YouTube and Vuma Bring Smart TV Streaming to Township Homes

YouTube and Vumatel (Vuma), part of the MAZIV Group, have announced a joint pilot programme designed to tackle digital inequality in South African townships. The initiative brings affordable high-speed fibre to underserved households, paired with smart TV streaming technology to unlock richer digital access.

The pilot will launch in areas such as Alexandra Township in Johannesburg, where 2,000 fibre-connected homes will receive free Google TV streaming dongles. These devices turn standard televisions into smart TVs, giving families instant access to online entertainment, education, and content through YouTube and Google TV. The partnership supports MAZIV’s long-term goal of building an inclusive, digitally connected South Africa.

Advancing digital inclusion in underserved communities

The pilot’s core focus is digital inclusion. Many township households have historically lacked the high-speed, stable internet access needed to participate fully in the digital economy. By combining Vuma’s affordable fibre infrastructure with YouTube and Google TV’s content ecosystem, the initiative empowers families to learn, work, and connect online. This aligns with MAZIV’s mission to deliver fibre that connects every South African home and business.

YouTube’s leadership in living-room streaming

Globally, YouTube is now the leading platform for TV screen watch time in countries like the United States. More people are consuming content through YouTube on big screens than through any other streaming service.

Mahesh Bhalareo, Director of YouTube Product Partnerships, EMEA, said: “A simple, accessible connected-TV experience is essential for digital literacy and content adoption. Pairing Google TV dongles with Vuma fibre gives households an easy way to access the full range of YouTube content, from education to entertainment, affordably and sustainably.”

MAZIV’s national vision through Vuma

As a key MAZIV Group company, Vuma drives the organisation’s strategy of connecting South Africans across all communities to world-class broadband. The collaboration with YouTube is part of MAZIV’s broader vision to reduce digital inequality through partnerships that expand infrastructure and support meaningful online participation.

“Our fibre-to-the-home model removed financial barriers and made connectivity possible for households across South Africa. Partnering with YouTube and Google TV builds on that mission. It shifts connectivity from access to empowerment, enabling people not only to get online but to benefit from it through learning, earning, and engaging,” said Zunaid Mahomed, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at MAZIV.

Tony Archibong, Managing Director, Global Product Partnerships at YouTube, added: “This pilot supports YouTube’s mission to give everyone a voice and show them the world. It helps ensure that high-quality, relevant content is accessible to all, regardless of income or location.”