WE’RE NOT A COMPLETE STORY BUT A CHAPTER OF A SUCCESSFUL ONE!
AN ARCHITECT OF CHANGE! BIG 200K FOR NET99 TO SET TONGUES WAGGING!
EMPANGENI GETS A TASTE OF NET99 WARMTH!
CYBER LABORATORIES FOR LESS FORTUNATE SCHOOLS!
OUR GO TO MEN ON THE GROUND
SATISFIED CLIENTS: YOU SPEAK
DIGITAL EGG HUNT! WIN BIG WITH NET99!
NET99 SET TO LEAPFROG TO ‘TOP FIVE’ BY 2030! HUAWEI GIVES NET99 THUMBS UP!
NUMBERS DON’T LIE, WILLIAM SAYS ‘THANK YOU’!
As we may all know, May in South Africa is a symbolic month, filled with emotional days – depending on which generation you fall under.
It all starts with International Workers’ Day, previously known as May Day, celebrated annually on 1 May to commemorate the historical struggles of workers and their trade unions fighting for better working conditions and fairer employment standards.
At Nine Nine Nine, we started the month by celebrating our colleagues’ rights and recognising the role they play in a company that’s turning five years old – thanks to the employees, including myself. This month – especially Workers’ Day – echoes the struggles of workers during the “May Day” era.
Without venturing too far into politics, it was in 1928 that more attention was directed at workers, with thousands protesting en masse, demanding better working conditions.
Now, in 2025, the month also ushers in the election season – a reminder of when the nation stood together on 27 May 1994 to vote for their preferred leaders, confront the past, and shape the future.
This May, perhaps more than any other, feels like a turning point for Net Nine Nine.
At Net Nine Nine, we are no strangers to transition. Our aim has always been to change the lives of ordinary South Africans, especially those in townships and rural areas – and we’re winning the fight to migrate them to the digital age in line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
The road has been long and steep, with many bends and knocks, but we didn’t fall in our fight to transform our people’s lives and dreams – enabling them to access reliable and consistent internet service. I’m proud to say we’re now covering eight of the nine provinces.
We’ve gone through Covid-19, tough economic tribulations, loadshedding, water shedding, pandemics of many sorts, and breakdowns – and all manner of critics were made to eat humble pie. Yet we’re still standing tall, going strong.
The interest we’ve attracted from South Africans speaks volumes. Many, who never imagined connecting their devices to fibre internet, are now inviting us to their areas in demand for connection.
Just last month, we launched in KwaZulu-Natal – Umlazi and Empangeni. In Mpumalanga, we connected Bethal, Hendrina and Botleng.
Now, during this special month of May, we will be creating jobs in the Free State – specifically in Thaba-Nchu, where our point-of-presence will begin distributing internet by month-end. Botshabelo will be the first to go live.
In June, we’ll be officially launching in Mthatha, in the Eastern Cape, where we recently went live. The atmosphere has never been this exciting – people are happy with their new service provider.
May should remind us of the importance of workers – the backbone of this very company – and they deserve the best care, like delicate infants who must be nurtured and treated well.
We made this fibre internet business fashionable when everyone else was afraid to enter the space. But we put on a brave face and took our chance.
Net Nine Nine is not a complete story, but a novel still being written – and only our clients can be the subeditors, based on their experience.
May is just one chapter of many still to be written. Until next time – Halla Net Nine Nine!
Dr Nicholas Thipe
Net Nine Nine is proud to celebrate a monumental milestone: 200,000 homes passed as of April 2025. This achievement brings us one step closer to closing the digital divide – and at the heart of it all is the ever-composed Akash Saran, who has dedicated nearly two decades of his life to the telecommunications space.
“Success is not something that you build overnight – it is developed over the years.”
These are the words of a man who has quite literally mapped out the future of fibre internet in South Africa. As Head of Network Operations at Net Nine Nine, Akash Saran has been instrumental in building the company’s fibre infrastructure. And while his leadership shines, he’s quick to credit the collaborative spirit of his colleagues and the guidance of a dynamic C-suite leadership team.
Telecommunications runs in Saran’s blood. Following in the footsteps of his father – a veteran of over 20 years in the industry – Saran has spent 19 years carving out a legacy of his own, rising through the ranks in one of the most competitive spaces today. But the journey doesn’t end with 200,000 homes.
“Net Nine Nine has set us a new target –650,000 homes passed by March 2026. That’s an additional 450,000 households. It’s ambitious, but I know we can achieve it together.”
A first-in, last-out kind of leader, Saran is driven by purpose and a deep sense of mission.
