Petition to Improve Mobile Network Coverage and Related Services in Stella Town, Naledi Local Municipality

 We, the undersigned residents of Stella Town, Ward 1, Naledi Local Municipality, hereby submit this petition to draw urgent attention to the critical issue of poor and unreliable mobile network coverage by Vodacom and CellC in our community. 

Our concerns include but are not limited to: 

1. Poor or Non-Existent Signal Coverage: 

Mobile phone signals in Stella Town are frequently very poor or completely absent, causing severe disruption to communication. 

1. Electricity Prepaid Meter Failures: 

Due to inadequate signal strength, prepaid electrical meters – primarily Vodacom prepaid meters – are unable to update purchased electricity units. This leads to residents being cut off from electricity despite paying, resulting in unsafe living conditions. 

1. Safety and Emergency Services Risks: 

Alarm systems and emergency communication are compromised when there is no mobile network. Residents are unable to call for urgent assistance through emergency services when needed. 

1. Impact on Health Monitoring: 

Some residents rely on health devices that require mobile connectivity (e.g., glucose meters). Poor signal interrupts vital health monitoring, endangering lives. 

1. Economic Development Barriers: 

Local businesses and entrepreneurs are hindered by unreliable network access, limiting their ability to operate, communicate, and grow. 

1. Implications for Democratic Participation: 

The lack of reliable mobile networks prevents many residents from registering to vote online for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE2026), undermining free and fair democratic processes. 

We therefore demand the following immediate actions: 

• Vodacom and CellC to urgently upgrade and maintain mobile network infrastructure in Stella Town to ensure consistent, strong signal coverage. This includes repairing or erecting additional signal towers or supporting infrastructure. 

• ICASA to investigate these network deficiencies and enforce compliance with licensing conditions that guarantee adequate coverage and service quality. 

• Naledi Local Municipality, and NERSA to collaborate on ensuring that prepaid electrical meters function reliably even in signal-compromised areas, exploring alternative technologies if necessary. 

• The North West Provincial Government to prioritize resources to improve digital and electrical infrastructure within Stella Town. 

• The IEC North West Office to implement and promote accessible, offline voter registration processes for residents without reliable internet or mobile access ahead of LGE2026. 

• Emergency Services to develop alternative emergency communication strategies for areas affected by poor mobile coverage. 

• The Health Department and local clinics to provide support and alternatives for residents dependent on connected health devices impacted by poor signal. 

• The South African Parliament – Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies to oversee national efforts for improved connectivity in rural and under-served communities, including Stella Town, and to hold relevant departments and service providers accountable. 

We, the undersigned, call on all stakeholders to treat this matter with urgency to restore safety, security, health, economic opportunity, and democratic participation to Stella Town residents.