BE A HERO
WE BELIEVE THAT EVERYDAY SHOULD BE WOMEN’S DAY!
There was an abundance of activities during this Women’s Month throughout the 30 days dedicated to women in South Africa, and while many hit the nail on the head, I believe we could still do better as a country by channeling some of these ventures towards communication.
Being in the telecommunications industry, I’m concerned that none of the initiatives focused on empowering women in the technology sector, despite the world moving in a new direction regarding communication.
At Net Nine Nine, we pride ourselves on having a workforce predominantly made up of women, which shows our commitment to not just dedicating 30 days to women out of 365, but to bridging the gap all year round.
The resistance by employers and technology companies to empower women is an issue that calls for a debate, where all stakeholders can sit together and find ways to overcome this challenge.
We have a plan, and it can be executed without much effort—just by the government gazetting laws to govern women’s empowerment in the telecommunications sector.
According to a 2022 report by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), as reported by The South African, the proportion of female employees in the telecommunications sector declined by as much as 32.9% from 12,820 in 2020 to just 8,603 in 2021.
“Additionally, total female employment in the sector has further declined by 4.5% over seven years,” the report indicates.
Research has repeatedly shown that companies with a gender-diverse workforce outperform their competition in terms of innovation, financial returns, and income
growth. However, the gender gap in South Africa’s telecommunications industry has only widened over the last seven years, highlighting the urgent need to cultivate female talent and accelerate transformation in the sector.
As the world celebrated the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS) earlier this year, Arnoux Maré, CEO of Innovative Solutions Group and subsidiary company MJL Communications, was quoted in The South African saying she believes now is the ideal time for business leaders in technology to reflect on ways to encourage and inspire young women to enter the industry. I couldn’t agree more.
In the first week of August, when Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, accompanied by Mmapaseka Letsike, launched National Women’s Month under the theme: “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy Towards Women’s Development”, a lot was missed.
While the initiatives were commendable, as is traditionally done by all her predecessors, they lacked focus on telecommunications—a key component in disseminating information to the public, whether through media or the department’s communications team.
“At our universities, as of 2017, the share of female graduates was about 61.5% compared to males at about 38.5%. At both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, women in South African public universities have been in the majority. While these are significant strides, a lot more still needs to be done,” she said.
In light of this, I was hoping she would introduce bursaries that would, without reservation, empower women in different universities to study telecommunications and prepare them for leadership roles.
The year 2024 marks 101 years since women were allowed to enter the legal profession as practitioners, so why not in the game-changing telecommunications sector?
The most noteworthy and innovative announcement by the Minister was the expansion of the Solar Mamas Initiative, which nurtures emerging industrialists in the design, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of renewable energy components by ordinary young South African women.
Clap twice to that!
During the Opening of Parliament, President Cyril Ramaphosa laid out three strategic priorities: firstly, driving inclusive growth and job creation; secondly, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living; and thirdly, building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.
These three pillars must assist South Africa in addressing the norms and values that promote and justify patriarchy in our society.
I hope you all enjoyed Women’s Month activities, and let it not stop at the end of August, but continue every day as we treat our women with the honour, respect, and care they deserve.
Ha Monate!
Nicholas Thipe - Chief Of Staff
Nicholas Thipe (COS)
BUILDING HOPES AND DREAMS!
Net Nine Nine Cheif Operations Officer enables freedom of access
SMOOTH OPERATOR
Andrew Cohoe, Net Nine Nine’s Chief Operations Officer (COO), says they are well on their way to accomplishing their quest to bridge the digital divide in South Africa. Following the government’s calls to connect developing communities to the internet, many network providers are atte=mpting the challenge, however, this is easier said than done, and many fail when facing the early challenges that present themselves while laying the foundations to set up the network. Rigid bylaws, and goverment compliance are common obstacles.
According to Cohoe, they are committed to expanding their network infrastructure across the country. “We have numerous new areas in both planning and building phases, reflecting our ongoing dedication to bridging the divide,” he said.
“By providing affordable access to high-speed internet for emerging communities, we’re opening up opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion,” he added.
For those outside the telecommunications sphere, the processes followed before contractors start working in townships may seem complex. However, Cohoe has simplified it for us:
PLANNING THE BUILD
“We consider the community’s socio-economic status to ensure we’re targeting areas where affordable high-speed internet can catalyse growth and digital empowerment. Our selection process focuses on neighbourhoods with high potential for positive transformation through internet access.