“This is an opportunity greater than any one of us. Most of us on this team grew up without access to the digital services we now provide.
To be part of a company that’s actively bringing connectivity to underserved communities is an honour. Alone, it would be impossible. But as a team, we make it happen.”
“When it comes to teamwork, I truly have a great team. Three of our former interns are now permanent team members – a result of sheer hard work and commitment. Every single person on this team is dedicated and has fully bought into Net Nine Nine’s vision. That shared belief is what drives us forward.”
Under Saran’s guidance, Net Nine Nine now has live fibre in six provinces and has identified 20 new areas for network expansion in 2025. Among the next frontiers? The Northern Cape and Limpopo – provinces vital to reaching the next milestone.
With the recent integration of the Maintenance and Network Operations Centre (NOC) departments into his portfolio, Saran sees even more room to drive change.
“I’m excited. This is about more than just expanding our footprint. It’s about innovating, streamlining, and building a sustainable, futureproof network.”
The company’s ongoing partnership with Huawei also strengthens its capabilities, ensuring Net Nine Nine remains at the forefront of technological deployment.
While some may pause to celebrate 200,000 homes, Saran is already focused on the bigger picture.
“If we stay on course, we’ll hit 1.6 million homes passed by December 2027. That’s the vision – to ensure that no South African community is left behind in the digital era.”
The Easter fun isn’t over yet — we’ve hidden digital eggs throughout our April newsletter!
Crack the hidden clues, find the eggs, and stand a chance to win ONE OF THREE amazing prizes!
PRIZES UP FOR GRABS:
1ST PRIZE: Smart TV
2ND PRIZE: Powerbank UPS
3RD PRIZE: Bluetooth Headphones
HOW TO ENTER:
1. Read the Net99 April newsletter carefully. Look for 6 hidden eggs, each containing a word.
2. These words form a complete sentence related to fibre internet.
3. Collect all 6 egg words.
4. Email your completed sentence to: [Marketing@netninenine.co.za] with the subject line: “Egg Hunt Entry”
5. Deadline to enter: 9th May 2025
WINNERS ANNOUNCED:
Winners will be randomly selected from all correct entries and announced on 12th May 2025 via our next newsletter and on social media.
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
• One entry per person.
• All 6 egg words must be submitted in the correct sentence to qualify.
• Winners will be contacted directly via email.
• Prizes are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash.
Ready, set... hunt those eggs! Good luck from the Net99 team!
Mpumalanga has shattered Net Nine Nine’s monthly uptake records for March, surpassing the 1 700 mark, with 1 739 homes newly connected by the closed-access Fibre-To-The-Home Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Combined, townships in KwaGuqa (Witbank), Mhluzi (Middelburg), Emzinoni (Bethal), and Hendrina have amassed credible numbers closer to 1 800 – a growth of about 18% from their previous record in February 2025, which stood at 1 453.
According to Regional Manager William Ratladi, who oversees the four areas, they had been averaging 1 100+ sales since December 2023 – but this time around, they’ve turned the corner and “broke the net like a lion charging after a limping springbok.”
Here’s the breakdown of new homes connected by Net Nine Nine in the region in March 2025:
• KwaGuqa – 762
• Mhluzi – 430
• Bethal – 301
• Hendrina – 246
All the unlocked homes gave Ratladi a cool 1 739 – a new record for the workaholic manager, who plans to raise the bar even higher in April.
“I’ve tried hitting 1 500 for the past three months, and I’ve been missing it,” he explains.
“March was a serious pick-up in our new sales compared to where we’re coming from. For my region, this is the first time I’ve made such numbers, and I’m proud of my entire team in KwaGuqa, Mhluzi, Bethal, and Hendrina.”
Well, his work is still far from complete – in KwaGuqa alone, there’s an uptake potential of 25 000 homes. But Ratladi vows to reach his target, thanks to the dedication of his colleagues in the region.
Sipping water at his KwaGuqa store on 1 April 2025, while watching the snaking queue of clients waiting to pay their monthly fees, Ratladi recalled that in November last year, they managed to reach 620 for the month.
He believes that was already a big achievement compared to other regions across all eight provinces, who are yet to hit that number – highlighting Rocklands, for instance, with an average of 520 per month.
“At least we’ve surpassed that and touched 600, which makes for healthy competition in our endeavour to have South Africans connected with the most reliable and affordable internet,” said Ratladi.
6
“But there are more areas, and we’re growing – fast. My fellow regions will reach 600 and above in earnest.” He also shared his personal strategy to keep breaking his own records every month:
“I don’t have anyone I’m competing with except myself. Like in this case – if I’ve done 600, then next month I’m gunning for 650, putting pressure on myself. Then after 650, I raise the bar to keep climbing the ladder. The stock is always there – it just needs to be installed in people’s homes.”
