Telecommunications provider Telkom says the R5.9 billion it pledged at the last South African Investment Council (SAIC) will help improve connectivity, particularly in the run-up to this year's general elections.
The company is rolling out 4G and 5G network infrastructure nationwide.
At the 5th South African Investment Conference (SAIC) held in April 2023, Telkom announced that it will invest R5.97 billion in information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure development across South Africa.
The company said in a statement Wednesday that it wants to develop and enable solutions that enrich the lives of its customers and enable businesses and small businesses to grow.
The company's CEO, Selam Takobong, believes the investment will contribute to South Africa's economic development, productivity and job creation.
He added that Telkom, a leading information and communication technology service provider, saw fit to heed the President's call to invest in the economy.
The government owns 40.5% of Telkom directly and an additional 15.3% through the Public Investment Corporation.
He said there was a remarkable partnership of national importance between Telkom and the Election Commission (IEC).
“Since 1994, our companies have worked together to successfully conduct six national general elections and five local government elections.Telkom once again provides national digital connectivity and supports IEC in our democratic process. Our nation's future depends on it.
He said digitalisation was a key cog in South Africa's economic development.
“Our infrastructure forms the backbone of South Africa's economy, supporting critical service providers such as banks, retailers and the mobile sector.
“Our role is to connect more businesses, large and small, more schools, more homes and more individuals. Our main goals include accelerating the growth of mobile, “This includes increasing the uptake of high-speed broadband, expanding networks and connecting South Africans to better lives,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za