Vodacom Foundations commit R6 million to flood relief efforts in Mozambique and South Africa

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

Vodacom Foundations have committed R6 million towards disaster relief efforts in Mozambique and South Africa following severe flooding that has displaced thousands of people and caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.

The support, provided in partnership with government agencies and humanitarian organisations, will fund immediate humanitarian assistance, community rebuilding initiatives and recovery efforts for affected families. The commitment is made on behalf of Vodacom Group and is in addition to the company’s ongoing operational work to restore network connectivity in impacted areas.

In Mozambique, severe flooding since the beginning of the year has devastated communities across southern and central parts of the country. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, more than 400,000 people have been displaced by the most recent floods. Provinces including Gaza, Maputo and parts of central Mozambique have been among the worst affected, with rapidly rising floodwaters forcing families to evacuate with little warning and without essential belongings.

South Africa has also been affected, with flooding in Limpopo province resulting in loss of life and widespread damage to homes and infrastructure, particularly in the Mopani, Vhembe and Sekhukhune districts.

Commenting on the initiative, Vodacom Group Chief Officer for External Affairs Ayman Essam said the floods had caused profound human and economic losses across both countries. He said the company, as a purpose-led African organisation, recognised its responsibility to act decisively in times of crisis.

Essam noted that the R6 million commitment was in addition to Vodacom’s business-as-usual investments to restore network infrastructure and maintain access to communication services, which are critical during emergencies.

In Mozambique, Vodacom’s technology teams continue to work under challenging conditions to restore connectivity, with flooded roads, power outages and damaged infrastructure complicating the process. Despite these challenges, the network is recovering steadily. The Vodafone Foundation has also deployed Instant Network Emergency Response volunteers to support connectivity restoration and ensure access to critical communications.

Essam said the response reflected Vodacom’s core purpose, adding that the resilience and commitment shown by employees working to keep communities connected had been inspiring. He said the company’s thoughts remained with all those affected by the floods as recovery efforts continue.