“Imagine – out of the 25 000 homes that we’ve built in KwaGuqa, we’re sitting at about 7 000 connected. There are still so many houses to reach, and we’re not even halfway. We’re going to push harder. My goal is to beat my own record monthly. If I’ve done better in December, then I want to do far better in January – and so it goes.”
“Look at that queue now at our KwaGuqa store – it’s always packed with clients paying their accounts. That means they’re happy clients. I’m very thankful to all the people in Mpumalanga for their support – their belief in the brand, Net Nine Nine, means a lot to us.”
However, he admits they’ve had to work extremely hard to reach this point.
He said KwaGuqa used to be the most challenging area, with politicians interfering in daily operations, sub-contractors and local SMMEs misunderstanding their way of working, and fears that people from Gauteng would take job opportunities.
But they stuck to their company policies and ensured that all contracts and jobs stayed local – and now, everyone is reaping the rewards of associating with Net Nine Nine.
When the network goes down, Ratladi fights hard to get it back online quickly – a move aimed at maintaining the trust he’s built with clients.
Despite the presence of 5G and satellite internet providers in the area, people continue to believe in and recognise Net Nine Nine as their trusted way to surf the net.
“We use a ship method – when something is new, people wait to see if it will sink. If it doesn’t, then they all jump in,” he said.
“When a community leader takes up our fibre, then everyone in the township follows and connects. But this might take six months or more to reach a qualified uptake. People wait for reviews from each other before coming in – so patience is important. They do their own research, and once they come in, they’re hooked forever.”
Get in touch with Net Nine Nine for a mahala installation and get connected from just R379 per month – no contract – and enjoy guaranteed 10/20 Mbps upload and download speeds.
Empangeni, on the outskirts of Durban in KwaZuluNatal, was the latest to feel the warmth of Net Nine Nine when the store launched in late March 2025.
Hard-to-please Regional Manager, Robert Nene, managed a smile after the launch as uptake increased and clients began frequenting the Net Nine Nine store on the first floor of Five Ways Mall.
In fact, Nene — who cut the ribbon to officially open the store — said they were already on track to hit their weekly target just one week after launching
Despite the network challenges, which are common in the fibre internet industry, Nene says their ducks are in a row and they’re hoping to connect as many as 300 homes per week.
“To make it interesting, I’ve also roped in guys from Bhekuzulu (Vryheid) to help support us in Empangeni, and it’s helped a lot. Our clients are responding very well since the launch,” said Nene.
The event was preceded by a soccer and basketball tournament.
It was a day to remember, where the youth gathered with their parents to enjoy the festivities. Winners walked away with trophies in various divisions, as well as medals and full kits for soccer and basketball.
With Net Nine Nine having championed the art of digitally transforming township and village schools with technology by handing over 56 schools – and still counting – with free fibre internet, the South African government seems to have awoken from slumberland and is now smelling the coffee.
In the last five years, Net Nine Nine has taken a solo ride in ensuring that learners and educators from schools where it has infrastructure are connected with the highest internet speed ever – 1 Gig, to be precise – ruffling feathers and encouraging many others to jump onto the bandwagon. But government cannot be left behind.
In collaboration with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), the Deputy Minister in the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, has spent the better part of this year hopping from one province to another, sharing good news and delivering technological enhancement to less fortunate schools.
Most recently, Mdzabu Secondary School in Nkomazi, Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga, became the latest beneficiary of a Cyber Lab, which was handed over to the school by Gungubele.
This forms part of the National Cyber Lab Programme, coordinated by SITA, with the aim of preparing young learners for a digitally positioned future in the global village – a vision shared by Net Nine Nine in the bigger scheme of things.
The department indicated that Mdzabu Secondary School joins a cohort of schools from the North West, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Gauteng, Western Cape, and KZN that have been equipped with Cyber Labs.
It is understood that the Free State is next in line to be digitally connected through state-of-the-art Cyber Labs.
These laboratories are cutting-edge computer facilities equipped with highend technology and digital tools, including laptops, digital screens, servers, and internet connectivity. But at the end of the day, they need fibre internet to function optimally.
Gungubele said their initiative goes beyond simply installing computers and internet connectivity in schools… it is a bold commitment to skills development and digital transformation – empowering communities by giving learners access to cutting-edge technology, while also equipping educators with the tools needed to excel in a digital classroom environment.
