Vodacom’s Maziv merger gets boost as regulator drops opposition
- Nhlanhla Muthe
- Jul 9
- 2 min read
By Nhlanhla Muthe
Vodacom Group has received a strong regulatory boost in its bid to acquire a 30% stake in fibre infrastructure giant Maziv.
The Competition Commission has announced it would no longer oppose the multibillion-rand merger, marking a significant milestone in the telco’s ongoing efforts to enhance digital infrastructure and expand connectivity to underserved communities in South Africa.
The Commission’s announcement follows months of negotiations and additional concessions made by Vodacom and Community Investment Ventures Holdings (CIVH), the parent company of Maziv. Maziv owns leading fibre providers Vumatel and Dark Fibre Africa, which will play a key role in the merged entity.
Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub welcomed the announcement that aligns with the company’s vision of reaching more homes and businesses.
“We are thrilled with the Competition Commission’s decision, as it aligns with our purpose of connecting people to a better future and our vision of bridging the digital divide through world-class connectivity. Should the transaction be approved by the Competition Appeal Court, I’m confident it will enable us to accelerate network expansion, help address the cost to communicate and contribute meaningfully to job creation,” he said.
The Competition Commission will now approach the Competition Appeal Court to outline how the expanded set of conditions addresses previous concerns raised during the Competition Tribunal’s October 2024 decision to block the deal.
Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi also endorsed the latest development, noting the revised agreement’s potential to advance digital inclusion.
“The solution reached substantially addresses the concerns raised by the Competition Commission. We welcome the parties’ commitment to broader coverage, lower-cost broadband packages, and improved connectivity, all of which support the government’s mission to connect more South Africans to affordable, high-speed internet,” he said.
The R14 billion transaction is now scheduled for a hearing at the Competition Appeal Court on 22 July. Vodacom also holds an option to increase its stake in Maziv by a further 10%, pending regulatory approval.
If successful, the merger is expected to reshape South Africa’s broadband landscape by driving investment into fibre networks, expanding access in townships and rural areas, and creating new jobs in the digital economy.
