While students across South Africa continue to benefit from the MTN Foundation's multimedia centres, e-learning platform, and other specialised digital support, load shedding, battery theft and vandalism takes its toll on network connectivity, holding learners back from accessing these opportunities.
“The handover of the multimedia centres is the next step in the MTN Foundation’s support of the communities of KwaZulu-Natal and eThekwini at large. While our main focus remains to help increase access to digital learning and improve academic performance, this is not possible without reliable access to connectivity and, through it, to data and information,” says Arthur Mukhuvha, general manager at the MTN SA Foundation.
“During periods when load shedding is at stages 1 or 2, which allows for MTN backup batteries to recharge, one might expect that access to the network would continue, but criminals are still vandalising towers and stealing batteries, which means that students can’t fully utilise the multimedia centres or e-learning platforms even when the power is on,” continues Mukhuvha.
“We’re working on engaging several critical role-players to collaborate on matters related to the impact of any extended outages and actively seeking alternative solutions to ensure connectivity during load shedding, but criminal activity continues. Community support and vigilance is desperately needed,” says Mukhuvha.
KwaZulu-Natal saw 536 sites vandalised between Jan 2022 to Feb 2023 - 203 of these were battery theft incidents. Copper cables, diesel, generator batteries, alternators and even whole generators are being stolen. While rural remote areas are hit the most, the trends show that no area is safe, with sites in the eThekwini metro also affected.
Despite these challenges, MTN is making solid progress against its broader R1bn network resilience plans to reinforce the strength of the network to withstand the onslaught of crime affecting customers both in KZN and across the county. These investments are already showing success and will enable significant improvement to network availability in the second half of the year, as more of the work rolls out.
“At the moment nothing is more important than safeguarding our network as an increasing number of South Africans turn to mobile internet for work, for business, education, staying connected to loved ones, and for accessing emergency services,” says Mukhuvha.
“People who are connected are ultimately empowered. Children who are connected are uplifted. To this end, MTN remains committed to doing all it can to contribute meaningfully to helping alleviate the adverse impact of battery theft, vandalism and load shedding on the nation, it’s people and the economy, and we call on all South Africans to remain vigilant for any suspicious acts.
"Remember, if you see something, report it by contacting 086 101 1721 or moc.sffopit@suomynona,” concludes Mukhuvha.
