Technology is now being used to get a sense of people’s movements and track how the virus is spreading.
Telkom CEO Sipho Maseko said the company felt obligated to play a role in helping to fight the pandemic.
Samsung Africa CEO Sung Yoon expressed confidence in the steps taken by the government to contain the virus.
Thousands of health care workers are working around the clock daily to trace people who had come into contact with those who have tested positive for Covid-19.
Masuku said Gauteng was the first of four provinces to receive a share of the 1,500 cellphones. Some will be donated to the Western Cape, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal.
They would be loaded with free data and airtime for the next six months.
Health minister Zweli Mkhize thanked all partners who had offered resources for the fight against coronavirus.