MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma along with Mayor Xaba.

Mayor Xaba said it was significant that the 300^th train was launched in the City during Transport Month. ‘’We are excited to be part of today’s launch of Train Set #300 as we recognise the pivotal role the rail sector plays in promoting economic growth and supporting trade.’’

A Day in the Life of PeWG

 

By Fred Felton | Nov. 17, 2025

Service delivery in the City has been accelerated by the Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG). Last week on 13^th November a high-level delegation led by Co-Chairs of PeWG Director-General in the Presidency Phindile Baleni and Mike Mabuyakhulu did an inspection of big service delivery projects underway in the City.

A Presidential eThekwini Working Group tour led Co-Chairs Director-General in the Presidency Phindile Baleni and Mike Mabuyakhulu, appraised the progress of major development projects underway in the City. | Photo: Saneli Mthalane 

The delegation from PeWG which included key stakeholders from the City visited Moses Mabhida Stadium, Rivertown Precinct, the Southern Aqueduct, the uMlazi Canal and Phoenix Industrial Park.

PeWG was established as a result of engagements between the President and the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry to look at pressing challenges such as interruptions in water supply, old infrastructure, tourism decline, crime and port issues.

One of the flagship projects that PeWG looks at is the uMlazi Canal Flood Alleviation Scheme, an essential flood mitigation project that protects the South Durban Basin’s industrial hub.

As a result of intervention from PeWG, Transnet accepted ownership of the canal and did repairs which are 81 percent complete.

The full restoration is due for June 2026 at a projected cost of between R2 billion and R3 billion.

The PeWG tour also inspected the Southern Aqueduct Upgrade. | Photo: Saneli Mthalane. 

Another catalytic project is the Southern Aqueduct Upgrade which is underway in the City, aiming to enhance bulk water security and resilience across the southern region of eThekwini.

The project is divided into 8 work packages, construction is 40 percent complete, with full commissioning around mid-2026.

So far this project has created employment and integrated digital supervisory control and data acquisition systems to modernise water management.

The PeWG’s Focused Intervention Team has also helped with urban renewal; problem and neglected buildings such as 85 Anton Lembede Street and 516 Dr Pixley KaSeme Street have seen visible improvements and legal recovery efforts.

Through PeWG Workstream 3, security and social stability have improved through expanded CCTV coverage, enhanced Operation Shanele deployments and new measures to look at homelessness and forensic laboratory backlogs.

PeWG’s integrated results-driven approach is quickly becoming a national model for restoring confidence, resilience, and growth in the urban centres of South Africa.

The uMlazi Canal Upgrade. | Photo: Fred Felton. 

Mabuyakhulu noted that over the past year, the PeWG has evolved into one of the City’s most progressive initiatives.

He also highlighted that eThekwini has seen improvements in water and sanitation service delivery.

The inspections also provided an opportunity to celebrate achievements that have been made possible thanks to partnerships, especially with the business sector, which has helped restore public trust and business confidence in the City.

‘’Witnessing how eThekwini has implemented initiatives to address service delivery challenges while boosting confidence is commendable,’’ said Co-Chair of PeWG, Director-General in the Presidency Phindile Baleni.

Southern Sun Hotels and eThekwini Municipality Sign 50-Year Lease

 

By Fred Felton | Nov. 11, 2025

The eThekwini Municipality and Southern Sun Hotels recently signed a R1 billion lease on 29 October for the redevelopment of two of Durban’s iconic hotels, the Elangeni and Maharani Towers.

EThekwini Municipality and Southern Sun Hotels signed a 50-year lease agreement to redevelop the Elangeni and Maharani Towers. The partnership will also see the upgrade of nearby amenities, including a Municipal park. | Photo: Supplied. 

The current lease for these hotels is set to expire in December 2025.

This new 50-year lease was won by Southern Sun after a fair and transparent bidding process. This was after a Request for Proposals from industry in November 2023.

