KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has announced a landmark public-private partnership designed to accelerate rural connectivity, drive investment, and promote inclusive economic development across the province.
Speaking at a high-level stakeholder engagement, held this week at the Port of Richards Bay, north of KwaZulu-Natal Ntuli highlighted the critical role of digital access in unlocking the province’s economic empowerment, especially for the youth population.
“This initiative is intended to bridge the digital divide, by providing communities with access to reliable mobile networks and internet services. In a province as youthful as ours, internet access is not a luxury — it is a lifeline. It is essential for growth, education, and unlocking entrepreneurial potential,” Ntuli said.
Among the stakeholders attended the high-level engagement included Vodacom, the Ingonyama Trust Board, the House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA).
At the heart of the partnership is the rollout of 5G and cellular infrastructure in rural and under-served areas.
Vodacom will roll out 130 new cellular network sites, with over 100 of them earmarked for rural communities across all 11 districts of the province.
These include 10 rural sites each in uMgungundlovu and Amajuba, 14 in Harry Gwala, 8 in uGu, 27 in King Cetshwayo, 12 in uMzinyathi, 7 in Zululand, 3 in uMkhanyakude, 10 in uThukela, and 7 in iLembe.
These network expansions will be established on land held in trust by amakhosi, under the stewardship of the Ingonyama Trust.
Tackling employment through connectivity
Youth unemployment in KwaZulu-Natal currently exceeds 30%, with two out of every three young people unable to find work.
Ntuli emphasised that limited digital infrastructure is a key barrier for aspiring entrepreneurs and job seekers, particularly in rural areas.
“Many young entrepreneurs face obstacles in launching internet-based businesses due to limited connectivity in rural regions. Without connectivity, potential remains untapped. This partnership is about removing that barrier,” he said.
While highlighting existing initiatives such as the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Fund and the Women’s Advancement Fund, Ntuli noted that these programmes are often hindered by infrastructural limitations.
Provincial Digital Transformation Strategy
The Premier also outlined the province’s broader digital vision through the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Digital Transformation Strategy (2025–2030), which prioritises a multi-stakeholder approach to ensure synergy across government, businesses, municipalities, and traditional leadership.
He said the focus extends beyond youth — encompassing police stations, churches, clinics, small businesses, and other essential services in rural areas.
To support inclusive growth, the Office of the Premier will assume a more active role in investment facilitation, working closely with the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
“We are rolling up our sleeves and committing to walk side-by-side with the private sector to ensure that investment pledges turn into real projects, real jobs, and real impact,” Ntuli said.
Citing International Telecommunication Union (ITU) data showing that a 10% increase in internet penetration can boost Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by up to 1.4% in developing economies, Ntuli stressed a critical opportunity for KwaZulu-Natal’s development agenda.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to support Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), which contribute over 40% to South Africa’s GDP and employ 60% of the national workforce.
“This is not a once-off event. Standing side-by-side with Vodacom is symbolic of a broader invitation. We are extending this invitation to all businesses willing to invest in connectivity, development, and job creation. Do not ask yourself, ‘why Vodacom?’ — ask yourself, ‘why not me?” the Premier said.
Ntuli reiterated that no private sector partner would be favoured over another, and that government is committed to transparency and support for all businesses that align with KwaZulu-Natal’s development objectives.
“This is a beginning, a demonstration of what is possible when public and private sectors work together. Digital inclusion is not just about technology; it is about dignity, opportunity, and rewriting the narrative of an entire generation.”
He also called on more businesses to partner with government to bring lasting change to the lives of people across the province. – SAnews.gov.za
