The 1 000 blankets earmarked for the less fortunate in KwaZulu-Natal have finally found their home in the coast.
“Internet or Nothing” says the school. Without connection, education would come to a halt at the institution.
In this month’s editors column, we highlight the strides our school’s have made using our fibre.
Stefan de
has made it a habit of picking up the shovel with his coworkers repairing damages caused by the municipality and keep our customers online.
In most cases, we often hear contrasting issues concerning fibre internet—cable theft, outages, schools worried about being ignored by other Fibre Network Operators, government’s ignorance of digital migration, and so forth.
But the news that Evotel-sponsored Limit Hill Combined School in Ladysmith will be partaking in the national finals of the Department of Basic Education Robotics and Coding competition in Gqeberha in September 2024 brings pure joy to my heart.
You see, we support potential schools with free internet connections, hoping they will represent us with aplomb when it comes to programs like these, and Limit Hill Combined School has lived up to our expectations.
I’m sending flowers to four young ladies—Shaylyn George, Ikusaselihle Mvelase, Mahek Bajwa, and Silondiwe Makhombothi—to wish them good luck in their project to build a robot programmed to ring alerts to the Ladysmith emergency services during floods.
This wouldn’t have been possible without Evotel’s gesture to support the school, according to the institution’s principal, Mosawenkosi Mbhense, and Gerard Fynn, Limit Hill’s Head of Department (HOD) for Senior Phase in Ladysmith.
Can you imagine the difference this project could make if supported by the government and implemented to rescue the area from recurring flooding disasters during the rainy season?
Nonetheless, we will continue supporting the school that is ranked second among 10 schools that participated in the national championships, only losing out to Amazizi Senior Secondary School, which is also from the same area.
The school’s Robotics and Coding teacher, Sir Kevolin Chetty, must have completed his structure by now after receiving the basic framework of the project they’re currently working on.
A few weeks ago, I spent time with Krugersdorp High School’s Marketing and Admissions Director, Lauren JoosteCoetsee, another school we supply with free internet, and they’re doing some incredible work (see inside to learn more about them).
When we paint ourselves with golden colours, it’s not just us being bullish; we have a proven track record that Evotel has claimed its space in the Fibre to the Home (FTTH) network circles.
It’s fascinating that Krugersdorp High relies heavily on Evotel—telephone lines, school internet, emails, computer laboratories, interactive whiteboards, touchscreen wall boards, internal communication platforms, and security cameras—all of which cannot function without internet.
This is a clear indication that the digital move is fast approaching, and the Department of Basic Education, from municipal to provincial and national levels, must take note and start acting now.
In our next edition, I hope to bring along any provincial member of the executive council in the Basic Education sector to share with us what they are doing to fast-track paperless schools.
Critical Sit-Down Needed Between Municipalities and Fibre Technicians to Save Internet Connectivity
If you think the hard work of digging and trenching is as tough as breaking rocks, you haven’t met Stefan de Bruyn, who does it all while ensuring that you remain connected to the Evotel network.
As a supervisor to his team, De Bruyn, our Newcastle Fibre Optic Splicing Technician, regularly joins his coworkers in the trenches, digging holes and breaking rocks to access optic cables often damaged by the Newcastle Local Municipality in the Majuba District, KwaZulu-Natal.
Of all the internet outages in areas like Aviary Hill, Schuinshoogte and Hutten Heights, most are typically caused by municipal contractors, who are usually responding to water leaks or sewer repairs.
However, De Bruyn believes these issues could be easily resolved with better communication between city employees and area fibre optic cable managers, such as Evotel, the area’s highly rated Fibre to the Home (FTTH) provider.
De Bruyn and his team are frequently called upon to repair damaged cables ripped apart by the municipality’s industrial digging machines, a situation he says could be avoided if open communication channels existed.
His main concern is the frustration experienced by clients who lose internet access, especially during critical moments like important meetings, online lectures, or while completing essential tasks such as employment forms or medical reports. The loss of internet, even for a few seconds, can have significant financial implications, and a simple “Sorry!” from the municipality isn’t enough.
Despite numerous attempts to arrange meetings with municipal directors, De Bruyn claims his requests have not been met with a positive response.
