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Telecommunications · Mobile and digital services

Vodacom Group

JSE-listed African telecommunications group formed in 1993 and commercially launched in South Africa in 1994.

Published · Last reviewed

Vodacom Group is the JSE-listed parent of a communications and financial-services group with operations across Africa. [7][5]

History

Vodacom began in 1993 and launched commercial South African service on 1 June 1994. Alan Knott-Craig led the founding management team. [1][2]

Vodacom listed on 18 May 2009 after Vodafone acquired 15% from Telkom. Vodafone held 65.1% at the 2026 review date. [3][7]

Frequently asked questions

Is Vodacom Group listed?

Yes. Vodacom Group trades on the JSE under the ticker VOD. [3]

Who owns Vodacom Group?

Vodafone held 65.1% at the review date. Other shareholders held the balance. [7]

Who leads Vodacom Group?

Shameel Joosub was group chief executive at the review date. [6]

Key milestones

  1. Vodacom began on 19 May. [1]

  2. Commercial South African operations began on 1 June. [1]

  3. Vodacom listed on the JSE on 18 May. [3]

  4. The Egyptian acquisition raised Vodafone ownership to 65.1%. [4]

Founded / co-founded by

  • Alan Knott-Craig — South African telecommunications executive who led Vodacom’s founding management team and its expansion before the 2009 listing.

Company builders

  • Shameel Joosub — South African telecommunications executive and Vodacom Group chief executive since 2012.

Related articles

Related institutions

  • Vodacom South Africa — South African mobile operating company that launched commercial service on 1 June 1994.
  • Vodafone Group — International telecommunications company and controlling shareholder of Vodacom Group.
  • Telkom — South African telecommunications company that held half of Vodacom before the 2009 listing transactions.

Sources

  1. Vodacom Group, Annual report 2006, 2006-03-31. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-26. ↩
  2. Vodacom Group, Annual report 2008, 2008-03-31. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-26. ↩
  3. Vodacom Group, Vodacom Group revised listing date, 2009-04-17. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-26. ↩
  4. Vodacom Group, Vodacom Group completes purchase of 55% stake in Vodafone Egypt, 2022-12-13. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-26. ↩
  5. Vodacom Group, Reviewed annual results for the year ended 31 March 2026, 2026-05-08. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-26. ↩
  6. Vodacom Group, Board of directors. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-26. ↩
  7. Vodacom Group, About us. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-26. ↩