Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal commits R1 billion to expanding connectivity and bridging the digital divide

 

By Fred Felton | Oct. 21, 2026

Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal announced in October a strategic investment of R1 billion in network infrastructure for the 2027 financial year. At the moment KZN is experiencing growing demand for data and digital services, this investment shows Vodacom’s commitment to delivering world-class connectivity, enhancing customer experience, supporting economic growth and ensuring that nobody is left behind in the digital age.

Imran Khan, Managing Executive for Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal region with the Vodacom Team at the announcement of the R1 billion investment in network infrastructure. | Photo: Supplied. 

The capital expenditure will focus on expanding network coverage, increasing capacity, improving resilience and preparing the network for future technologies. The deployment includes upgrades to radio, transmission, core network, power resilience and supporting infrastructure.  You can also see some of these upgrades at the Moses Mabhida Stadium where Vodacom has increased signal capacity for fans.

Approximately R419 million, will be directed towards radio network expansion and modernisation. This includes new site builds, LTE and 5G upgrades, coverage expansion, and capacity improvements designed to deliver superior connectivity for customers across urban centres, townships, and deep rural areas throughout KZN.

The rollout is set for municipalities across KZN, including eThekwini, uMzimkhulu, Msunduzi, uMvoti, uMhlathuze, Nkandla, eMsinga, iMpendle, Richmond and eDumbe, among others. With this network coverage extension and increased capacity, this will strengthen digital inclusion, improve customer experience and enable more communities to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

Vodacom will invest more than R173 million in transmission infrastructure, including fibre and microwave network upgrades. This will strengthen network resilience, improve service quality and ensure the transport network can support growing demand for broadband and digital services in KZN.

‘’This year’s R1 billion investment builds on the R1.1 billion we invested in KwaZulu-Natal last year and demonstrates our firm commitment to connecting people, communities and businesses across the province. As we continue to modernise and expand our network, we are laying the foundation for future technologies while addressing digital inequality through wider broadband access. Our goal is clear: to create a digitally inclusive KwaZulu-Natal where everyone can participate in and benefit from the opportunity of the digital economy,’’ said Imran Khan, Managing Executive for Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal region. 

The region has set aside R63.5 million towards an energy resilience programme aimed at maintaining connectivity during power disruptions caused by localised load reduction, cable theft, municipal infrastructure failures and maintenance activities. This investment includes generators, batteries and backup power systems to help with network availability during power failures.

Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal aims to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital era. This is done by using innovative products, services and customer-centric initiatives, the region continues to expand access to connectivity and the opportunities it enables for individuals, businesses and communities across KZN.

Contracts offered by Vodacom are also being transformed with a simplified RED portfolio that provides customers with more data, unlimited anytime minutes and greater flexibility at competitive price points. With the new RED Core and SIM-only packages, customers can choose plans that suit their connectivity needs and budgets.

With Just4You and Just4YourTown, customers receive personalised data and voice offerings tailored to their behaviour and location, ensuring connectivity at lower costs. KZN residents are taking up these affordable, customised packages. The Easy2Own device financing initiative enables customers to access smartphones affordably, which helps increase smartphone penetration across KZN. This helps people upgrade from 2G and 3G devices to 4G and 5G-enabled smartphones.  This unlocks access to digital services and opportunities.

Vodacom Business KwaZulu-Natal is also supporting enterprises and government, supporting digital transformation through its comprehensive digital core strategy. The division offers cloud services, cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), mobile and unified communications, hosting, managed services and digital application platforms.

Their Case Management solution helps municipalities to log, track and resolve service-related queries efficiently. Several municipalities across KZN already use this platform to communicate directly with citizens to improve service delivery.

‘’Our investment in KwaZulu-Natal reflects our purpose-led commitment to connecting everyone to a better future, by enabling greater digital inclusion and ensuring that all residents can access the opportunities presented by the digital economy,’’ concluded Khan.