Vodacom invests R1.6bn in network expansion across Mpumalanga, KZN
The combined investment comprises more than R600m for Mpumalanga and R1bn for KwaZulu-Natal. Both regional programmes include network upgrades, expanded 4G and 5G connectivity and measures to maintain services during power disruptions and severe weather.
In KwaZulu-Natal, the investment follows R1.1bn in network spending in the previous financial year, according to the company. In Mpumalanga, Vodacom invested R620m during 2025/26, with a focus on townships and rural communities.
Expanding coverage and network capacity
Vodacom Mpumalanga has increased its mobile infrastructure footprint from just over 1,300 sites to 1,408. It is continuing to expand 4G and 5G services, particularly in underserved and remote areas, with its rollout targeting all 17 local municipalities across the province.
The company is also increasing the proportion of fibre-connected sites in Mpumalanga, from 41% in 2025/26 to 45% in 2026/27. It says the upgrades will improve network performance, reliability and customer experience.
In KwaZulu-Natal, approximately R419m of the R1bn investment will go towards radio network expansion and modernisation. This includes new sites, LTE and 5G upgrades, coverage expansion and capacity improvements across urban centres, townships and rural communities.
A further R173m-plus will be directed towards transmission infrastructure, including fibre and microwave upgrades, to support growing broadband demand and improve network resilience.
“This year’s R1bn investment builds on the R1.1bn we invested in KwaZulu-Natal last year and demonstrates our firm commitment to connecting people, communities and businesses across the province,” said Imran Khan, managing executive for Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal.
Strengthening network resilience
Both regional investment programmes include measures to reduce the impact of power interruptions and other infrastructure challenges on connectivity.
In KwaZulu-Natal, Vodacom has allocated R63.5m to energy resilience, including generators, batteries and backup power systems. These are intended to help maintain network availability during power disruptions caused by load reduction, cable theft, municipal infrastructure failures and maintenance.
In Mpumalanga, the company is upgrading transmission infrastructure and backup power systems to mitigate the effects of electricity outages, vandalism and theft.
Vodacom has also launched a Summer Plan Project in Mpumalanga to prepare more than 500 network sites for severe weather during the rainy season.
Network usage figures indicate a growing shift towards newer mobile technologies in Mpumalanga. During 2025/26, approximately 90% of data traffic was carried on 4G. In 2026/27, the company reports that 78% was carried on 4G and 20% on 5G.
Affordability and digital services
Alongside infrastructure spending, Vodacom is promoting services aimed at making connectivity more accessible.
In both provinces, its Just4You and Just4YourTown platforms offer personalised voice and data deals based on customers’ usage patterns and locations.
In KwaZulu-Natal, the company is also promoting its Red contract portfolio, including Red Core and SIM-only packages, as well as its Easy2Own device financing initiative. The latter aims to make smartphones more accessible and help customers move from 2G and 3G devices to 4G- and 5G-enabled handsets.
Vodacom Business KwaZulu-Natal is also offering digital services to enterprises and government, including cloud services, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, managed services and unified communications.
One example is its Case Management platform, which allows municipalities to log, track and resolve service-related queries. The company says several municipalities in the province are already using the platform to communicate with residents and support service delivery.
Monde Ngcukana, managing executive for Vodacom Mpumalanga, said the investment aims to expand coverage, improve network quality and build infrastructure to support the province’s long-term digital transformation.
Both regional programmes form part of Vodacom’s wider strategy to expand broadband access and support participation in the digital economy, particularly among underserved communities.
