By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a keynote address at the MTN 30 year’s celebration dinner at Montecasino in Fourways, Johannesburg.
The celebrations were hosted under the theme “30 Years of Impact” to underscore MTN’s three decades of connecting people, changing lives and driving socio-economic transformation across the continent.
Ramaphosa reflected on MTN’s remarkable journey from a modest South African start-up to a leading global telecommunications entity.
He highlighted the company’s significant role in transforming lives across South Africa and the African continent.
Drawing parallels between MTN’s growth and South Africa’s democratic evolution, he noted that both have been instrumental in bridging divides and fostering inclusivity.
Ramaphosa paid tribute to visionaries like the late Dr Nthato Motlana and Zwelakhe Sisulu, who foresaw the potential of mobile technology to address communication disparities during the early 1990s.
He recounted the initial scepticism towards mobile phones, with some predicting limited demand.
Contrary to these expectations, South African cellphone companies reached a million subscribers within two years, spurred by innovations such as prepaid services—a concept that South Africa introduced to the global community.
Ramaphosa lauded MTN’s unique culture, characterised by resilience, adaptability, and a relentless drive to succeed.
He acknowledged the company’s expansion from a small team of 20 employees to a global telecommunications leader employing over 17,500 individuals across 18 markets.
He emphasised MTN’s commitment to digital inclusion, noting that its network reaches approximately 97% of South Africa’s population, thereby providing a foundation for economic empowerment.
The President also recognised MTN’s contributions to financial inclusion through services like MTN Mobile Money, which provides over 65 million individuals with access to financial services, driving economic empowerment in underserved communities.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by the telecommunications industry, Ramaphosa acknowledged the complexities of operating across diverse fiscal, policy, and regulatory environments.
He commended MTN’s adeptness at managing and thriving in different markets and its support for government efforts to strengthen trade and investment ties across the continent.
Ramaphosa expressed confidence that MTN would leverage opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area.