“When they dig, they use large TLB machines to trench through to their pipes. However, in the process, they often rip apart our tiny optic fibre cables because there was no communication. They don’t even consider using our installation maps,” De Bruyn said after an exhausting day of digging deep holes in search of the lines.
“Their machines can even reach our boundary boxes, damaging them in both places. It’s really frustrating. Remember, as fibre industry professionals, we have the responsibility to keep people connected. There are students who can’t physically attend their university lectures and rely on us for online classes.
“In this day and age, home schooling is becoming more popular, especially considering the crime statistics in the country, and learners depend on us.
Now, with these outages, they can’t work because they don’t have internet. I’d say 90% of our clients are those working from home—insurance brokers, health and safety practitioners, doctors, counsellors, lecturers, and so on.
“There was a doctor who was without internet for over five hours because the municipality broke our infrastructure. And worse, after they’ve caused the damage, they just cover it up, even though they know the mess they’ve left behind.”
He explains that it often takes them several hours to fix just one route of damaged pipes: “It’s our infrastructure, and it needs to be respected. But sometimes, if we’re warned in advance, we could spend just 10 minutes to close and protect the lines, preventing mishaps. This costs Evotel money to fix the damaged lines, and it takes valuable time.”
On a lighter note, De Bruyn shared that he enjoys the physical work alongside his team: “We’re colleagues, and no one should be treated as more important than another. Every day when I come to work, I’m greeted by smiling coworkers, managers, and even homeowners. Some of our affected clients are always easy to get along with. I enjoy my work, and no job is too big for us. The most enjoyable part of the job is the connection we build with our customers.”
He also issued a warning to thieves: “Optic fibre cables are not copper and are worthless at scrapyards. You can’t fix copper when it’s damaged, or it’s incredibly expensive.”
Krugersdorp High School has indicated that their communication capabilities have gone from “andante to allegro” since Evotel offered to connect the institution with unlimited free internet in 2020.
It’s now been four years since the West Rand-based school connected with Evotel’s telecommunications network, and the partnership seems to be bearing fruit for the school, which reported a cool 98.6% pass rate in their district last year, making them one of the most improved institutions in Gauteng.
Spending time with the school’s Marketing and Admissions Director, Lauren Jooste-Coetsee, it’s clear the institution is highly reliant on the Fibre to the Home (FTTH) network, and warns she wouldn’t even want to think about the repercussions should there be an internet outage.
Everything from their official telephone lines, school internet, emails, computer laboratories, interactive whiteboards, touchscreen wall boards, internal communication platforms, and security, Krugersdorp High School places its reliance on the Fibre Network Operator (FNO), and so far, so good, according to Jooste-Coetsee.
Surprisingly, she partially attributed the school’s 2023 pass rate results to Evotel’s commitment to their internet connection, highlighting the success rate of 15 of their teachers who achieved a 100% pass rate in their respective subjects across the board.
“Considering that we have three computer labs, our Computer Applications Technology (CAT) classes in the afternoons would be hard to manage without a sustainable connection. This is also crucial for our Robotics and Coding classes, which have now been upgraded,” Jooste-Coetsee emphasised about the school’s new innovations.
Additionally, every classroom has an interactive whiteboard, and all their teachers have laptops where results are submitted online.
“Our Robotics and Coding courses have been introduced as part of the learners’ daily schoolwork. Educators spend time online, which assists them in navigating through their teaching. In Robotics, learners create their own models. It’s a long process and takes time. Each child logs on to their online profile and learns through the programme designed by the government, but it’s not available to every school. Thanks to Evotel’s help, we managed to roll it out to our Grade 8 learners.”
There isn’t a curriculum developed by the government for Robotics just yet, but through the help of willing private companies, Krugersdorp High has been given external access to it, “which of course doesn’t come cheap”.
With Robotics and Coding still new in South Africa, Krugersdorp High has yet to enter any district, regional, provincial, or national competitions, but this is in their plans for 2025.
They have about 1,700 Robotics learners in three classes, taught by teachers on open days. This is done in alternating sessions due to the three computer labs available at the school.
Jooste-Coetsee mentioned they intend to extend the network to cover the entire 17-hectare school campus through their IT (Information Technology) company, which has done extensive work on the school’s network.
The school has 90 learners who stay in permanent residential hostels, and they all have access to the Evotel network in their accommodation 24/7.
The world’s digital evolution has encouraged learners to show interest in the telecommunications field.
