Business News sponsored by Vodacom Transformation of Work:

MTN South Africa, in partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Community Police Board, has announced an innovative collaboration aimed at addressing the escalating issue of network infrastructure theft and vandalism with the goal of safeguarding tower infrastructures and reduce network downtime, thereby minimising its impact on the connectivity experience of subscribers.

During the event, discussions centered around strategies, technological advancements, and community collaboration aimed at combating these widespread issues.

In the initial stage of the partnership, which is currently being implemented in Soweto, a command center has been established with laptops, printers, and other necessary equipment for data collection. Utilising technology such as CCTV cameras and Wi-Fi points, efforts will be made to detect criminal activity and promptly alert responders.

Speaking at the unveiling, MTN GM for stakeholder relations, Ramsey Mosethedi, GM of Stakeholder Relations at MTN SA said:

"We're currently witnessing an unprecedented surge in vandalism and theft targeting networking infrastructure. To address this issue, MTN has chosen Soweto as a proof of concept for a partnership between us and the government aimed at finding a solution ahead of rolling it out across the country. Engaging with Community Policing Forums is a strategic decision because of their intimate knowledge of the community, as our primary objective is to collaborate with the community to safeguard infrastructure crucial for socio-economic well-being and development. This partnership underscores MTN's commitment to working with government to address the socio-economic challenges faced by all South Africans. Protecting our infrastructure is essential for ensuring the safety and prosperity of our communities. The repercussions of infrastructure damage include disrupted coverage and services, hindering people's ability to reach out to loved ones or emergency services during crises. Every South African deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life, and we anticipate that this collaboration will be impactful, efficient, and contribute to the safety and stability of our communities." 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Media Release issued 05 February 2024

MTN SA joins forces with Community Police Forums to tackle network infrastructure theft and vandalism

With the ongoing vandalism and theft of batteries and cables at cellphone towers across South Africa, MTN has partnered with the Gauteng Provincial Community Police Board to support Community Policing Forums to accelerate the fight against this type of crime.

The aim of is to protect network tower infrastructures and minimise network downtime and its impact on the connectivity experience of subscribers.

MTN SA CEO, Charles Molapisi says the partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Community Police Board will see technology harnessed to prevent and reduce incidents of vandalism and theft at cell towers to ultimately ensure that our communities are safer.

“Persistent loadshedding in recent months has resulted in a significant increase in theft of network assets and vandalism of our tower infrastructure. These criminal activities come at a high cost to the company and they also prevent communities from accessing the network and staying in touch and connected – to work, the emergency services and to each other. The effect is devastating on lives and livelihoods, and this is why we are ramping up prevention measures in the communities we serve,” says Molapisi.

“There has never been a more opportune time than now for organisations like ours – a leader in technology and mobile services with a broad reach into communities across SA – to identify opportunities from this crisis and partner with local communities and Community Policing Forums to leverage their competencies and abilities to combat criminal and infrastructure damage.”

TJ Masilela, Gauteng Provincial Community Police Board Executive Chairperson says, “Communities must own the technology infrastructure and defend it by using intelligence and the crime prevention measures of the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies. Fighting criminal tendencies and infrastructure damage needs a multi-integrated approach. CPF’s through our force multiplier community patrollers intelligence from the community crime intelligence network, have a chance to make difference and win the war against crime.”

In the pilot phase of the partnership, currently being rolled out in Soweto, a command centre has been set up with laptops, printers, and other equipment to gather data. Technology such as CCTV and WIFI points will be harnessed to detect criminal activity and alert responders. In addition, CPF members will also receive new uniforms and equipment like panic buttons and handcuffs to ensure they are armed for any eventuality.

MTN SA plans to ensure even broader benefits in Phase 2 of the initiative, aimed at driving shared value across the communities in which MTN operates.

“Our aim is, in time, to empower CPFs across SA to protect network sites in their respective communities. Nothing is more important in SA today than the fight against the crime that is impacting our country. Together we can ensure criminals are brought to book, syndicates dismantled and ultimately the people of SA can enjoy the full benefits of a modern connected life,” concludes Molapisi.