The fibre landscape in South Africa has just entered its transformative era with the financial close of Vodacom’s R11.5-billion acquisition of a 30% stake in Maziv, the parent company of Dark Fibre Africa and Vumatel. Standard Bank was instrumental in driving this landmark deal to completion, having advised Maziv throughout the process.
The chief executive of Maziv, Dietlof Mare, described the transaction as pivotal. “The mission is to transform lives by connecting South Africans to fast, reliable fibre and to bridge the digital divide that restricts opportunities for businesses and communities,” he said. He added that the investment will enable Maziv to accelerate its rollout and strengthen national connectivity.
According to Vodacom’s group executive, Kabelo Mokoena, the partnership is very important. “Working with Standard Bank—those who share our commitment to the growth of South Africa and community development—is a major step forward,” he commented.
Standard Bank said this is the single largest fibre transaction on the African continent, one positioned to extend connectivity into previously underserved areas. “We’re proud to have supported Vodacom on this strategic acquisition, which promises to broaden digital access across the country,” said Mulalo Takaedza, corporate financing solutions executive at Standard Bank.
The deal includes an undertaking to connect over 8,000 mobile base stations, in addition to Maziv’s current reach of over two million homes and 25,000 commercial buildings. The Vodacom capital injection will accelerate further fibre deployment.
The journey to regulatory approval was long. Icasa approved the transaction in late November 2025, granting the related network licence. This was after a protracted four-year process from the Competition Commission to the Competition Tribunal, which initially blocked the deal due to anti-competitive concerns. After a settlement and appeal, full approval was concluded with some concessions agreed upon regarding the capping of Vodacom’s influence and an extension of the infrastructure commitments.
Officially concluded on 1 December 2025, the deal represents a decisive step toward enhanced digital inclusion and a new chapter in South Africa’s fibre revolution.
