MTN South Africa has announced a planned R332 million investment in network infrastructure across Limpopo during the 2026 financial year, the company said on 5 August. The commitment is intended to boost network capacity, extend high-speed coverage and strengthen service resilience for homes, businesses and public institutions in the province.
What MTN will deploy in the province
MTN said it currently operates nearly 1 000 LTE-enabled sites in Limpopo, including more than 100 active 5G sites. The company plans several technical upgrades during 2026:
- Deploy over 100 Massive MIMO upgrades.
- Modernise 38 network sites.
- Continue broader investment in capacity and resilience across the province.
| Metric | Current / Planned |
|---|---|
| LTE-enabled sites | Nearly 1 000 |
| Active 5G sites | Over 100 |
| Massive MIMO upgrades (2026) | 100+ |
| Sites to be modernised (2026) | 38 |
MTN South Africa Deputy Chief Executive Yolanda Cuba said reliable connectivity was “fundamental to economic growth, education and innovation”, and that the investment reflected MTN’s commitment to ensuring households, businesses and public institutions could participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
“Reliable connectivity is fundamental to economic growth, education and innovation,” said Yolanda Cuba.
Local engagement and partners
The announcement was made during MTN’s multi‑stakeholder engagement programme in Limpopo, where company representatives met with provincial and municipal leaders, including the Limpopo MEC for Health, Dieketseng Masesi Mashego, and the Executive Mayor of the City of Polokwane, Councillor John Mpe, on 5 August.
MTN framed the investment as part of a broader push to support inclusive economic development in the province by improving digital infrastructure that schools, clinics and local businesses can rely on.
Social investment continues through the MTN Foundation
Beyond network upgrades, MTN said the MTN Foundation has invested more than R58 million in education, digital inclusion, youth development and community empowerment projects across Limpopo over several years. The Foundation has established 70 multimedia centres in Quintile 1 to 3 schools, community centres, special schools and nursing colleges, providing connectivity and digital learning resources.
- 70 multimedia centres in schools and community facilities.
- More than R58 million invested by the MTN Foundation in the province.
- 200 unemployed youth trained in accredited Network and Systems Administration programmes in partnership with the Vhembe District Municipality and the University of Venda.
MTN said it had also trained 200 unemployed young people in accredited Network and Systems Administration courses in partnership with the Vhembe District Municipality and the University of Venda. The company described these efforts as complementary to its infrastructure investment, aiming to build local skills that can support ongoing network operations and maintenance.
Implications for residents and businesses
For residents and small businesses in rural and peri‑urban areas, improved network capacity and additional 5G readiness could mean more reliable access to online education, telemedicine, e‑commerce and government services. For health and education facilities, greater resilience in the mobile network may support digital record‑keeping, remote consultations and online learning platforms.
Local government leaders who met MTN representatives were not quoted in detail in the company’s announcement, but the engagement indicates a willingness on both sides to coordinate where network upgrades intersect with public service delivery priorities.
Next steps and timelines
MTN’s statement did not provide a detailed rollout schedule for each upgrade, beyond the 2026 financial year target. The company said the work will include capacity enhancements and site modernisations, but residents and institutions awaiting improved services should expect phased deliveries as projects are planned and executed.
Investigations into specific site rollout dates and the procurement of contractors were not disclosed in the announcement. MTN’s continued presence in Limpopo, through both infrastructure and foundation work, signals ongoing engagement with provincial stakeholders and communities.
Polokwane