“You can see what Evotel’s generous help has brought to the school. The communication transformation in the world has made many learners change their minds. The kids who are generally interested in IT (Information Technology) are usually advised to prioritise Science and Maths instead,” Jooste-Coetsee revealed.
“Having free internet at Krugersdorp High School has transformed our selling point, and our marketing has become much easier. Not many schools have the network infrastructure that we have. If we didn’t have Evotel, then it wouldn’t work.
Can you imagine? All school phone lines are connected to the network. Even the two guardhouses have internet to monitor CCTV cameras and stream sports—they always do.
“Over and above that, we have 130 cameras on campus, excluding those in classrooms, which could triple the number. Technology at Krugersdorp High is very important. All learners are passionate about it… they can tap into a different world.”
To indicate how reliant the school is on the internet, even their annual prefect voting is conducted online—electronic applications, nominations, voting processes, and connected monitoring devices are all in full effect at Krugersdorp High School.
1000 Blankets for 1000 Individuals:
The 1,000 blankets earmarked for the less fortunate in KwaZulu-Natal have finally found their home on the coast.
Evotel partnered with Mediclinic Newcastle last month and donated 100 blankets as part of a campaign launched on 1 July by Mediclinic. These blankets were to be distributed to 1,000 rightful owners on Nelson Mandela Day, 18 July, as part of the 67-minutes commitment.
The blankets, along with other essentials, were delivered to the less fortunate at the Gift of the Givers’ local warehouse in Pietermaritzburg a fortnight ago. Gift of the Givers is South Africa’s largest non-governmental organisation, and one of the world’s leading disaster response foundations.
The warehouse was turned into a place of joy as those in need gathered in Newcastle to collect specially packaged parcels containing blankets, tinned food, cooking supplies, and cleaning essentials. Most importantly, with winter temperatures dropping to below zero degrees at times, over 1,000 people have felt the warmth.
“To Mediclinic Newcastle, the community in which the hospital is situated has always been and will remain the most important reason why we do what we do.
It was with this in mind that Mediclinic Newcastle launched a blanket drive as part of our participation in this year’s Mandela Day, celebrating the principles that Madiba instilled in us as members of the rainbow nation.
We are very thankful and proud of all the members of our community, especially the Newcastle business community, as well as staff, doctors, and service providers who donated towards this worthy cause,” Japie Greyling, Mediclinic Newcastle’s Hospital General Manager, told the Newcastillian.
So, you’ve heard about static IP addresses, but what are they and do you actually need one?
A static IP address is like your home address on the internet—it doesn’t change. While most people get by just fine with a dynamic IP address (which is temporarily assigned by your network and can change every time you connect), a static IP is permanently assigned to your device. That means every time you connect to the network, it’s the same IP, no surprises.
So, when might you need this?
Here are a few examples:
(Web, Email, FTP, etc.):
If you’re hosting a website, email server, or even an FTP server, a static IP is a must. It ensures that your domain name always points to the right place, making your services reliable and easily accessible.
Remote Access to Network Resources:
Got a home network or business setup that you need to access remotely? Think remote desktop, file servers, or security cameras. A static IP simplifies connecting from afar, making sure you’re always linked up without fuss.
Businesses often use VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to let employees securely access internal systems from anywhere. A static IP ensures your VPN gateway is always within reach, no matter where you are.
Gamers and streamers, this one’s for you. A static IP can help reduce lag and provide a stable connection, which is crucial for smooth gaming and streaming experiences.
If your business relies on VoIP for calls, a static IP helps maintain clear, uninterrupted communication by keeping your call routing consistent.
3 4 5 6
For businesses in regulated industries, a static IP might be necessary for compliance reasons—like keeping detailed logs, monitoring network traffic, or restricting access based on IP addresses.
Bottom line: Not everyone needs a static IP. But if you require consistent access to specific network resources, or if you’re hosting services that need to be reliable and secure, a static IP might be just what you’re looking for.
As the old adage goes: “Dynamite comes in small packages.” In this case, however, it’s not about someone of small stature but a 45-year-old who has exceeded expectations in an office dominated by younger colleagues.
Dudu Masondo, Evotel’s Employee of the Month for July, admits she was just as surprised as anyone to have excelled in an environment where she believed others deserved the recognition.
