KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli on Thursday, 22 May, announced a landmark public-private partnership aimed at accelerating rural connectivity, driving investment, and promoting inclusive economic development across the province.
The announcement was made during a media briefing held at the Marine Building in Durban, attended by KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA)Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi, Ingonyama Trust Board member, Advocate Linda Zuma, Inkosi Sifiso Shinga ,Chairperson of the KZN Provincial House of. Traditional And Khoi-San Leaders, eThekwini Councillor Lindiwe Ntshalintshali, and Vodacom representative Alan Khan.
The premier used the platform to outline the province’s broader digital vision through the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Digital Transformation Strategy (2025–2030), which promotes a multi-stakeholder approach and encourages collaboration across government, municipalities, traditional leadership, and the private sector. Ntuli emphasised that the benefits of the strategy will extend beyond the youth, reaching rural police stations, churches, clinics, small businesses, and other essential services that rely on digital access.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement earlier in the week at the Port of Richards Bay, Ntuli underscored the critical importance of reliable digital infrastructure in unlocking economic opportunities for communities, particularly in under-served rural areas. “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,” he said.
Youth unemployment in KwaZulu-Natal remains one of the highest in the country, with more than 30% of young people unable to find work. Ntuli identified poor connectivity as one of the major barriers preventing young entrepreneurs from succeeding, particularly in remote 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.
He noted that while government programmes such as the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Fund and the Women’s Advancement Fund have been implemented, these are often limited by infrastructural challenges. The premier added that the office of the premier will now play a more active role in investment facilitation and will work closely with the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs to convert investment pledges into real jobs and sustainable economic activity. “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) research showing that a 10% increase in internet access can boost GDP by up to 1.4% in developing countries, Ntuli said the province cannot afford to miss this opportunity. He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to supporting 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?’” he said.
The heart of the partnership lies in the rollout of 130 new cellular network sites by Vodacom, with more than 100 of them earmarked for rural communities. These network expansions will be implemented on land administered by traditional leadership under the Ingonyama Trust. The rural sites will be spread across all 11 districts of the province: 10 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.
Ntuli concluded by emphasising that government will remain transparent and inclusive, with no preference for any particular private sector partner. “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 said.
