Vodacom enhances inclusive digital connectivity through five new network sites at public hospitals in Limpopo

TZANEEN - In continuing to drive its mission to leave no one behind in the digital economy, Vodacom yesterday handed over five new live sites to the Limpopo Department of Health. The sites will increase coverage and access to high-speed connectivity for hospital staff, patients, visitors and surrounding communities and help to ensure better healthcare delivery.

Ridwaan Soomra, Managing Executive for Vodacom Limpopo Region, commented: “These new sites form part of our ongoing partnership with the Department of Health, as we continue to find digital solutions to build an inclusive, connected society. By establishing these 4G network sites near major hospitals, we are driving access to the benefits of internet services, improving our customer experience and helping transform healthcare in the province and South Africa.”

Vodacom Limpopo has commissioned three new sites at Louis Trichardt, Bela-Bela, Letaba, Witpoort and Tshilidzini Hospitals. The total cost of the new infrastructure is over R6 million. This forms part of Vodacom Limpopo’s commitment to driving digital inclusion by expanding broadband coverage and increasing access to network services, such as voice, data and video, particularly to rural areas in the region.

Last year, Vodacom collaborated with the Department of Health in donating 201 cold chain freezers and vaccine storage units, worth R2.7 million, which are used to store vaccines for medical use and distribution to patients in Limpopo. This was over and above the donation of 2000 smartphones, plus data and voice call minutes, to the Department of Health to support efforts in the fight against the pandemic in the province.

The region spent R300 million during the 2022/23 financial year into the Limpopo network which went towards expanding broadband coverage in remote areas of the province that have not had access to internet services and help to drive inclusion for all.

“The department of health in Limpopo province would like to thank Vodacom for commissioning R6m worth of 4G and 5G base station sites in five of our 13 rural hospitals.  Working together with Vodacom, we are addressing some of the challenges the Limpopo province faces. These network base station sites will help to accelerate better healthcare delivery,” says Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Limpopo Health MEC.

“We recognise that we have a responsibility to make a difference to society through our core capabilities as a business. Through our investment in digital technology solutions, we are helping to bring life-changing opportunities and critical essential services, including healthcare, to more customers in Limpopo. Our partnership with government and other stakeholders only enhances this goal to bridge the digital divide,” concludes Soomra.

CAPTION: From Left to Right: Letaba Hospital Acting CEO: Mr. JB Murhumbo, Vodacom representative: Mr. Kugan Soobramani,  Limpopo Health MEC: Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Mayor Representative: Cllr Sophie Rakganya and Nkowakowa Ward 17: Cllr Luckiest Masinge.