Vodacom

HISTORY OF VODACOM

In 1994, just before the first democratic elections, one of the most dynamic companies in South Africa did not exist. Today, Vodacom is valued at between 6 to 7 billion dollars, making it one of South Africa's top ten companies. Vodacom now delivers a service to some 5.5 million South Africans, forming an integral part of their lives. Vodacom is a true-blue corporate citizen of the new South Africa - it was born during the transition to democracy and it truly embodies the spirit of the Rainbow Nation.

Technology

Vodacom was also the 1st provider to deploy a 3G (3rd generation) or UMTS network in South Africa and is also offering HSPA+ 21.1 Mbit/s and HSUPA (2100 GHz). Vodacom is also offering 42 Mbit/s on a trial basis, and should be commercially available in 2011. [5] In terms of other technology Vodacom has its hand in Wi-Fi,WiMAX and LTE. Vodacom to date is upgrading the whole South African system to introduce these new technologies.

Sports sponsorship

Vodacom is a sponsor of South African sports. In provincial rugby union, they are the sponsors of the Pretoria-based Vodacom Blue Bulls. They also sponsor 2 Super Rugby franchises, the Pretoria-based Bulls and sponsored the Bloemfontien based Cheetahs during the 2010 season.

In soccer they sponsor two clubs in the Premier Soccer League, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. They also sponsor the South African Football Association and the national teams Bafana Bafana (men), Amajita (under 20's), and previously Banyana Banyana (women). However, MTN was the sponsor of the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa.

Vodacom also owns the naming rights to several stadiums, among them Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein and Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria

People

In a challenging economic and competitive environment where growth cannot be taken for granted and when margins are increasingly under pressure, the true value of a well-trained, fully engaged and committed workforce becomes apparent. Vodacom’s...