THE Kamberg community in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands has partnered with Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal to implement additional security measures at the telco’s base station sites in the area. Vodacom says this new initiative paves the way for a new community-led model that ensures the safety and security of base station sites across the province. Uninterrupted access to connectivity benefits everyone in the area.
According to Vodacom, cellular base stations often serve as the only form of connectivity for many communities, especially in remote areas of the country. When these sites are vandalised or batteries are stolen, hundreds of thousands of residents are left without connectivity. This not only affects individuals and small businesses but also has serious consequences in emergency situations.
Molefe Mahlangu, executive head of operations at Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal says: “Vodacom has always maintained that the number one line of defence against site vandalism is the local community. We cannot combat this issue alone, and appreciate that police and private security cannot be everywhere, hence our appeals to communities to get involved. Following a series of meetings between ourselves and the Kamberg community, this community offered to deploy further security measures to ensure that the community is not deprived of essential communications services. In our view this is the kind of futuristic model that is going to help end vandalism in our country.”
The Kamberg community put up a second security layer in the form of an electric fence around the three Vodacom towers that are regularly hit in the area. A few weeks down the line, the community, working together with a private security company, apprehended two criminals who broke into Vodacom’s site in the area and successfully secured two stolen batteries from the thieves.
Vodacom says the cost of restoring connectivity after such incidents amounts to about R70,000 per site, which could otherwise be invested in network upgrades and rural expansion. Therefore, the cost of the impact of vandalism and theft goes beyond just the equipment and resources required for restoration. As a result, Vodacom estimates that it loses around R100 million to vandalism and battery theft in South Africa each year.
The Kamberg Valley is essentially a farming community in the lush farmlands in the foothills of the Drakensberg, just beyond Nottingham Road.
To address battery theft and vandalism, Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal region has invested in robust security measures, including installing security cameras to monitor sites and deploying trained security personnel to respond quickly to any suspicious activity. High-security battery cabinets and hardened site containers have also been installed, making it more difficult for criminals to access valuable equipment. In addition, the region is working closely with law enforcement agencies, communities and security companies to arrest thieves for prosecution, with several cases awaiting trial. The company urges the public to report suspicious activity around base stations to call its tollfree number: 0822419952 or SAPS on 10111.
