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.

Limited Launch Gifts With Samsung Galaxy Z Series 5G

 

Samsung recently launched their new Galaxy Z series with the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and now you can get them with some extra-special launch gifts.

                                                                                          
                                    

                                               

Pre-order now to receive limited launch gifts

When you pre-order or purchase during the September to 20 October 2021 promotional period¹, you will receive an exclusive offer, that includes the new Galaxy Buds2, the must-have Galaxy Smart Tag and the peace of mind of Samsung Care+, all valued at R5 200². The free one-year Samsung Care+ plan will provide one accidental screen and/ or back cover repair, and will include a battery replacement. You can upgrade to the Samsung Care+ Premium plan at an affordable cost, for additional cover, which includes liquid, motherboard and external casing damage.

 

Select your new favourite foldable

Galaxy Z Fold3

Built for those who need the ultimate device to power their productivity and maximise every moment. Galaxy Z Fold3 5G combines power, efficiency and immersive viewing so you can check off your to-do list faster and have more time for next-gen gaming, content viewing and video calling. With a screen size that allows you to run up to three apps at once, it’s the ultimate productivity tool for modern multi-taskers. For the first time ever on a foldable, Samsung has added S Pen support⁴, so that you can jot down reminders directly on its immersive, large screen or join an online video call on your top half of screen and take notes with your S Pen on the bottom half, by just clicking the screen twice. 

When you’re enjoying some me-time, you can easily immerse yourself in your favourite show or sports game, undisrupted, thanks to the 7.6-inch Main Screen and Under display camera. From productivity to performance to portable entertainment on the go, the Galaxy Z Fold3 is the ultimate powerhouse device.

 

Galaxy Z Flip3 5G

For those who need a device that’s as stylish as they are, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 empowers you to express yourself with bold colour options, a sleek, compact rectangular design that  fits effortlessly in your pocket, and trendy new accessories. Unfold and snap a stunning selfie with the  Galaxy Z Flip3’s camera features including Flex mode and its unique ability to stand upright, with a  symmetrical and balanced design, that opens up to an angle that best fits your vision. Then add to your social feed, which scrolls smoother than ever with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Enjoy easier ways to pay, play, and check your notifications fast on its larger cover screen, without ever flipping open your phone. 

Choosing the Galaxy Z Flip3 means getting more of what you crave, your way, whatever you’re doing, whether the device is open or closed. Galaxy Z Flip3 is more than a folding phone, it’s a statement. 

Whether you flip or fold, both new Galaxy Z devices offer our most durable, connected, and expansive foldable experiences ever. Building on a legacy of impeccable craftsmanship, they are equipped with water-resistance⁵, Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus™, Armor Aluminium, an optimised panel layer, and an improved protective film.

Click here for more information about the Galaxy Z Fold3 and the Galaxy Z Flip3.

 

¹Terms and conditions apply. The promotion period depends on retailer.

For Vodacom customers the Promotion Period will end 6th October 2021.

For MTN customers Promotion Period will end 30th September 2021.

For Cell C customers Promotion period will end 17th October 2021.

For Telkom customers Promotion period will end 20th October 2021.

For Takealot customers Promotion period will end 30th September 2021.

²Users that pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold3 or Z Flip3 will get a year of Samsung Care+ protection.

Samsung Care+ for Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 requires a free registration within 30 days from the phone’s purchase date through Samsung Members or the Samsung care plus page . A R 999 repair fee will be charged per incident for the Samsung Care+ protection on the Z Fold3 | Z Flip3. Protection coverage and availability may vary by market. Full information on Samsung Care+ is available at https://www.samsung.com/za/offer/samsung-care-plus/

³Price may vary by retailer

⁴S Pen sold separately. Only Z Fold3 Main Screen has S Pen capability. Compatible only with the S Pen Fold Edition and S Pen Pro. All other S Pens or stylus pens not designed for Z Fold3 (including those by other manufacturers) may damage the screen.

⁵Rated as IPX8. Based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meter of freshwater for up to 30 minutes..

Connecting Africa

Combining C2C & F-Sat

Connect Africa Summit - Credit: Fred Felton

There are so many events on the go at ITU Telecom World 2018 that it is almost impossible to attend each one. You would have to clone yourself to get to see all that is on in Durban, South Africa this year.

For example the Connect Africa Summit is on the go at the Hilton Hotel in Durban from 11^th to 12^th September 2018.

It features keynotes, workshops and discussions around connectivity, 5G, satellite technology and much more.

Influential speakers have gathered to share their knowledge and below are just some of the key insights from day 1 of the event:

‘South Africa is the largest consumer of data in Africa’ – Ben Roberts the CTIO of Liquid.

He also noted that most people walk around with 2 mobile phones these days.

‘We need to encourage mobile operators to keep investing’ noted Mortimer Hope the CEO of GH Communications.

He also shared this insightful tip about our data use. This is only for people who use Android mobile devices. He suggests you go to Settings / Communications / Data or look at Data Usage and go to More and click on Show Wi-Fi usage and compare the difference between how much Mobile Data you used compared to how much Wi-Fi data you used. It makes for interesting reading.

The Summit continues tomorrow with Day 2.

For more info on ITU  Telecom World 2018 visit:

http://telecomworld.itu.int/

Follow the hashtags on Social Media: #ITUWorld #ITUinSA18

Find them on Twitter: @ITU

This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton