Business & Economy
Minister Parks Tau Welcomes Vodacom-Maziv Merger Agreement, Highlights Boost to Connectivity and Digital Economy
9 July 2025 – Pretoria
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr. Parks Tau, has officially welcomed the landmark agreement reached between Vodacom and Maziv, together with the Competition Commission, paving the way for their proposed merger to proceed without opposition at the Competition Appeal Court.
In a statement released today, Minister Tau praised the substantial public interest commitments made by the merging parties, stating that these would have a far-reaching impact on improving access to affordable internet services—particularly in underserved and remote communities. “This merger holds immense potential to bridge the digital divide and facilitate greater economic inclusion, especially for South Africa’s youth,” said the Minister.
The merger is set to inject new investment into South Africa’s digital infrastructure, with a specific focus on expanding connectivity and accelerating access to high-speed broadband. Minister Tau noted that this investment would position South Africa to actively participate in emerging global technology sectors such as Generative Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and other ICT-related fields that are shaping the future of economies worldwide.
“The commitments made by the merging parties are aligned with the government’s broader digital transformation and inclusive growth agenda. They not only support equitable access to technology but also create a pathway for new skills development, innovation, and job creation,” Tau added.
The agreement is scheduled to be placed before the Competition Appeal Court for final consideration, where it is expected to proceed unopposed.
Minister Tau concluded by thanking all parties involved for their “constructive engagement and commitment to ensuring that the deal serves the national interest.”
This merger marks a significant step forward in South Africa’s journey toward a digitally inclusive economy, with the potential to unlock new opportunities for millions of South Africans.