“There are different types of network builds. We primarily focus on Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) networks, which involve building a Point of Presence (POP) as the head-end of the fibre network, followed by fibre infrastructure that allows each house in the area to be connected within one hour. This approach enables us to rapidly deploy high-speed internet to entire communities, maximising our impact and reach.
“Our planning process also takes future scalability and potential community development into account. By strategically placing our
infrastructure, we aim to not only meet current needs but also anticipate and support future growth in these areas.”
PERMISSIONS
“At Net99, we prioritise compliance and community engagement in our network deployment process. We support and follow local municipalities’ wayleave processes, ensuring a thorough understanding of their bylaws. This approach guarantees that our operations align with local regulations and community needs.
“Our decision between aerial and underground networks is guided by municipal bylaws and local conditions. While we prefer mid-block aerial networks for efficiency, we adapt our approach based on municipal guidance. Typically, we trench on the road reserve and use aerial distribution, creating a hybrid solution that balances speed of deployment with regulatory compliance.
“Community involvement is critical to our process. Both our contractors and the Net99 team actively engage with local stakeholders, fostering a sense of ownership and understanding of the project within the community.”
Cohoe said that this is their commitment to empowering local communities, and allows us to share opportunities with them through the network build process.
To ensure they get the best out of community involvement, they work alongside local SMMEs in infrastructure building, providing them with guidance from experienced contractors.
“This approach not only supports local businesses but also ensures high-quality work through mentorship,” he said.
“Our strategy involves both leveraging in-house expertise and developing local talent. We send our experts to local communities, with a focus on uplifting and educating them about fibre internet technology. This dual approach helps create a sense of ownership, with communities feeling that the network is truly theirs.
“A key initiative in our community empowerment strategy is providing free connections to all schools in areas where we operate. This not only enhances educational opportunities for students but also turns each connected school into a hub of digital learning. By enabling access to modern digital resources and facilitating remote learning capabilities, we’re preparing the next generation for thefourth industrial revolution.
“The opportunities for local involvement extend beyond the initial build. We create ongoing roles for community members as sales representatives, community stewards, and store staff. This continued engagement ensures that the benefits of our network extend far beyond just internet access, contributing to local economic development, digital literacy and the township economy.
“we’re not just building a network – we’re fostering an ecosystem of digital empowerment and economic opportunity.”
Andrew Cohoe - Chief Operations Officer
SANIBONANI
MHLUZI AND KWA-GUQA!
We reign supreme in the place of the rising sun
Meet the Regional Manager behind Net Nine Nine’s Mpumalanga success story!
William Ratladi has connected over 7,000 homes within the Kwa-Guqa and Mhluzi townships, transforming many lives with superior internet connectivity. Residents continue to flock to Twin Willow Lane and Emhluzi Mall, eager for the best service.
whilst offering Mahala Internet to local schools, Ratladi has become a beloved figure in the area, and the demand for his services shows no signs of slowing down.
Passionate about his work, Ratladi even began operating from the boot of his car while his office was being set up. He welcomed the enthusiastic crowds eager to sign up for service.
“I started working before my office was ready because the patrons couldn’t wait to sign up,” Ratladi explained at the KwaGuqa store, which is surrounded by mines such as Eensaamheid, Singenile, and Kuyasa in the eMalahleni district.
Ratladi noted that the local mines were crucial to Net Nine Nine’s success due to the lack of LTE internet options, leading many to opt for fibre, which uses flexible plastic fibre to transmit light from one end to the other.
“We’ve undoubtedly changed the way things are done in KwaGuqa and Mhluzi. We’ve been live in Witbank for almost two years now. Initially, it was challenging to explain fibre to the people. But those who understood the technology were quick to get connected,” he said.
Net Nine Nine is now the community’s favourite, enjoying positive exposure from satisfied clients and vibrant wall murals painted in our signature red and dark blue colours for enhanced brand visibility.
However, some community members from the deep rural areas of Vosman, Empumelelweni, and Hlalanikahle still need education about the benefits of fibre. Many of these individuals struggle to comprehend pamphlets at taxi ranks and train stations.
