Polokwane and Vodacom Forge Future: Smart City Vision Gets Real

Executive Mayor Cllr Makoro John Mpe during the strategic engagement with Vodacom. The City is harnessing innovation to build a smarter, more efficient Polokwane where technological advancement becomes a lived reality for all residents.

Endorsement from Industry: Vodacom South Africa CEO Sitholizwe “Sitho” Mdlalose commends Polokwane’s progress. “The progress in Polokwane is visible. It is a journey, and Polokwane is moving in the right direction,” he said, noting tangible developments towards a smart city.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief

The Azanian | Truth. Fearless. Unfiltered.  

AZANIAFROCOMEDIA – The Catalyst of Impact

POLOKWANE— In a move that shifts Polokwane from aspiration to execution, the City has taken its strategic partnership with Vodacom South Africa to the next level. 

On Wednesday, 3 June 2026, Polokwane Municipality, under the leadership of Executive Mayor Cllr Makoro John Mpe, welcomed Vodacom CEO Sitholizwe "Sitho" Mdlalose and his delegation for high-level talks focused on one thing: building a smarter, more efficient, people-centred city.

The engagement zeroed in on technology-driven solutions to real problems. Topping the agenda: reducing water distribution losses, strengthening operational efficiency, and improving the management of municipal infrastructure.

In an era where every drop counts, both parties agreed that modern solutions are no longer optional. They are essential to safeguarding resources and enhancing service delivery.

But the conversation went beyond pipes and data. Polokwane and Vodacom explored social investment — deepening impact in communities through education, youth empowerment, and sporting development. 

Vodacom CEO Sitho Mdlalose was clear in his assessment: "The progress in Polokwane is visible. We can see what has been achieved and the continued commitment towards realising the vision of a smart city. It is a journey, and Polokwane is moving in the right direction."

Mdlalose noted that Vodacom is witnessing tangible developments in the city, particularly in how the municipality embraces innovation, modernises service delivery, and leverages technology to improve the lives of residents. 

For Mayor Mpe, the partnership reflects a municipality focused on building a connected, efficient and future-ready city. The strides achieved so far show an administration that understands service delivery is not just about today. It is about ensuring technological advancement and shared prosperity become a lived reality for all.

As the old saying goes: "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." This engagement laid the groundwork for a partnership of consequence — one poised to redefine service delivery, stimulate opportunity, and leave an enduring legacy of progress for the people of Polokwane.

Polokwane is positioning itself at the forefront of urban transformation. The smart city is not a slogan. It is being built, one partnership at a time.