Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
FREEDOM FOR ALL, EVERYWHERE YOU GO
1994 – a year where we reflected on the immeasurable sacrifices made by individuals who paved the way for all of us. A year where we paid homage to the heroes of our great nation, and on whose shoulders we still stand. A year that binds us to the past and propels us towards the future.
This Freedom Day, many of us will reflect on the significance of that time and the endless possibilities that have since been unlocked. And we should.
Back then, the landscape of communication was vastly different. The internet, a realm of infinite possibilities, was a privilege reserved for the few, and far removed from the masses. And yet, even in those early days, the seeds of change were being sown. I remember that first mobile phone call, made by Nelson Mandela, being a beacon of progress illuminating the path ahead.
Today, owning a cell phone is no longer considered an ‘indulgence’ but rather a basic need – a tangible manifestation of how technology has become one of the faces of freedom. It has effectively dismantled the barriers to communication, allowing each and every South African, no matter who they are, to stay connected in ways once unimaginable.
The year was 1993, and after securing one of two ‘national cellular radio telephony service’ licences in September, MTN began building a network in January 1994. Within five months, and with only 20 staff on board, the network was ready for testing. The race to provide coverage across South Africa was intense, and I remember how MTN’s network spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of South Africa with its promise of connectivity.
MTN’s network was one of the largest in the world in terms of coverage area for many years – even breaking world records as our engineers commissioned base stations at a rate of 100 a month culminating in that first call being made on the MTN network on 7 February 1994.
As I look back, over our 30-year history, I remember the words of Nelson Mandela when we celebrated our 10-year milestone. He reflected, saying: “I commend you for the way in which you have grown from being a fledgling start-up operation in South Africa to becoming a cellular giant on the continent. You have shown the world what we, the people of Africa, are capable of. Our daily deeds as ordinary South Africans must produce an actual South African reality that will reinforce humanity’s belief in justice, strengthen its confidence in the nobility of the human soul and sustain all our hopes for a glorious life for all.”
Since then, with that same drive to innovate and be the best at everything we do, we have been named the Best Mobile Network, the Most Valuable Brand, and received the Highest Sustainability Perceptions Value and Level 1 B-BBEE contributor status.
Today, we pay tribute to the incredible individuals who have been integral to this success – from our dedicated staff and valued partners to the supportive government, collaborative regulators, and communities we serve. Their stories resonate with us and fuel us to do more to champion the freedom to connect in our country and the broader world.
Since South Africans embraced democracy 30 years ago, the world of digital communication has not just bridged gaps; it has added new dimensions of freedom to our society. The digital revolution has opened doors and transformed lives – it has shaped how we live, work, learn and play. It has revolutionised banking and education and redefined entertainment – there was no such thing as ‘gaming’ back then, no internet, no one knew what Facebook was or could be, WhatsApp came years later, and the metaverse was a sci-fi fantasy.
Over the years, MTN has unlocked opportunities for millions of South Africans in remote areas to stay in touch with loved ones, enabled access to government services and banking online, kept businesses operating and been the conduit of assistance in times of emergency or disaster. Through it all, breaking down barriers and opening doors to new possibilities for our nation.
But amidst the rapid pace of change, one thing remains constant – MTN’s unwavering commitment to the people of South Africa. From providing affordable data to bridging the digital divide, MTN prides itself on being a beacon of hope in a world filled with uncertainty. We are inspired to be and to do more in pursuit of our mission to ensure everyone can enjoy the benefits of connectivity and the power of technology because humanity is shared, and it is our collective responsibility to build a better future for all.
In South Africa, the objective of crossing the digital divide must be to ensure that no one is left behind. As people make the transition from “digital have-nots” to “digitally enabled,” they also need relevant handsets, affordable data, reliable service offerings, and the necessary knowledge and skills to fully utilise all that mobile technology has to offer.
As a company established in 1994, aligning with the birth of our new nation, we are also mindful of our role in the development of South Africa and its economy. To this end, MTN’s dedication to digital inclusion extends beyond investments in infrastructure, broadband and digital services.
We are committed to playing our part in creating jobs, contributing towards taxes, banking the unbanked and enabling other operators and sectors to thrive through mechanisms such as national roaming deals and Mobile Virtual Network Operator value offerings – the only way that we can meaningfully grow our economy.
Through the MTN SA Foundation founded in 2001, MTN has actively sought to bring about measurable, and sustainable change that helps disadvantaged and rural communities to become self-sufficient. With a focus on education, digital skills and entrepreneurship, we aim to uplift communities towards independence in this bold new digital world.
In a nation still grappling with historical inequalities, digital inclusion has the power to bridge the gap between urban and rural regions and break down barriers between privileged and marginalised communities. As it was for the past 30 years, our mission is to ensure that every South African becomes an active participant in the global digital economy.
As we celebrate Freedom Day today, let us not forget the sacrifices of those who came before us, nor the endless possibilities that lie ahead. At MTN, innovation will not stop until we achieve digital inclusion for all. It is not a matter of convenience but a fundamental enabler of progress and prosperity for all South Africans – a force for good and a beacon of hope guiding us towards the next 30 years, and beyond.