ICASA Approval Greenlights $700 Million Investment as Vodacom-MAZIV Deal Moves Forward
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has officially approved the transaction between Vodacom and MAZIV, clearing the final regulatory hurdle for one of the most significant telecommunications deals in South Africa’s history.
The approval is set to unlock a massive $700 million (R12 billion) capital investment into the country’s fibre infrastructure, with a specific focus on underserved communities and the township economy.
MAZIV, the parent company of fibre operators Vumatel and DFA, welcomed the regulator’s decision, describing it as a “pivotal step” toward strengthening South Africa’s telecommunications landscape.
“The decision represents the culmination of a long, thorough process and confirms that MAZIV operates fully within the legal and regulatory framework of South Africa,” said Moses Mashisane, Group Chief Regulatory and Compliance Officer at MAZIV.
“It represents a key milestone, allowing us to move to the next phase of investment in fibre rollout, extending access to more communities and advancing our goal of a connected, competitive digital economy.”
The regulatory green light follows a complex, multi-year review process involving the Competition Commission, the Competition Tribunal, and the Competition Appeal Court. With the process now complete, MAZIV says its focus is shifting immediately to execution.
The transaction enables a planned capital investment of $700 million over the next five years—the largest single fibre investment by a company of MAZIV’s size.
The rollout strategy prioritizes inclusivity, targeting 350,000 low-income homes in underserved and township areas. Beyond residential connectivity, the deal will expand Vumatel’s existing “Fibre-to-Schools” programme. The initiative will now include clinics and libraries situated along fibre routes, ensuring essential public facilities are connected to reliable, high-speed internet.
To drive economic participation within the sector, MAZIV has committed approximately $23.3 million (R400 million) over five years to its Enterprise and Supplier Development Fund. This fund is specifically designed to support black-owned and black woman-owned businesses within the fibre value chain.
“Each kilometre of fibre drives local procurement, skills development, SMME participation, and community benefits, and ICASA’s approval allows us to turn this unprecedented commitment into measurable impact across the country,” Mashisane explained.
Addressing concerns regarding competition in the sector, MAZIV highlighted that it has implemented enforceable safeguards and transparent governance structures. These include legally binding non-discrimination clauses regarding wholesale access.
Furthermore, an independent Monitoring Trustee, subject to approval by the Competition Commission, will be appointed to oversee compliance with all merger conditions, serving as an additional layer of accountability.
“This milestone allows us to translate our commitments into measurable outcomes, delivering fibre access, driving local enterprise participation, and creating tangible economic and community impact across South Africa,” Mashisane concluded.
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