TOP STORY – MTN to pump R1.5bn to fight against vandals, load-shedding at its towers

Loading player...
GUEST – Charles Molapisi, Chief Executive Officer at MTN South Africa

MTN SA has set aside R1.5 billion for its network, to keep customers connected, while countering load-shedding, site vandalism and battery theft. The mobile operator today took members of the media on a site tour in Soweto to see how its base stations are increasingly being targeted by criminal syndicates. MTN also demonstrated the measures it is taking to make it difficult for the criminals to vandalise the critical infrastructure.

With persistent load-shedding and a rise in vandalism and theft aggravating SA’s fragile economic recovery and impacting service delivery, Michele Gamberini, MTN SA chief technology and information officer, said the R1.5 billion was the company’s move to “harden” the network and keep customers connected.
30 Mar 2023 5PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

The Unseen Household Tax of Global Tensions

Old Mutual’s Financial Education Programme Manager, Thabo Hollo explains how global geopolitical tensions — from oil supply shocks to inflation risks — are silently eroding household budgets. He outlines the four steps consumers should take now to protect their financial wellbeing.
30 Apr 4PM 9 min

How Online Gambling Is Reshaping SA Spending

Online betting has overtaken casinos as South Africa’s biggest gambling channel. Reona Chetty from Vouch SA explains the data behind the boom, the behavioural patterns emerging in card transactions, and the financial red flags households should watch for.
30 Apr 4PM 15 min

How to Stay Financially Afloat in 2026

With inflation rising, fuel costs climbing, and real salaries slipping, more households are using credit just to get through the month. Momentum’s Salem Nyati breaks down the behavioural shifts, the warning signs of debt distress, and the practical steps families can take to regain control.
30 Apr 4PM 9 min

SA Salary Index: Why Real Earnings Are Falling Behind

South Africans are earning slightly more on paper — but losing ground in reality. Economist Elize Kruger unpacks the latest PayInc Net Salary Index, the 1% real decline in earnings, and why rising fuel prices and corporate caution could squeeze households even further in 2026.
30 Apr 4PM 15 min

How Currency Volatility Is Hitting South African SMEs

A new Verto report warns that currency volatility is now a bigger threat to SME margins than logistics. Rumbi Shoniwa from Verto SA explains how FX swings erode profits and the practical steps SMEs can take to protect themselves.
29 Apr 3PM 11 min