WeeklySA_AdminPERFORMANCE: Telkom’s latest results have earned praise from the Cabinet after the telecoms giant supported thousands of jobs, expanded opportunities for small businesses and delivered a substantial dividend windfall to the government…
By Own Correspondent
Cabinet has welcomed Telkom’s strong financial and operational performance for the year ended 31 March 2026, praising the majority state-owned telecommunications company for its contribution to economic growth, job creation and digital inclusion.
Briefing the media on Friday following the latest Cabinet meeting, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said Telkom had continued to deliver value both as a strategic national asset and as a driver of development.
According to Ntshavheni, the company supported 362 small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) through procurement opportunities valued at R593 million during the reporting period. Through its SMME development programme, Telkom also contributed to the creation of more than 74 000 jobs.
The company further invested in skills development by training 1 524 unemployed young people through information and communications technology (ICT) learnerships, while surpassing the milestone of two million subscribers.
“Government will receive approximately R559 million in dividend income (excluding dividends to other government-owned shareholder entities). This additional income will help support the state’s broader developmental priorities and public service delivery commitments,” Ntshavheni said.
Earlier this week, Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi said Telkom’s results reflected continued progress in implementing its long-term strategy.
He attributed the performance to disciplined execution, improved operational efficiency and a sustained focus on growth areas within the telecommunications sector.
The results also underscore the increasing importance of digital connectivity and data services in South Africa’s economy as demand for reliable broadband and digital solutions continues to grow.
Telkom, which is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, remains one of South Africa’s leading telecommunications providers. The government retains a 40.5% stake in the company, reinforcing its role as a strategic asset in the country’s digital transformation agenda and a significant contributor to economic activity.
The remaining 59% of Telkom shares are owned by state-run asset managers, institutional investors, retail investors, and Telkom itself. The largest additional shareholder block is the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) (which manages funds for the Government Employees Pension Fund), giving the South African government effective majority voting control.