This lease agreement is a major part of the Municipality’s Proactive Land Release Strategy and allows the Municipality to realise its vision as set out in the Inner City Local Area Plan, which aims to protect and enhance the beachfront as a key tourism asset.

This R1 billion capital investment will see R622 million go to the upgrade of the Elangeni and Maharani, R157 million for movable assets and R348 million on two additional hotels owned by the same entity.

This is part of a functionality requirement that required bidders to further invest in the Durban beachfront precinct.

There will also be another R5 million invested towards the development of the Sunken Gardens, a Municipal park opposite the Elangeni and Maharani hotels.

‘’The integrity of the Golden Mile depends on these hotels. They are not just structures, they are symbols of Durban’s identity, resilience, and ambition. We extend our deep gratitude to Southern Sun as this lease agreement is a declaration of intent that Durban will grow broadly and inclusively,’’ said Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli, representing eThekwini Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba.

Chairperson of the Human Settlements, Engineering, and Transport Committee Councillor Themba Mvubu noted that the City’s Land Release Strategy aims to turn Municipal assets into engines of growth and empowerment.

‘’A resilient city anticipates change, adapts, and draws strength from partnerships. By building alliances between public and private sectors, the City and community, and infrastructure and events; we will fortify Durban’s future and harness tourism for inclusive growth. This will help uphold our status as Africa’s premier destination for festivals, events, and tourism,’’ said eThekwini City Manager Dr Musa Mbhele.

This redevelopment will see modernised rooms, restaurants, rooftop experiences, conference spaces, and sustainable solutions like solar power and water-saving systems.

‘’All our hotels are commercially viable despite some challenges we have experienced. EThekwini Municipality sees us as a partner, and we are looking forward to working together towards a common goal,’’ noted CEO of Southern Sun Marcel von Aulock.

Von Aulock also revealed that since the launch of their summer sale, 70 percent of their bookings are for Durban, which shows that visitors are just as supportive of their vision for the City.

Lifeguards Honoured by City

 

By Fred Felton | Nov.9, 2025

As the City prepares for the festive season the eThekwini Municipality has honoured its lifeguards for their dedication to water safety.

Senior Lifeguard Mhlengi Gwala survived a 2018 brutal attack. He was honoured at the ceremony. | Photo: Nonjabulo Chamane. 

The awards ceremony was hosted by the Municipality’s Recreation and Parks Directorate at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 5 November to recognise beach and swimming pool lifesavers for their service.

‘’Your tireless efforts and commitment to keeping our communities safe are truly appreciated. We thank you for representing the City well to thousands of families who visit our beaches and swimming pools,’’ said Chairperson of the Community Services Committee Councillor Zama Sokhabase.

She noted that the City expects large crowds at beaches and swimming pools during the holidays and she had confidence that lifeguards were thoroughly able to handle emergencies.

EThekwini lifeguards were honoured and awarded for their bravery and professional excellence in saving lives. These everyday heroes play a vital role throughout the year, preventing drownings and ensuring public safety through vigilant supervision. | Photo: Nonjabulo Chamane. 

‘’We acknowledge that you guys are the heroes of the City,’’ said Dr S.E. Ndlovu, Director Recreation and Parks.

There were many lifeguards honoured at the ceremony and among those was Senior Lifeguard Mhlengi Gwala who survived a 2018 brutal attack that resulted in the amputation of his leg. Gwala has continued to do well in both lifesaving and global sports, earning much praise.

Senior Lifeguard Sihle Xaba was also recognised for his recent victory at the South African Bodyboard Championships and for representing the country in international surfing events.

‘’You are our unsung heroes, your dedication does not go unnoticed,’’ noted Mr Troye Brown, Chairperson Lifesaving KwaZulu Natal. 

The lifeguards also renewed their oath to protect lives during the ceremony, which ended with the unpacking of new uniforms for beach lifeguards and swimming pool supervisors.

These new uniforms show the Municipality’s commitment to safety and professionalism during the festive season.