Vodacom, as one of South Africa’s leading telecommunications companies, plays an
important role in addressing human rights issues as outlined in the South African
Constitution. The company promotes the right to access information by providing
affordable and accessible communication services, especially in rural and underserved
communities. Vodacom also upholds the right to privacy by implementing strict data
protection policies in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). In the
workplace, the company promotes fairness, respect, and dignity, ensuring that employees
are not subject to discrimination or abuse. By supporting open communication, Vodacom
helps protect the freedom of expression of its users.
Vodacom actively addresses diversity related issues such as poverty, inequality, race,
gender, language, age, and disability. To fight poverty, the company supports rural
development and offers free digital platforms that focus on health and education, such as
the Mum & Baby service. Vodacom also helps reduce inequality through bursaries,
internships, and ICT training that empower youth and previously disadvantaged individuals.
The company is committed to employment equity and transformation, with strong support
for Black Economic Empowerment (BEE). Gender equality is promoted through leadership
programs for women and initiatives like “Code Like a Girl,” which encourages young girls to
enter the tech industry. Vodacom ensures language inclusivity by offering its platforms in
multiple South African languages and provides training for people of all ages to ensure no
one is left behind in the digital world. People with disabilities are supported through
accessible technology and inclusive hiring practices, and Vodacom works with
organizations that assist disabled communities.
In terms of environmental protection and health, Vodacom takes several steps to reduce its
ecological footprint. The company uses renewable energy sources such as solar power and
has introduced eco-friendly SIM cards and digital billing to limit paper usage. Vodacom
also promotes recycling through its e-waste programs, encouraging customers to safely
dispose of old devices. In relation to health, the company supports public health initiatives
like maternal care services through its Mum & Baby platform, which provides health advice
to mothers free of charge. Vodacom is also involved in HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns and
supports mental health and safety in the workplace.
Vodacom contributes significantly to the well-being of communities across South Africa.
Through the Vodacom Foundation, the company invests time and resources into
education, healthcare, and digital skills development. They have built ICT centers, digital
libraries, and classrooms in disadvantaged areas. Vodacom also plays a role in combating
gender-based violence by supporting the national 24/7 GBV command centre. In addition,
the company provides bursaries and internships to help young people enter the job market
and partners with the government to offer free access to educational websites, helping
learners from poor households to study without data costs.
When looking at Vodacom’s environmental impact in relation to the triple bottom line
people, planet, and profit the company shows strong commitment in all three areas. Under
the “planet” category, Vodacom aims to be carbon neutral by 2040 and has implemented
strategies to reduce energy use and electronic waste. In terms of “people,” the company
invests heavily in employee training, community development, and health and education
programmes. Vodacom’s social impact is visible through its various community outreach
initiatives and its strong stance on inclusion and equality. Lastly, under “profit,” Vodacom
continues to be a successful and profitable business. It creates thousands of jobs, pays
taxes, and helps boost South Africa’s economy by supporting small businesses and digital
startups. The company reinvests its profits into improving infrastructure and expanding its
services, ensuring long-term sustainability for both the business and the communities it
serves.
