KwaZulu-Natal, 22 May 2025 - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli unveiled a landmark partnership between government and private sector stakeholders aimed at driving investment, accelerating rural connectivity, and promoting inclusive economic growth. The announcement was made during a high-level engagement with stakeholders including Vodacom, the Ingonyama Trust Board, the House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, SALGA, and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

With over 47% of KwaZulu-Natal’s population under the age of 20 and an average age of 23, Premier Ntuli emphasised the importance of digital connectivity as a foundation for economic empowerment. “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.

At the heart of the partnership is the rollout of 5G infrastructure in under-served rural areas. The plan includes the deployment of cellular towers across land held in trust by amakhosi, under the stewardship of the Ingonyama Trust. This initiative is intended to bridge the digital divide by providing communities with access to reliable mobile networks and internet services.

Premier Ntuli highlighted that youth unemployment in the province exceeds 30%, with two out of every three young people unable to find work. Many young entrepreneurs, he said, face obstacles in launching internet-based businesses due to limited connectivity in rural regions.

He acknowledged that while programmes like the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Fund and the KwaZulu-Natal Women’s Advancement Fund are critical, they are often hindered by infrastructural limitations. “Without connectivity, potential remains untapped. This partnership is about removing that barrier,” he added.

The Premier 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. 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 now play a more direct role in investment facilitation, working alongside 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,” Premier Ntuli said.

The initiative includes the deployment of 130 new cellular network sites by Vodacom, with over 100 of those sites earmarked for rural communities. These locations span all 11 districts in the province, targeting deeply marginalised areas:

District Number of Rural Sites
uMgungundlovu 10
Amajuba 10
Harry Gwala 14
uGu 8
King Cetshwayo 27
uMzinyathi 12
Zululand 7
uMkhanyakude 3
uThukela 10
iLembe 7
Total 108

Citing data from the ITU, Premier Ntuli noted that a 10% increase in internet penetration can raise GDP by up to 1.4% in developing economies — a critical opportunity for KwaZulu-Natal’s development agenda. The province also aims to bolster the role of SMMEs, which already 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,” said Premier Ntuli. “Do not ask yourself, ‘why Vodacom?’ — ask yourself, ‘why not me?’”

He 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.”

Premier Ntuli concluded by reaffirming the administration’s commitment to ensuring no young person is left offline or left behind. He called on more businesses to partner with government to bring lasting change to the lives of people across the province.