Vodacom’s VodaBucks Earns Top Global Recognition for Gamified Rewards

Vodacom  has announced that its flagship rewards programme, VodaBucks, has been awarded with the “Best Gamification Worldwide for Loyalty Enhancement” accolade at the prestigious 2025 International Loyalty Awards event, held in Dubai.

This award highlights VodaBucks’ commitment to delivering engaging and value-driven rewards to customers on the Vodacom network through imaginative gamified solutions.

This is an epic moment for Vodacom South Africa, and I am beyond excited to be recognised on a global stage for our VodaBucks rewards programme. This global recognition affirms our long-term strategy of placing customers at the centre of everything we do.  VodaBucks is more than just a rewards programme, it is a platform designed to drive deeper engagement, build trust and empower customers, especially during this dynamic digital economy.

– Sitho Mdlalose, Chief Executive Officer, Vodacom South Africa

The International Loyalty Awards, now in its 15th annual instalment, celebrates excellence, innovation, and best practices in the global loyalty industry.  The 2025 ceremony recognised brands that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in customer loyalty and engagement.

Vodacom’s loyalty programme demonstrated leadership for its integration of gamification elements that have significantly improved and amplified user interaction and satisfaction.

Launched in 2020, VodaBucks has transformed the traditional loyalty programme model by incorporating gamified features such as challenges, interactive games, and personalised rewards. Available on the VodaPay app, VodaBucks opens up a world where customers can engage, including playing V-UP games with three daily plays, allowing them to stand a chance to win something everyday or participate in weekly Achiever goals and rewards, where they stand a chance to win every week.

We are thrilled to receive this international recognition. This award reflects our dedication to continuously find interactive and innovative ways to engage with our customers. Through VodaBucks, we’ve created a platform that not only rewards customers for their loyalty to Vodacom but, one that also makes the experience enjoyable and interactive.

– Mathys Venter, Managing Executive for Loyalty and Prepaid, Vodacom South Africa

Last year, VodaBucks scooped two awards at the South African Loyalty Awards – “Best Loyalty Programme in Telco” and “Best Use of Gamification in Loyalty”. This showcases how Vodacom remains dedicated to delivering meaningful value especially at a time when customers are experiencing cost-of-living pressures.

At Vodacom, our purpose of connecting everyone for a better future means ensuring that no one is left behind. Through initiatives like VodaBucks, we are not only rewarding customers for their loyalty, but we are empowering more South African citizens to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.  I’d like to thank the incredible team behind VodaBucks. This recognition would not be possible without their dedication, loyalty, creativity and hardwork. This award also recognises our efforts to reimagine loyalty.

– Sitho Mdlalose, Chief Executive Officer, Vodacom South Africa

To access VodaBucks , customers can download VodaPay, available through the Apple App, Google Play and Huawei App Gallery stores. For more information about VodaBucks and its features, customers can visit VodaBucks.