Vodacom and Ingonyama Trust Board partner to enhance mobile connectivity in rural KwaZulu- Natal

KwaZulu-Natal House of Traditional Leaders chairperson Inkosi Sifiso Shinga has hailed the agreement between the Ingonyama Trust Board (ITB) and Vodacom to build cellular towers in the areas that fall under traditional leaders.

The landmark agreement, to improve mobile connectivity in rural areas of the province, was signed recently with Vodacom represented by Gerard Naidoo, executive head of Property Estate Management at MAST, a property wing of Vodacom and Advocate Linda Zama, deputy chairperson of the ITB.

Shinga said the rolling out of the project had been long overdue because Amakhosi (traditional leaders) have long complained about the network problem in their respective areas. He saidpeople had struggled to get emergency services because of the network, adding that the agreement was much appreciated.

“We warmly welcome the agreement. In fact it has been long overdue and we are hoping the roll out will begin without delay,” said Shinga. In a statement released by the board, it said the strategic partnership aims to bridge the digital divide in rural KwaZulu-Natal by rolling