By: Moses Mashisane

The digital economy is no longer just a sector of the South African economy; it is the very foundation upon which our future growth, social inclusion, and global competitiveness will be built. As the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) advances its National Integrated ICT Policy and the ambitious SA Connect project, our nation and the ICT sector are at a crossroads where we must actively choose to lead the digital revolution rather than simply participate in it.

At Maziv, we see these government strategies as more than a roadmap, but rather a call to action. Through our subsidiaries, Vumatel (Vuma) and Dark Fibre Africa (DFA), we have laid the physical foundation required to achieve this vision.

The DCDT’s strategy centres on two non-negotiable pillars: universal access and digital inclusion. For too long, connectivity through fibre has been a luxury, accessible only to a few. Our response has been a fundamental shift in how and where infrastructure is deployed.

While DFA provides the country’s metro and long-haul fibre backbone that powers mobile networks, government facilities, and enterprises, Vuma has pioneered the rollout of fibre into lower income communities through its Reach and Key products. By providing uncapped, high-speed broadband to areas historically overlooked, we are contributing towards supporting the government's goal of connecting millions of households.

Simultaneously, Rise Telecoms and SADV are expanding this footprint into high density buildings, and underserved communities. Like each of our operating companies, these entities underpin our mission to deliver scalable, neutral, and future-ready infrastructure that supports South Africa’s digital economy and social development goals-advancing inclusive growth, digital equality, and long-term national competitiveness.

The Power of the Open-Access Model

The core philosophy underpinning Maziv’s network infrastructure investment is open access. This is where we offer the greatest strategic value. By operating on a neutral wholesale open access model, we build the infrastructure and invite all internet service providers (ISPs) to participate in connecting more communities to the internet.

This model acts as a catalyst for the DCDT’s objectives because it:

1. Prioritizes infrastructure efficiency: by providing a high-quality open access network that is available to all ISPs, giving communities a range of service provider to choose from, reducing the need for multiple disruptive excavations

2. Lowers Barriers to Entry:Small and medium-sized ISPs can enter the market without the multi-billion-rand capital required to build their own networks and this stimulate service-based competition on a non-discriminatory basis.

1. Drives Affordability: Competition at the service level, enabled by shared infrastructure, is one of the sustainable ways to increase customers’ choices and lower the cost to communicate for the average South African.

A Strategic Partnership for the 2026 and beyond Horizon

The recent approval of the Vodacom/Maziv transaction marks a new era for South African broadband infrastructure. By combining our specialised fibre expertise with scaled investment, we are accelerating our ability to reach more underserved areas—today.

Every kilometer of fibre laid moves us closer to changing a life, whether for a student accessing online education or a township entrepreneur reaching global markets. We are moving beyond providing internet to changing people’s lives.

The DCDT has set a bold course for a capable, secure, and responsive digital ecosystem. Maziv is proud to play a foundational role in supporting this transition. Our commitment to neutral, open-access infrastructure, along with our deep local reach and proven delivery capability, makes us a strategic partner for government, the private sector, and the broader digital economy. The strategy is in place. The infrastructure is scaling. Now, our focus is on ensuring that more South Africans can access and participate in the digital economy.