A former Conference Centre Manager at HB Connect in Sandton, where she led a capable team and managed menus, Dudu credits her success to her manager and mentor, Thapelo Mopailo, along with Bianca Groening, Hazel Dube, and “all my colleagues.”
“To be honest, when I joined Evotel in 2022 after being unemployed for a year, I knew nothing about telecommunications. These people took me by the hand and taught me everything I know today,” said the ever-calm Fibre to the Home (FTTH) Activations employee.
“I take this award very seriously, but I believe it was a collective effort with my colleagues. It’s just that one person has to win it. At Activations, we work together and look after one another.”
Among her strong points are the relationships she’s built with clients within the ISP (Internet Service Provider) sector and individuals connecting with her through WhatsApp and other short-text communication platforms.
When asked if she would be happy to win the award again, she said: “I believe we should share this spotlight. Granted, I am a hard worker, but I think sharing is caring. This group of young colleagues welcomed and gave me a chance here.”
Dudu was a victim of Covid-19 when her previous employer closed down, leaving her searching for most of 2021 until she came across a post on the Evotel site—and the rest is history.
“Funny thing is, they were looking for a younger employee but decided to give me a chance, and I didn’t disappoint,” she recalls.
“I had to prove myself. It wasn’t easy, but I had
She sees Hazel as more than just a manager, Thapelo as her big mentor, Bianca as a motivator, and the entire Evotel team as her family.
“They’re all responsible for me being recognised today. And remember, I’m just about two years old in this game, while most of them have been here longer,” added the Ladysmith, KZN-born Dudu with a broad smile.
Fibre speed testing is essential for ensuring that your internet connection is delivering the speeds you’re paying for. This involves measuring the data transfer rate between your device and an internet service provider’s server. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand and accurately test your fibre internet speed.
Testing your speed on a LAN (Local Area Network) connection is preferred over Wi-Fi for several reasons:
• INTERFERENCE: Wi-Fi signals can be disrupted by other networks, electronic devices, and physical obstacles. Radio waves, which carry Wi-Fi signals, are susceptible to interference from various sources.
• DISTANCE: The signal strength decreases with distance from the router, resulting in slower speeds as you move further away.
• CONGESTION: Multiple devices using the same Wi-Fi network can cause congestion, leading to reduced speeds.
• Testing on a LAN connection eliminates these variables, providing a more accurate measure of your fibre internet’s true capabilities.
Did you know that device network specifications can significantly impact the maximum achievable speed, even with a high-speed fibre connection?
Understanding and addressing these limitations can help resolve low-speed issues and improve overall performance.
When testing your fibre speed, consider the following:
• DOWNLOAD SPEED: Measures how quickly data is transferred from the internet to your device.
• UPLOAD SPEED: Measures how quickly data is transferred from your device to the internet.
• LATENCY: Measures the time it takes for data to travel from your device to a server and back. Low latency is crucial for activities like online gaming and video conferencing.
To ensure accurate speed test results, follow these tips:
• CLOSE UNNECESSARY APPLICATIONS: Background applications can consume bandwidth, affecting test results.
• CONNECT DIRECTLY TO THE ROUTER: Use an Ethernet cable for a wired connection to avoid WiFi-related issues.
• TEST MULTIPLE TIMES: Conduct multiple tests to obtain a more accurate average speed.
ONLINE FREE SPEED TESTING TOOLS:
• Speedtest.net
• Fast.com
• Ookla
• TestMy.net
Even with high-speed fibre internet, device specifications can affect achievable speeds. Consider the following factors:
• NETWORK INTERFACE: The type of network interface (e.g., Ethernet, Wi-Fi) and its specific standard can impact speeds.
• PROCESSOR SPEED: A faster processor handles data more efficiently, potentially improving speeds.
• MEMORY (RAM): Sufficient RAM is crucial for caching data and running applications smoothly.
• DRIVER COMPATIBILITY: Ensure that all device drivers are up-to-date to avoid performance issues.
• ROUTER SETTINGS: Router settings, including bandwidth prioritisation, can influence the speed experienced by individual devices.
• CABLE QUALITY: For wired connections, the quality of the Ethernet cable can affect data transfer rates.
• Wi-Fi INTERFERENCE: Interference from other wireless networks, electronic devices, or physical obstructions can degrade Wi-Fi performance.
