Vodacom extends network coverage in deep rural areas of Thathe Vondo, Thulamela Local Municipality, Limpopo province

THOHOYANDOU – A Vodacom delegation from Limpopo region was joined by His Majesty Mailausumbwa Thovhele Vho-MPK Tshivhase, all members of Tshivhase Traditional Council and scores of community members at the unveiling of a new base station site in Thathe Vondo, located in Thohoyandou, Thulamela Municipality. The new 4G/LTE site is significant for thousands of households in this vast area as this will be the very first base station to be deployed in this village, ushering in a new era of fast internet connectivity and mobile access.

The new site located in Tshivhase Nature Reserve, Thathe Vondo, is part of Vodacom’s Rural Coverage Network Expansion Programme, aimed at expanding network coverage for people who live in deep rural areas of South Africa. The programme aims to ramp up network infrastructure outside of urban areas by developing new ways of reducing the cost of deploying and operating rural network sites to achieve further expansion. Ultimately, this will connect even more people, so they participate in the Digital Era and reap the associated economic benefits.

Omphile Mosegedi, Executive Head: Operations for Vodacom Limpopo region commented: “Connectivity plays a significant role in offering people in remote areas access to transformative digital services, such as eEducation, eHealth, eGovernment services and financial opportunities. By increasing connectivity in underserved areas such as Thathe Vondo, we can help to empower communities and ensure they can participate meaningfully in the digital economy. As a result of this deployment, school-going kids can now access the internet for the first time and have the option of using online learning platforms, whilst those who are actively looking for jobs can now use their smartphones to access jobs portals that are zero-rated for Vodacom subscribers. Crucially, community members who previously had to travel long distances to make calls and do banking will be doing this on their devices from the comfort of their homes without incurring and save on travelling costs.”

Vodacom Limpopo region has invested well over R750 million in network rollout and capacity upgrades in the past two years across the province and continues to invest more to enable citizens of the province in rural areas and townships areas to have the same network experience as those who reside in urban areas. In this financial year alone, the region has deployed 14 new base station sites in Thohoyandou. The Tshivhase dynasty, which has dominated the eastern section of the Venda territory and consist of 79 villages, is located in Thohoyandou.

“This initiative is more than an infrastructure project, it is a gateway to modern connectivity, socio-economic growth and the empowerment of our people. On behalf of the Tshivashe Royal Council and the community I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Vodacom for investing in this significant project. Vodacom’s dedication to bridging the digital divide in deep rural areas of the country resonates with our shared vision of progress, innovation and simplicity for all Tshivashe people. This tower stands as a testament of progress and opportunity. It symbolises access to opportunities, connecting us to education and health care, business and broader networks and making the world more accessible to our people,” says His Majesty Mailausumbwa Thovhele Vho-MPK Tshivhase.”

Providing network connectivity for people who reside in rural areas remains central to Vodacom’s commitment to drive digital inclusion in the communities in which the company operates. Moreover, this is part of the telco’s vision to make sure that it connects everyone whether they live in the cities, townships or in rural areas, and that takes investment.

“There is a proven link between increased internet access and economic growth, so by providing connectivity in deep rural areas of our country, we are playing a crucial role in driving South Africa’s economy,” said Mosegedi.