Vodacom continues to align with government’s vision for South Africa’s digital future, investing heavily in expanding its network coverage and enhancing connectivity across the country.

The various initiatives are making a tangible impact on the ground, said Vodacom Business director Videsha Proothveerajh following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) last month, in which the critical role of digital infrastructure in driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for all South Africans was emphasised.

“Achieving this vision requires a collective effort across society. The President’s emphasis on fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors underscores the pivotal role such partnerships play in driving national progress,” Proothveerajh comments.

She points out that South Africa’s challenges are too complex for any single entity to tackle alone and by leveraging the strengths of both the private and public sectors and the capabilities of digital technology, service delivery can be improved, economic potential can be unlocked and innovation can be driven.

A secure, reliable water supply, for example, is an urgent priority, as communities continue to regularly face disruptive water shortages owing to failing infrastructure and poor management.

While Ramaphosa committed to resolving this crisis through government investment and reform, the private sector has significant importance in supporting these efforts with its innovation and expertise.

In line with this, Vodacom Business is working with municipalities to manage the consumption and delivery of services, such as water and electricity, through digital technology.

“Our smart utilities management system makes use of connected smart meters to provide real-time information on consumption. This can also help to improve accurate billing and revenue collection for residents and has been extended to include fleet management.”

In line with the call for a national dialogue, Vodacom Business has been helping to create a more engaged and informed society through its e-government solutions, which provide technology that streamlines service delivery, facilitates communication between citizens and government and improves access to essential information.

Digital platforms are instrumental in fostering citizen engagement, accountability and inclusivity, she explains.

“For example, our citizen engagement app enables two-way communication and collaboration between citizens and municipalities, including logging service requests and tracking their progress.

“Such initiatives empower communities and ensure that governance is not only top-down but also responsive to the needs of the people. As we look to the future, these digital engagement tools will be crucial in strengthening the social contract between government and citizens.”

Meanwhile, there is a need to increase support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the informal economy to achieve the SONA’s aim of 3% economic growth.

This includes streamlining funding for small businesses, unlocking venture capital for high-growth start-ups and developing a regulatory environment that enables informal enterprises.

With many businesses struggling to scale owing to limited access to digital tools and financial assistance, Vodacom Business is providing the resources and tailored solutions for SMEs, including mobile, fixed, Internet of Things, cloud and hosting services, which are designed to boost business productivity and growth.

“Vodacom’s dedication to financial inclusion through mobile money services is empowering entrepreneurs and allowing them to access financial services that were previously out of reach,” says Proothveerajh.

“By investing in connectivity and digital solutions that address key societal issues, we can ensure that no one is left behind in South Africa’s development journey.”

Digitalisation can enhance critical industry sectors and change lives, from smart agriculture solutions that improve food security to telemedicine platforms that drive access to essential healthcare.

There is a need for continued collaboration between government, the private sector and civil society to overcome South Africa’s challenges and achieve the objectives stated in this year’s SONA, she concludes.