“The world economy is now run online through digital technology, and a lot of economic value is locked in this technology,” said Gungubele, adding that the fastest way for the country to access this value going into the future is through connectivity and skills development.
“With these digital resources, we aim to empower both teachers and learners to explore new ways of learning. These tools will support interactive lessons, encourage collaboration, and foster
critical thinking skills that are so crucial in today’s rapidly changing world.”
The Deputy Minister was also joined by the MEC for Education in Mpumalanga, Landulile Dlamini, who committed to supporting the school through the integration of digital infrastructure that will deliver value and shape new business models for the province.
Learners at the schools where Cyber Labs have been introduced are exposed to lessons in different digital technologies, including Robotics, Coding, Digital Skills, and Artificial Intelligence.
Among other attendees were the department’s Director-General, Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani, SITA Board of Directors Chair, Sedzani Mudau, and representatives from various entities, as well as traditional leadership, councillors, the School Governing Body, teachers, and learners.
Gungubele concluded: “Let us reaffirm our commitment to the Constitution of South Africa, especially its foundational principles of equality, human dignity, and the right to education. Through projects like the Cyber Lab initiative, we are ensuring that every learner has the tools they need to succeed and contribute meaningfully to our country’s growth.”
South African telecommunications company, Net Nine Nine, offering the supreme fibre internet in the country with free installation and consistent high speeds, is projected to outdo many Fibre Network Operators (FNOs) by the year 2030.
Though not supported by scientific evidence or research, the closed-access internet service provider is forecast to grow threefold over the next five years. This growth will be propelled by its operational model, which empowers the less fortunate in previously disadvantaged communities in townships and villages.
Research shows that South Africa has over 650 townships across its nine provinces, while villages could be twice as many. Many of these areas are targeted by Net Nine Nine, which is currently operating in eight provinces, with the rate of new builds increasing at lightning speed.
Chinese multinational corporation and technology company, Huawei, has rated Net Nine Nine highly on the continent. Huawei has a significant presence in countries like South Africa, Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria and Tunisia.
In the next five years, according to Huawei’s Senior Managing Consultant in Africa, Allen Gong, Net Nine Nine is set to be among the top five FNOs in South Africa — “if not top three”.
Flanked by his Huawei colleagues, Ashlee Imrith (Data Analyst) and Lukas Cavi (Account Manager), Gong confidently expressed their unanimous belief that Net Nine Nine will leave its competitors behind within the next 60 months.
“I’ve moved around South Africa and realised that some service providers are the worst. When I moved to a new residential home not too long ago, I had to suffer just to transfer my internet connection. My preferred operator in the area made me wait a month. The new one that eventually connected me made me wait two weeks. I don’t know the rules, but I shouldn’t have agreed to their terms and way of operating,” said Gong, while visiting Net Nine Nine’s KwaGuqa store in Witbank, Mpumalanga.
“With Net Nine Nine, you get connected the next day if your paperwork is ready. That’s just amazing — it’s what the people want. Having physical stores was a brilliant idea. It builds confidence among your clients, although handling cash in-store does pose a security risk.”
Huawei has partnered with Net Nine Nine as a consultant, exploring townships and network operations with the aim of improving infrastructure — an initiative that could help address some of the teething issues around network interruptions.
Gong said their infrastructure could even help reduce recovery turnaround times, eliminating the frustration that comes with delayed network restorations, depending on the cause of the outage.
He said Huawei was drawn to Net Nine Nine because of its unique closed-access business model, which stands apart from other players in the South African market.
“The big FNOs are more focused on the core market, but now they’re venturing into townships. This is where Net Nine Nine is already excelling. We want to understand Net Nine Nine’s business model, and once we do, we’ll analyse and compile a report,” said Gong.
“Like in all countries around the world, businesses need to be different. When a big player enters the market, everyone wants to know what it brings to the people and the opportunities it creates. That’s our main focus.”
He added that Huawei wants to assist Net Nine Nine with the latest technology and infrastructure to enhance its performance and deliver worldclass service. This would help improve marketing efficiency and the connection ratio.
He continued: “From a planning perspective, we need to understand this market before offering input. We need a stronger understanding. For example, in KwaGuqa, Witbank, there’s fibre, 5G and satellite connections. There’s a lot of overlapping business, so we need clear criteria to prioritise. We must identify areas more interested in fibre versus those leaning towards wireless solutions.
“Once we’ve seen where the demand is highest, we can advise the planning and construction team accordingly. Without this kind of research and consultation, the sales team will struggle, and uptake will be slow. We need to focus on areas with the fastest potential take-up. Our head office wants to see growth and is keen to invest more for the future.”
