Vodafone takes control in South Africa

Vodafone has confirmed that its acquisition of an additional 15% stake in Vodacom, taking Vodafone's shareholding from 50% to 65%, has been approved by the government of South Africa. [Press release]

Vodafone set to control South African mobile company

Vodafone has confirmed that it's planning to buy a 15% stake in South Africa's Vodacom from Telkom SA Limited. This would give it 65% of Vodacom, which currently operates in South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Mozambique and Tanzania. It's a deal that's been rumoured for quite a while. [Press release]

Vodafone close to South Africa deal

Vodafone is apparently close to agreeing a deal that would give it control of South Africa's Vodacom network. It currently owns 50% of the network. Vodacom has just agreed to buy Gateway Telecommunications, which offers telecommunications services in Africa. [Sources: Financial Times, Telecoms.com]

South African pupils use mobiles to improve maths

Nokia is working with the South Africa Department of Education and the Mindset Network charity to pre-load mobile phones with educational material. A trial project is offering Nokia 6300 handsets with maths material for Grade 10 students in two schools in the North West Province of South Africa. The pilot scheme supports the Department of Education's drive to improve proficiency in maths amongst students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. Nokia and Mindset are also developing digital material for other key subjects such as English and information technology. In addition, Nokia is providing additional funding for the two pilot schools. [Nokia press release]

Man reports mobile phone 'theft' with phone still in pocket

The BBC has an amusing story from South Africa. Police in Pretoria say that a man walked into a police station to report that his mobile phone had been stolen at gunpoint. He gave the make, model and mobile number of the phone to a detective, who called the number of the phone at the end of the interview. The phone then rang in the man's pocket.