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MTN Shutting Down 3G in South Africa

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MTN has successfully tested shutting down its 3G network in several Cape Town neighbourhoods and says it is on track to switch off the legacy technology by 31 December 2026.

MyBroadband reports that MTN notified certain Cape Town customers that it was conducting a pilot to migrate subscribers off 3G within a ring-fenced area.

MTN informed affected customers about the pilot project in January 2024. The test began early in 2024 and ended later that year.

“In September 2022, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies indicated its intention to phase out 2G and 3G networks,” MTN said in its letter.

“Although this process will affect our customers, MTN is committed to ensuring minimal impact in the transition. As a result, MTN will follow a phased approach for the migration.”

“Once the pilot phase is completed, MTN will assess the project before rolling out the 3G migration on a large scale.

The 3G transition is scheduled to be completed by 31 December 2025,” it explained.

“Parallel to the 3G migration, MTN is assessing the viable dates to migrate users on the 2G network.

Engagements to migrate the 2GNetwork services will be communicated in due course.” Asked for details about the 3G switch-off pilot, MTN confirmed to MyBroadband that it was a success and that it would complete the transition away from the legacy technology by the end of the year.

“MTN is actively transitioning customers from legacy 2G and 3G networks to more advanced 4G and 5G technologies,” a spokesperson said.

“This strategic migration enhances customer experience and ensures continued investment in modern, efficient networks.”

MTN said the 2024 pilot included Durbanville, Greater Melkbosstrand, Cape Town suburbs, and the Milnerton Bloubergstrand areas in Cape Town.

“The pilot aimed to assess the migration process and optimise future rollouts,” the spokesperson said.

Following its success, MTN is implementing a phased migration approach, with full transition planned for completion by 31st December 2025.

Throughout this process, MTN remains committed to delivering excellent connectivity and minimising disruption to customers.”

Business

FedEx founder and former boss Fred Smith dies aged 80

Born in 1944, Mr Smith started FedEx with 389 staff and 14 small planes that carried 186 packages from Memphis to 25 cities within the US.

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Image credit: Getty Images

Fred Smith, founder of the US parcel delivery giant Federal Express, has died at the age of 80, the company has announced.

Mr Smith founded the firm in 1973 having previously served in the US Marine Corps.

He ran the company as CEO until 2022.”Fred was more than just the pioneer of an industry and the founder of our great company.

He was the heart and soul of FedEx,” current boss Raj Subramaniam wrote in a memo to staff.

Born in 1944, Mr Smith started FedEx with 389 staff and 14 small planes that carried 186 packages from Memphis to 25 cities within the US.

(BBC)

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BREAKING: NNPC Spokesman, Soneye resigns

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is expected to name a new spokesperson soon, following the resignation of the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer (CCCO), Olufemi Soneye.

In a statement made available to the press in Abuja on Saturday, Soneye thanked his former employer and colleagues for their support during his tenure as CCCO.

He stated that his decision to step down was to enable him to devote more time to his family and attend to personal responsibilities that require his closer presence.

The statement read: “Dear Esteemed Colleagues, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you all for the unwavering support, professionalism, and genuine commitment you’ve shown in helping to shape and amplify the NNPC Ltd story over the past 20 months.

“Your role in building a vibrant and effective communications presence for our national energy company has been nothing short of invaluable.

“I wish to inform you that I have stepped aside from my role as Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd. This decision will allow me to devote more time to my family and attend to personal responsibilities that now require my closer presence.

“It has been a profound honour to serve both the Company and our country and to contribute in my own way to the ongoing transformation of NNPC Ltd.

I am deeply grateful for the trust reposed in me, the opportunities granted, and the incredible professionals—both within and outside the organization—with whom I have worked.

“I remain a steadfast supporter and ambassador of NNPC Ltd wherever I go. I enjoin you, dear colleagues, to continue your robust, balanced, and constructive reportage in support of the Company’s noble mission and strategic role in Nigeria’s energy future.”

Soneye was appointed as NNPCL’s spokesman in October 2023, following a company-wide reorganisation that saw him replace Garba Muhammad.When contacted by Tribune Online, Soneye confirmed the news, saying, “Yes, my bro! E ku weekend.”

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DR Congo: Heineken Forced to Withdraw Staff as Rebels Seize Facilities

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Heineken has lost operational control and withdrawn its staff from facilities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), CNN on Saturday quoted that the Dutch brewer announced on Friday.

In March, the company had suspended operations in three eastern cities, citing safety concerns after breweries were damaged and depots raided during clashes between government forces and rebels.

On Friday, Heineken said the situation had worsened. Armed groups have taken control of its sites in Bukavu and Goma—eastern Congo’s largest cities—as well as surrounding areas.

“The conditions required to operate responsibly and safely are no longer present and as of 12th June 2025, we have lost operational control,” it said in a statement.

Heineken’s local unit, Bralima, continues to operate in parts of the country not affected by the fighting. The company said it is monitoring developments closely.

Heineken owns four breweries in the DRC, producing its namesake beer along with local brands such as Primus. It previously said its Bukavu facilities employed about 1,000 people directly and indirectly.

“Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our employees,” Friday’s statement read.

Reuters also reported, “We have withdrawn all remaining staff from these sites and we have continued to support them financially.”

Nearly 14 per cent of Heineken’s total revenue comes from its Middle East and Africa operations, with Congo—home to over 100 million people—a significant market.

Before the suspension, operations in Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira represented roughly one-third of Heineken’s business in the country.

Conflict in eastern Congo has intensified in 2025, with the M23 rebel group making major territorial gains, sparking fears of broader regional instability.

Congo accuses Rwanda of backing M23 with troops and weapons—allegations Rwanda has consistently denied.

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