1. Telkom : This company uses copper cables for communications.These cables are installed underground to protect them from dangerous weather conditions. This company is also involved with the television broadcasting company of South Africa.
2. Eskom : This company uses copper cables to supply electricity South Africa. The cables are installed inside power lines which makes it dangerous as well as difficult to steal them for resale.
3. Transnet: This company uses copper cables for one
of its companies, Spoornet which is responsible for railway lines. 
The above three companies are the only companies in South Africa that provide those services and without copper cables at Telkom, it means no communications to the public and loss of income to the comcompany, at Eskom , it means no electrical services for the public and as for Spoornet , no cable means no rail transport for the day or . longer.
We are only focusing on Telkom because of their concern in bringing cable thieves to the law for convictions. Enjoy the ride!