“The good news is, they’re becoming more aware of us,” said Ratladi.
“Our door-to-door approach is crucial because our sales team comes from the same areas and can relate to potential clients. Many people initially thought we catered only to the wealthy or urban residents. Doubters often sign up for a month as a trial and end up staying with us. I’m proud to say that many are now loyal, paying clients, contributing to our strong billing success rate. Community leaders are supporting us wholeheartedly.”
With over 3,000 houses in Kwa-Guqa and about 3,500 in Mhluzi, Middleburg, all relying on Net Nine Nine for their connectivity, the subscription payments are steady.
“In Middleburg, where we’ve built under trenches, our service is performing exceptionally well,” Ratladi added.
Ratladi leads a team of approximately 70 employees from the Kwa-Guqa and Mhluzi townships, including store coordinators and resellers.
“We have team leaders who are doing excellent work,” he concluded.
HEED THE CALL TO ‘BLOW THE WHISTLE’!
Politicians vow to support Net Nine Nine’s passionate plea
Thabong was bustling with activity over the Women’s Day long weekend, as the community of Welkom responded enthusiastically to Net Nine Nine’s urgent call to protect the fibre internet infrastructure, which has been vandalised daily across the township.
Emphasising unity, the community committed to monitoring the infrastructure during the Net Nine Nine “Shaya’Impempe” campaign. Over 1,000 whistles were distributed to alert residents when witnessing any criminal activity.
The “Blow the Whistle” approach is familiar in townships, where whistles are used to signal crimes and rally community members to intervene and prevent criminal acts.
The Sgangeni Grounds, adjacent to Tswelopele Primary School, drew over 1,000 sports enthusiasts and political leaders to support the campaign. The event included a Masters Football Tournament on Women’s Day, with James Ngake Street closed to traffic for the occasion.
The campaign was a notable success, attended by prominent figures such as Shima Mahlatsi, Free State Spokesperspn Lennox Mzwakhe, Chairman of the Matjhabeng Municipality and and Councillor Pule Maile, President of the Matjhabeng Sports Council.
Councillor Maile played a pivotal role in organising the event, which saw Timmy’s Masters win the annual 057 Chisanyama Tournament sponsored by Net Nine Nine. Putswastene Masters secured second place, while Elvis received the individual Player of the Tournament award.
The tournament winner received R10,000 and gold medals, with R4,000 and silver medals awarded to the second-placed team. Kleinbooi “Styles” Taaibos was honoured with a Recognition Award for his contributions to Free State football.
Shima Mahlatsi sternly warned the Thabong residents that continued destruction of Net
Nine Nine’s infrastructure could result in a loss of internet connectivity. “I am disappointed to see the peace-loving community of Thabong engaging in criminal activities that damage our network. We are committed to addressing this issue and will mobilise our community policing forum (CPF) members to support those who report crimes. It’s crucial that we protect the infrastructure in our own communities,” Mahlatsi stated.
Maile highlighted the unifying power of sport, noting that participants in the Masters Tournament are often the primary internet users in their households. “These individuals are responsible for keeping their families connected. They are the ones who will call the police if they witness a crime,” Maile said.
The police were also present to support the “Blow the Whistle” campaign, promising vigilance in response to any reports of criminal activity.
It was distressing to see people repurposing Net Nine Nine’s infrastructure for informal fruit and vegetable stalls or constructing makeshift shelters from our materials, leaving cables in precarious conditions.
Tshepo Maphosho, Net Nine Nine’s Free State Regional Manager, educated the community on the importance of every piece of equipment and the impact of damage. “One destroyed pole can disconnect an entire community. Fibre cables are crucial, and their destruction affects everyone,” Maphosho emphasised.
NET NINE NINE DRIVES INTERNET
ACCESS FOR ALL SOUTH AFRICANS
Albert Oosthuysen: Chief Executive Officer
With South Africa quickly migrating to and becoming reliant on digital networks, new entry in the telecommunications company, Net Nine Nine, is fighting for its space in an industry that would soon be the world’s means of communication.
The Global Digital Insight data released earlier this year revealed that there were 45 million internet users in South Africa at the start of 2024, with internet penetration at 75%.
South Africa was also home to 26 million social media users in January 2024, equating to 42% of the total population.
