In these crises, connectivity becomes critical, not only by assisting with the immediate response but with recovery efforts as well. Connectivity providers can leverage their infrastructure, technology, and resources to help those impacted by disaster. Understanding this imperative, Vodacom has developed a crisis response ecosystem that uses our capabilities as a technology company to support and empower the communities we serve when they need it most.
Ensuring network resilience
Disasters often lead to widespread power outages and infrastructure damage, severing communication links. By investing in network resilience, such as maintaining availability, upgrading capacity and assessing physical assets regularly, connectivity providers can ensure that services are restored as a matter of urgency. Back-up power systems, such as batteries and generators, are also a critical component to network resilience, preventing disruption in connectivity in cases of prolonged power outages. Our investments in renewable energy to power our networks consider the importance of integrated responses to contributing towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.
Our crisis response ecosystem recognises that stable communication networks are the foundation of emergency response, and as such, Vodacom spends between R10 billion and R12 billion annually on network resilience. Prioritising the restoration of services enables humanitarian responders to coordinate resources effectively and timeously, potentially saving lives. Donating data and devices can also help in these efforts, enhancing on-the-ground assistance, while providing accurate updates and preventing the spread of misinformation. For communities, connectivity allows them to stay in touch with loved ones and access vital information.
In the aftermath of the flood disaster in the Western Cape at the beginning of 2024, for example, Vodacom worked with disaster management teams to ensure network restoration, including deploying additional generators, particularly to priority sites, and providing charging stations to keep communities connected and informed. Similarly, when heavy rainfall, in KwaZulu-Natal in April this year, damaged infrastructure at our core transmission facility in New Germany causing a break in connectivity to over 1 000 business customers in the region, we were able to respond swiftly and reroute and restore services bringing over 600 sites back online within a few days.
Supporting access to critical services
Beyond immediate response, connectivity plays a key role in supporting communities with access to critical sectors, such as health and education, in a crisis. Looking back to the Covid-19 pandemic, Vodacom’s e-learning platform enabled students and teachers to continue to learn outside of the classroom. In addition, our stock visibility solution was used to track and monitor the availability of vaccines. There is an opportunity for digital platforms such as these to be used for good to overcome the challenges of a catastrophe.
This stands true for digital financial services, as well. Mobile money enables individuals to receive aid, send remittances, and make essential purchases, even when cut off from local transportation and supply chains, thereby enhancing community resilience. In 2022, floods in the Eastern Cape mostly impacted rural, socioeconomically deprived communities, destroying homes, livestock, crops and infrastructure. Vodacom, in partnership with our subsidiary Mezzanine, distributed e-vouchers, for building materials or cash, on behalf of the Solidarity Fund to flood victims to rebuild their homes. Another digital services initiative that offers financial relief for individuals and businesses hard hit by disaster is our VodaLend service, which provides access to funds quickly and conveniently through a mobile phone.
Fostering partnerships
Collaboration with government and non-profit organisations (NPOs) is key to enhancing disaster response. By integrating our capabilities with disaster management systems, we can provide critical support in logistics, communication, and resource allocation. Through these strategic partnerships, Vodacom has been able to participate in community resilience programmes.
Working with the public sector, NPOs, and local communities, we have been able to respond to humanitarian disasters that have taken place in the different provinces across South Africa. For example, in partnership with the City of Tshwane, we provided 1 000 humanitarian aid packages to help community members protect themselves against the cholera outbreak that affected Hammanskraal and its surrounding settlements in 2023. We supported relief efforts in the Western Cape Winelands through Gift of the Givers, following the storms and fires that caused severe damage in the region, among other disaster relief initiatives to directly assist regional governments and benefit affected communities this year.
Responding to climate change in the future
The increasing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters underscore the urgent need for a proactive approach. In 2017, Vodacom set up its Disaster Relief Fund in response to the devastating fires and storms that ravaged the Western and Southern Cape. Since then, we have spent over R78.5 million assisting victims of disasters across the country.
As a company, we have incorporated climate resilience into our long-term planning, investing in sustainable practices and technologies that reduce our carbon footprint. We recognise that climate change-related events can have negative implications for uninterrupted network connectivity and the wellbeing of society, hence our strategic humanitarian response approach is that of an ecosystem that encompasses the environmental and social aspects of ESG.
In the face of the growing threat of natural disasters, which disrupt lives, economies, and critical infrastructures, connectivity providers need to ensure that their networks are resilient and provide reliable communication services to safeguard lives. By implementing strategies to enhance connectivity in a crisis, Vodacom is helping empower communities to overcome adversity and rebuild their future. DM
Author: Takalani Netshitenzhe, Director of External Affairs, Vodacom South Africa
