Vodacom engages media on strides made in Limpopo

Vodacom Limpopo invited the media to a round table discussion last Thursday where the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) giant informed journalists on development in Limpopo during the previous financial year.
Chris Lazarus, Managing Executive in Limpopo, announced that Vodacom has a 72% market share in Limpopo. “That kind of growth does not just happen. It took a lot of hard work and tailor made strategies. Our goal in Limpopo is to democratise the internet for all people living in the province, opening up new opportunities for each individual,” he said.
“Having spent just over half a billion rand over three years in ramping up investment on the network, we undisputedly have the best network in our region. Independent tests show that the region is number one on most of the voice and data measures and we intend staying there by investing more in our networks to maintain our leadership position.”
Vodacom Limpopo now covers a broader population over a wider geographical area than any other service provider in the province. Their 3G network covers around 99% and 4G approximately 72% of the population. “Our capital investment in the 2017/18 financial year of over R200 million will enable us to further expand our 2G, 3G and 4G network coverage, increase data speeds, and further reduce our dropped-call rate across the region, ensuring that we continue to deliver on our ‘Best network promise’, even for people who reside in rural areas,” Lazarus said.
From a customer experience perspective, the region has overhauled its processes by launching a world class customer service programme that Vodacom believes will significantly differentiate the organisation from its competitors and help maintain its market leadership position. The region also bolstered its distribution channels by launching seven new Vodacom shops that are black-owned in Hubyeni, Tzaneen, Groblersdal, Tshilimba, Polokwane, Malamulele and Moratiwa.
Lazarus says the region continued to make a meaningful impact on individuals and communities in the Limpopo region. In July, the region was part of the annual food security drive in honour of Nelson Mandela.
Vodacom Limpopo also handed over Vodacom containers that have been converted to a library and a kitchen for the Ntetele Day Care in Seshego, Bloodriver. Ntetele Day Care focuses on early childhood development and caters for vulnerable children from ages one month to six years.

Story and photo: MARKI FRANKEN
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