He added: “From a marketing perspective, you’re doing quite well. Most large South African internet service providers rely on online channels, while some use dealers or agents through offline channels. You have physical stores and partnerships with schools and local businesses. Your competitors are promoting wellness, whereas you’re promoting 4IR — and that’s a big differentiator.”
MHLUZI STEWARDS
Pastor Thulani Sango
Hohannah Masilela
Duduzile Mthombeni CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686240553
KWA-GUQA STEWARDS
Musa Ncongwane
Ayanda Mathebula
Sbongile Skhosana CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686083885
HENDRINA STEWARDS
Zama Bhengu
Thobani Mncube CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686240553
BETHAL STEWARDS
Khosi Motha
Sibongile Mthimunye CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686083885
GA-RANKUWA STEWARDS
Isaac Mothibi
Dimakatso Themba
Oupa Ramosepele CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686029135
KAGISO STEWARDS
Themba Manzie
Danny Letlhage Itumeleng Menyatso CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686245586
WESTONARIA STEWARDS
Richard Nziyana
Jacob Banda CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686177774
HAMMANSKRAAL STEWARDS
Neoyame Nthite
Norman Maboa
Paulos Mahlangu CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686360536
KWAZULU-NATAL REGION
BHEKUZULU STEWARDS
Lerato Modumaela
Danisile Mdlalose CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686029135
WESTONARIA STEWARDS
Andile Africander
Zuzile Mwanzi CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686177774
FREE STATE REGION
ROCKLANDS STEWARDS
Thabo Thaane
Nthabiseng Mokobori
Antronica Sebidi CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686233711
THABONG STEWARDS
Disebo Makume
Sello Makonyane CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686163016
QWAQWA STEWARDS
Christian Ledimo Khekhe Sekere CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686201618
THABA-NCHU STEWARDS
Christian Ledimo
Khekhe Sekere CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686201618
BOTSHABELO STEWARDS
Khotso Moleko
Tshepang Mahloko CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686201618
Kabelo K
Net Nine Nine agent Motlalepule helped me to feel at ease even when I was stressed and frustrated about installation due to weather conditions that were not good, she was always available when I asked questions, Put me at ease , she represented net Nine Nine very well as the installation co-ordinator
Coetzee L
Hi . I were assisted by Jason net99 as this was difficult intermittentl problem .Jason’s patience and skill is amazing to me . The problem was solved skillfully an quickly by Jason. Thanks so much
Relebohile Moroane
I would like to rate Justina klopper from the Thabong store 5 stars as she really gives a ear and helps you with all her abilities she goes put of her way tomake sure youleave the store
Lethabo Sinenhlanhla
The service was great and Ms Nkosi was patient with us during the process She’s surely recommendable to others
Nthongwa Artz
Net Nine Nine is by far the best ISP in welkom, the network is fast and the support team is amazing, especially my account handler by the name of Disebo Makume, she is always on stand-by to assist when we need help
Kegomoditswe M
5/5 stars! Themba Manzie provided excellent customer service. He was very helpful, responsive and resolvedy issue efficiently. Highly recommended! Big up Champ #salute
Portia S
Their service is the best and the lady that assist me through the application was friendly,polite and very helpful her name is Maryjane also the guys that came to install up to them they know their job everything was perfect
Their service is the best and the lady that assist me through the application was friendly,polite and very helpful her name is Maryjane also the guys that came to install up to them they know their job everything was perfect. I am so happy
213 Utrecht Street, Vryheid, KwaZuluNatal, 3100
063 904 6471
robertn@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
31 Beukes
St, Hendrina, Mpumalanga 1095
079 848 1955
williamr@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
Kagiso Mall
Kagiso Dr, Krugersdorp
The Elizabeth Centre
8 Pres Kruger
Renbro shopping centre, 39 Old Warmbaths road, Kensworth Centre Moshoeshoe St Mangaung, 9323
063 904 6471
portiam@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
068 644 4427
elsie@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
6 Liebenberg Avenue, Gordan Centre, Bethal
068 649 2858
williamr@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
063 905 9556
lybonm@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
A Phakathi Drive and, Nkoane Rd Welkom, Freestate
068 636 0310
tshepo@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
Emhluzi Mall 2/3/4 of erf 12941 Mhluzi Middelburg.
068 633 7385
williamr@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
063 905 9556
tshepo@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
Maqhibini Dr, KwaGuqa, Emalahleni, 1073
10115 Motloung Street, Kenzitown Freestate, 9869
068 603 4533
williamr@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
068 610 2629
tshepo@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
1122 Kgware road, Unit number 16 Gauteng 0208
068 620 7611
ronnym@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za