As Vodacom celebrates its 30th birthday this year, we reflect not only on our journey as a leading telecommunications company but also on our commitment to making a positive impact on the communities we serve. One of the most significant examples of this commitment is our response to the Hammanskraal cholera outbreak, a pressing issue that has affected thousands of lives.
The Hammanskraal Cholera Outbreak
Hammanskraal, a vibrant trans-provincial region in Northern Gauteng, is home to 567,000 people. Despite contributing 10% towards NGA’s total revenue, the residents have faced severe challenges due to polluted water resources. For the past 16 years, ageing infrastructure at the local water treatment plant has led to the discharge of sewage and sludge into the Apies River and Leeuwkraal (Temba) Dam, the primary water sources for the community.
This crisis has been a major ongoing public health issue for years, with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) highlighting the City of Tshwane's failure to meet its constitutional obligation to provide clean water. The contaminated water has made residents and animals vulnerable to illnesses such as bilharzia, cholera, and hepatitis, posing a serious threat to their health and well-being. Earlier this year, the SAHRC suggested declaring the water crisis in Hammanskraal a state of disaster.
Vodacom’s Response
In 2021, as part of our regional presence branding budget, Vodacom decided to take a different approach. Moved by the ongoing crisis and driven by our purpose-led ethos, we sought to make a tangible impact. After numerous discussions and planning sessions, we partnered with the local municipality to address the immediate need for clean water in Hammanskraal. To help contain the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal, Vodacom donated thousands of aid packages throughout the community.
Further Together
At Vodacom, our mantra "Further Together" embodies our relentless spirit to progress and inspire change. It's about asking the questions that push us beyond our limits and taking on challenges with an irrepressible spirit. Our response to the Hammanskraal cholera outbreak is a testament to this ethos.
By providing clean water, we have not only improved the quality of life for the residents of Hammanskraal but also reaffirmed our commitment to driving meaningful change. Our efforts have shown that through collaboration and purposeful action, we can overcome significant challenges and make a real difference in people's lives.
A Call to Hope and Action
As we celebrate our 30th birthday, Vodacom is proud of the strides we have made in both telecommunications and community impact. The Hammanskraal water crisis initiative exemplifies our commitment to going "Further Together."
We invite everyone to join us in this journey of hope, belief, and action. Let us continue to break boundaries, inspire change, and make a difference in the lives of those around us. Here’s to many more years of progress and purposeful impact.
