Daniel Smith, a seasoned MTN veteran, has virtually grown up within the company, dedicating his entire career to working at and alongside MTN.

His journey began in 2008 as a fresh-faced electronic engineer with a year of graduate experience. Joining MTN's Hatfield, Pretoria regional office, Daniel's role involved network planning and optimisation, specifically determining the placement of new base stations and expanding capacity in the Lowveld region, encompassing the Kruger National Park, rural communities, mining towns, citrus farms, and the regional capital, Mbombela.

Recalling those early days, Daniel fondly describes his adventures "driving up mountains to find the best places to locate base stations". Armed with advanced 4x4 driving skills, he spent the first few days of the week in the office planning and the rest of the week traversing the rugged terrain. His work involved ensuring coverage in both rural and expanding urban areas, as well as implementing a frequency refarming project for 3G on 900 MHz in Mpumalanga and Limpopo, a move eagerly awaited by farmers and mines in the region.

During his time in Hatfield, Daniel completed his Masters dissertation on the impact of mobile data connectivity in remote areas and industries, research that remains relevant in many parts of Africa today.

One of Daniel's notable experiences involved preparing the network for the 2010 FIFA World Cup at the Mbombela stadium, a task that required meticulous planning and real-time optimisation. He fondly remembers the unparalleled spirit of the World Cup, the MTN showcase, and the non-stop work that culminated in a successful network delivery.

Following a brief stint outside MTN, Daniel rejoined the company in 2017, this time with MTN Group Technology. In his current role, he oversees performance reporting across operating companies, monitors network, IT, and digital KPIs, and participates in RFP preparations.

For Daniel, MTN's uniqueness lies in its "incredible 'can do' attitude", the fearlessness to try, and the willingness to "fail fast and try harder next time". This "yellow blood" spirit, he explains, is the essence of MTN.

Looking to the future, Daniel is enthusiastic about expanding digital inclusion across the continent, recognising the vast opportunities that lie ahead for the people of Africa. His journey at MTN exemplifies the company's commitment to innovation, growth, and making a positive impact on the communities it serves.