GOVERMENT IS PREPARING TO CONNECT
21
878 LOCATIONS
With South Africa quickly migrating to and becoming reliant on digital networks, new entry in the telecommunications company, Net Nine Nine, is fighting for its space in an industry that would soon be the world’s means of communication.
The Global Digital Insight data released earlier this year revealed that there were 45 million internet users in South Africa at the start of 2024, with internet penetration at 75%.
South Africa was also home to 26 million social media users in January 2024, equating to 42% of the total population.
FAST-GROWING INTERNET
COMPANY
In the past two years, the fast-growing internet connectivity company, which uses fibre connectivity as a backbone to explore the many ways previously disadvantaged areas can connect to the outside world, has seen significant growth and taken wing in secluded townships and villages where the communities never imagined owning fast reliable internet of their own.
According to him, the business had a rocky start and at one point they were not sure if the hypothesis for the business plan was going to work out, but a few changes and additions to the team brought fresh ideas and perspectives, and Net Nine Nine’s key metrics improved beyond what was initially expected.
COMMITMENT TO THE CAUSE!
Oosthuysen credits his entire team for knuckling down and committing to the cause and expressed his gratitude for their strong determination to stay competitive in the game and laser-focused on customer service. Oosthuysen projects that they’ll do the same growth in the next 6 months that
they’ve done in the last 2 years, so they’re really starting to scale up. “Our next target is to connect over 1.5 million homes and we’re well on our way”
Competitors have come in with lower pricing, he said. “But it’s usually for a short period of time like a promotion, and it usually comes at the cost of a decline in service.”
“We started the business plan from the ground up. We determined early on at what level pricing should be and what type of service we’d like to provide, then we worked back from there. Lower prices to customers meant Net Nine Nine needed to lower its input costs like network build and operating costs,” says Oosthuysen
CONNECTING THE LESS PRIVILEDGED
With South Africa quickly migrating to and becoming reliant on digital networks, new entry in the telecommunications company, Net Nine Nine, is fighting for its space in an industry that would soon be the world’s means of communication.
The Global Digital Insight data released earlier this year revealed that there were 45 million internet users in South Africa at the start of 2024, with internet penetration at 75%. South Africa was also home to 26 million social media users in January 2024, equating to 42% of the total population.
OVER 20 SCHOOLS CONNECTED FOR FREE
So far, Net Nine Nine has connected over 20 schools with free internet connectivity, and they are still working on ensuring more schools within their network coverage enjoy the service without paying a cent.
“This is a permanent solution for schools, as we intend on enhancing their educational aspirations by assisting them with access to multitudes of educational channels online. We’re aware of the exorbitant data prices in South Africa. Thus, we’ve made this service free for educational institutions in the hope that we can assist in enriching the educational experience for the youth in South Africa,” Oosthuysen indicated.
“We believe that it’s our responsibility to ensure that, whenever possible, we are uplifting our community members through work opportunities and partnerships with local SMMEs, other community members and government officials. If we can unify our efforts with all the local stakeholders, we can have a more meaningful impact within these communities.”
- SEAN GERETY “ “
The technology you use impresses no one. The experience you create with it is everything.
SANIBONANI BHEKUZULU are you there?
Bhekuzulu, are you there? Net Nine Nine is in your neighbourhood, hyperactive and eager to connect you to fast and reliable internet this month.
The good news is that it’s all systems go, and our team is ready to welcome you to our newly crafted store in Vryheid. You’re joining the rest of the country where Net Nine Nine has service stores, and Bhekuzulu is the 10th location, where job opportunities will be created.
Your very own Net Nine Nine store will start operating as soon as mid-September, where super-fast internet will be the in-thing. There are three packages to choose from, starting with the popular CHOKO, which connects five devices with a download speed of 20Mbps and an upload speed of 10Mbps, all for a mere monthly instalment of R379, with unlimited fibre internet.
For those who prefer a larger package, the 5-TIGA package (50/50mbps), is available for R499 per month and the big player in our connectivity offering is KLIPA, which connects up to 15 devices at a monthly cost of R699, with the benefit of 100Mbps upload and download speeds.
All packages come with MAHALA (free) installation.
With fast, fibre internet services, unemployed youth will have the opportunity to surf the net in search of work and update their electronic CVs, scholars will be able to use the facility to complete their schoolwork, while those in higher education will be able to conduct research for their assignments or dissertations.
