Vodacom zero rates more sites and pushes more free messages on COVID-19

JOHANNESBURG - Access to the official South African COVID-19 website has been made 100% free. Working in partnership with the Department of Health, Vodacom has zero-rated the site so that any customer with a device can have access without data or airtime.

With President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 21-day national lockdown declared last night, South African citizens need a trusted, up-to-date, accurate source of information about the COVID-19 pandemic during this uncertain time. The National Department of Health's COVID-19 Connect WhatsApp line has provided this information to nearly 2 million people within the last week. In partnership with the NDoH, Vodacom is sending awareness messages to its customers through this Government WhatsApp number 0600 123 456. Now, Vodacom customers can get free vital information about the COVID-19 pandemic by visiting the website, www.sacoronavirus.co.za

“Vodacom is committed to working with government and the Department of Health to enable access to reliable, verified information about the COVID-19 pandemic. By zero-rating access to this crucial website, we hope that our customers will stay informed and up to date as developments happen, helping them to stay safe during this challenging time,” says Taki Netshitenzhe, Vodacom Group’s Chief Officer, Corporate Affairs.  

No data or airtime is needed to access the official South African COVID-19 website. This decision forms part of the Vodacom Group’s promise to form a social contract with its stakeholders to address the challenges that emerging markets like South Africa are contending with during this unprecedented global event.

“We believe that access to reliable, accurate information is essential, and that zero-rating this website, as part of our social contract, will go a long way in assisting customers and driving digital inclusion for all,” concludes Taki.