Vuma reaches 1 million subscribers, marking a major milestone in South Africa’s digital transformation journey

In a landmark moment for South Africa’s telecommunications sector, Vuma, the Maziv-owned trailblazer of high-speed fibre-to-the-home, is ecstatic to announce that it has officially surpassed the one million subscriber milestone.

What started as a grassroots project in the streets of Parkhurst has surged into a nationwide digital revolution. Today, Vuma stands as a titan of transformation, having successfully bridged the digital divide and turned a bold vision into a reality for a million households.

This achievement is not just a number, it’s a resounding declaration that world-class connectivity is no longer a luxury, it is a fundamental right for every South African. It’s also a powerful testament to Vuma’s commitment to digital inclusion.

“Reaching one million subscribers is a major milestone for Vuma and a strong validation of our long-term strategy,” says Maziv Chief Executive Officer Dietlof Mare. “It reflects the growing importance of fibre as essential infrastructure and the success of our close collaboration with internet service provider (ISP) partners, who play a critical role in connecting and supporting customers on our network. Most importantly, it speaks directly to our purpose of helping reduce the digital divide and building a more connected South Africa.”

A significant portion of this growth has been driven by the rapid adoption of Vuma Reach services. “Initially, much of our subscriber growth came from traditional core metro areas and established suburbs within Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal,” Mare adds. “Over the past few years, we’ve seen strong growth from our rollout into Reach areas, providing much-needed uncapped, unrestricted broadband to previously underserved communities. This milestone reflects both depth in mature areas and increasing momentum across our broader footprint.”

More Than Just a Number

Reaching one million subscribers is more than a corporate win; it’s a victory for digital equity. It represents one million households empowered to work, learn and connect without limits. It’s also about fuelling the work-from-home revolution and supporting thousands of local SMEs in township economies, as well as providing students across the country with access to global knowledge hubs - helping to close the gap between established suburbs and developing areas.

Vuma reached one million subscribers in approximately eight years. This represents a significantly faster adoption curve than previous fixed-line technologies in South Africa. For comparison, ADSL took about 14 years to reach its peak of just over one million subscribers. The milestone underscores how central fibre connectivity has become to everyday life and economic participation.

“This milestone belongs to the people of South Africa. The surge in adoption - especially within our Reach communities - proves that when you provide quality, affordable access, people seize the opportunity. We are not just building a network; we are building the backbone of a truly inclusive digital economy,” says Vuma Chief Commercial Officer Simon Butler.

From its humble beginnings to this massive nationwide footprint, Vuma remains committed to empowering communities and fuelling the potential of a connected South Africa.

Ends

Vuma is a leading South African fibre provider owned by the Maziv Group. It has passed more than two million homes since launching in 2014. Working with over 75 Internet Service Providers, Vuma goes beyond infrastructure to empower communities to connect, learn and grow. Guided by its philosophy, “because we can, we must,” the company drives digital transformation by breaking communication barriers across the country