You’ll soon be able to sign up for the fastest internet around, manage your billing, and get customer support from our Vryheid store. You can also find lots of useful information and assistance from our social media pages on Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram.
This is also an opportunity for schools in the township to be connected with free internet through the Net Nine Nine schools’ initiative.
Bhekuzulu, we can’t wait to start installing your internet!
MINISTER SHARES NET NINE NINE’S VISION!
Under-privileged
prioritised by government in the ICT industry
South African Minister of Communication and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, is in sync with Net Nine Nine’s vision as he works towards “building a digitally inclusive society” by connecting over 100,000 South Africans to the internet.
In his July address to parliamentarians during the State of Parliament Debate, the newly appointed Minister announced that the government plans to connect 21,878 government sites— including 4,232 health facilities, 16,139 schools, 937 traditional authorities, and 570 libraries—over the next 36 months.
Net Nine Nine has been leading the way nationwide by providing over 21 schools with free fibre internet, eliminating outdated ADSL and 3-5G Wi-Fi connections as everyone transitions to fibre-optic broadband.
Since entering the market dominated by industry giants, Net Nine Nine has outpaced competitors in both speed and pricing, leaving them struggling to keep up.
Minister Malatsi also revealed that the government will partner with telecommunications companies to coordinate training opportunities for 90,000 beneficiaries in digital and future skills during the 2024/25 year. However, he acknowledged that “progress is not linear.”
“It’s a series of small steps forward and even sideways to realise our mission. Progress endures turbulence and attracts pessimism from doubters. But with persistent effort, progress is possible. The digital universe needs to reach every single child in every village throughout the country. If we do this, we will discover a generation of geniuses who will spur innovation in the digital economy,” Malatsi said to applause from the audience.
He further challenged all mobile network operators and telecommunications partners to collaborate with the government to put a device in every child’s hand—a goal that Net Nine Nine initiated with great success two years ago.
Malatsi vowed to “unlock unimaginable opportunities for millions of South Africans by widening access to broadband connectivity so that nobody is left behind.”
“By the end of this financial year, we will connect approximately two million households through the public hotspots programme,” he said.
However, he pointed out that major obstacles, such as the overregulation of the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, make it challenging to reliably connect millions of South Africans to the digital world.
“In the ever-evolving world of digital technology, smartphones and devices are basic essentials for learning, doing business, and even personal entertainment. Yet, one of the most obvious barriers to connectivity is the cost of smartphones,” Malatsi added.
When clients connect with Net Nine Nine, they enjoy free connections with no binding contracts, and an ONT is installed at no charge. Clients can choose from various speed options—20Mbps, 50Mbps, 100Mbps—offered by the leading Internet Service Provider (ISP), each with competitive pricing.
Another key issue Malatsi raised for debate was the classification of smartphones as luxury goods, which drives up their prices, making them unaffordable for many poor South Africans—an area where Net Nine Nine specialises.
“To address this, we will engage with our colleagues at the Department of Treasury to consider introducing a price threshold for determining whether smartphones are classified as luxury goods,” Malatsi said.
“The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies will rise to the challenge. Every department and public entity has been directed to reduce the undue regulatory burdens that hinder businesses from creating jobs.”
Malatsi emphasised his commitment to making evidence-based decisions to remove every regulation and policy that impedes opportunities for investment and job creation in the ICT sector.
He concluded, “We will pursue meaningful public-private partnerships to unlock enormous opportunities for SMMEs to thrive and train young people in the digital skills they need to compete and become pioneers in the digital economy.”
Satisfied Clients
HAMMANSKRAAL
Renbro shopping centre, 39 Old Warmbaths road, Mangaung
Kagiso Mall
Kagiso Dr, Krugersdorp
068 644 4427
elsie@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
CONTACT
063 904 6471
portiam@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
The Elizabeth Centre 8 Pres Kruger
A Phakathi Drive and, Nkoane Rd Welkom, Freestate
Kensworth Centre Moshoeshoe St Mangaung, 9323
063 905 9556
lybonm@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
068 636 0310
tshepo@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
1122 Kgware road, Unit number 16 Gauteng 0208
068 603 4533
williamr@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
068 610 2629
tshepo@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
068 620 7611
ronnym@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za