Breaking barriers Thousands of people living in rural KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa will soon be able to join the digital age. Network provider Vodacom is to spend ZAR100 million to build 106 new base stations in the province, reports Africa Business Communities. The company says the investment is part of its Rural Coverage Acceleration programme and the base stations will be rolled out across 111 district municipalities. The municipalities include Amajuba, eThekwini, Harry Gwala, iLembe, King Cetshwayo, Ugu, Umgungundlovu, uMzinyathi, Uthukela, Zululand, uMhlabuyalingana, uMfolozi, uMlalazi, uMsinga, uMzumbe, uMgeni, Ray Nkonyeni, Mandeni, eNdumeni, eDumbe, Msunduzi, Newcastle and Nqutu. ‘We are focused on eliminating barriers and empowering citizens in rural and township communities to enjoy the same network experience as those in metropolitan areas and this way reap the economic benefits of the Digital Economy,’ says Imran Khan, managing executive for Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal. The company is aiming to activate the new base stations in the 2025/2026 financial year. 24 June 2025 Image: Freepik