Be a Hero Magazine Issue #17

Page 1


ACCESS TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN!

NET NINE NINE POWERS ICT EXCELLENCE AT MAPENANE!

SATISFIED CLIENTS: YOU SPEAK

MEN ON THE GROUND WOMEN BEHIND THE BRAND NET99’S BOITEKONG STORE OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

ACCESS TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN!

August is a very special month to me…

Despite being dedicated to Women’s Month, it is also my mourning month where I’ve lost my dear mother.

And, all activities that involve women in this month are very personal and special to me, as they mirror what I used to do for my mother, how she cared for me, and how close we were in the advancement of women growth.

As Net Nine Nine we are proud to be playing our part daily in ensuring that we give a lot of women opportunities within the fibre space, and we will continue to empower them, it is a must.

We are not only restricted to August, but we have been doing it in the five years that our fibre optic cables have been laid underground.

From main contractors to cleaners, we are dedicated and committed to changing the lives of our women, and give them economic emancipation.

We are not doing them any favour, but it is our responsibility to share every wealth available in the country with our women.

This edition will find a special place in my office wall considering that it carries all the important elements about women power.

Remember the “Mosadi ke Nako” initiatives in Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu, organised by our office women, Zoleka Mashiane and Nomvula Tiya?

These are the sort of contribution that warms my heart, daily.

The Ministry in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga elaborated on two pillars that must be taken seriously if we’re to win the race to have women in the forefront of our economy.

At first, for as long as wealth and income inequality persists along gender lines, there can be no resilient economies for all.

A resilient economy is one that should be able to withstand, adapt to, and recover from various shocks and disruptions while maintaining its ability to grow.

And certainly, no economy can be truly resilient for all when half of its population is economically marginalised.

It is important to emphasise that, for us, financial inclusion goes far beyond access to banking - it represents a fundamental shift in economic power.

This struggle includes challenging discriminatory lending practices, advocating for property rights reforms that allow women to use assets as collateral, and confronting cultural norms that position men as the primary financial decision-makers.

Secondly, the true economic resilience requires a deliberate re-construction of systems and structures that harness the full productive potential of all citizens, with particular attention to those who have been historically excluded from economic power - this is inclusive of women from all walks of life.

Dr Nicholas Thipe
Dr Nicholas Thipe

NET99’S BOITEKONG STORE OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

Net Nine Nine clients in Boitekong, Rustenburg could not believe their eyes when they saw a Mercedes Benz bus passing by to the OK Centre, all covered up with Lingas Entertainment branding, and they followed it until its destination.

Then they realised that it is him, Dr Malinga, real name Goodwill Malinga, who was in town to open the Net99 store, which falls under the banner of CYNK, a holding company comprising Evotel, Linklayer, Magnolia Fibre Tree and Internet for Education.

That Saturday, 2 August 2025, will forever be memorable for the people of Rustenburg as the Temba-born musician and social media influencer entertained the vociferous crown, who also danced to beats from a local brass-band and traditional dancers.

Most of the CYNK staff attended the event to support Regional Manager, Portia Mbhiza, as they ushered in hordes of people who wanted to sign up for Net99’s startup package of R379 for a 20/10Mbps, but others gunned for the more faster 5-Tiga (50/50Mbps) and Klipa package (100/100).

Mbhiza was excited that one lucky client walked away with a Jojo Tank which was the main prize on the day,

and many others went home with goody bags.

“I would like to thank the Marketing team for having given us such great exposure for our store,” she said.

“It was amazing. I’ve never seen so many people attending to our store, but on the day everyone attended.”

She emphasised that they’ve achieved their goal of signing up over 20 clients on the day, helping them reach their monthly target.

With Boitekong some 8kms away from Rustenburg city, Mbhiza pointed out that this could be a great way of starting a relationship with locals, many of whom rued the fact that they couldn’t enter the day’s competitions because their area isn’t built, yet.

School and SMME’s in Boitekong are bracing themselves for interesting business days ahead as they know Net99 looks after its people, especially those with a nose for business, and to enhance the advancement of technology in previously disadvantaged learning centres.

NET NINE NINE POWERS ICT EXCELLENCE AT MAPENANE!

SCHOOL OF SPECIALISATION HANGS ONTO NET99 CONNECTION TO OUTSHINE OTHERS!

What started as a difficult transition has blossomed into a story of progress, innovation, and renewed hope for a township school that is fast becoming a beacon of excellence.

Under the leadership of its first-ever female secondary school principal, Lydia Moseki, the Mapenane Secondary School of Specialisation focusing on Maths, Science, and ICT, has embraced its new status as a School of Specialization (SOS), with a clear focus on Research and Innovation.

The school’s journey, which officially began in 2023 with its first intake of specialised learners in Grade 7, has been marked by determination, collaboration, and a strong vision for the future.

But, according to the principal, one of the most pivotal forces driving this transformation for Mapenane Secondary School has been the closedaccess fibre network provider in Net Nine Nine, a key digital partner working to uplift education through technology.

Net Nine Nine has connected over 100 schools with free 1Gig internet in its drive to foster change in previously disadvantaged schools, many of whom are in rural and townships.

“Net99 has contributed immensely to ensure our ICT shines above the rest,” said the principal.

“Their support is helping us close the digital divide and create real opportunities for our learners and teachers alike.”

Before the school had proper internet infrastructure, educators were forced to connect

smart boards using their personal mobile data, a challenging and unreliable setup. But now, thanks to Net99, the school is moving towards full classroom connectivity, enabling:

Smarter teaching tools

Interactive online lessons

Real-time learner support

Independent research capabilities

“Live lessons, virtual collaboration, digital resources - all of that is now possible. This isn’t just about technology, it’s about access and transformation,” the principal explained.

The school, which now offers a diverse and dynamic curriculum, is already seeing results.

In 2023, the school achieved a 90.4% matric pass rate, followed by 94% in 2024. With continued growth and improved access to resources, they are aiming for a 100% pass rate in the near future.

As a School of Specialisation, the institution offers a robust selection of subjects designed to meet the needs of a future-facing workforce. These include:

Mathematics

Physical and Life Sciences

Geography

History and Tourism

Accounting, Business Studies, Economics

English and Setswana

Already ahead of the curve, the school introduced Computer Applications Technology (CAT) last year and is planning to add Coding and Robotics to its Grade 8 curriculum soon - all enabled by improved ICT infrastructure.

At the heart of this transformation is a determined and visionary leader, Mrs Moseki, who broke barriers by becoming the first female secondary school principal in Ga-Rankuwa. Appointed in 2019, she stepped into the role with the odds stacked against her, but with faith, resilience, and unwavering dedication, she’s turned things around.

“It takes strength from God,” she says.

“We took the bull by the horns, and with the right support from our teachers, district, and partners like Net99, we are now charting a new path.”

The school’s first fully-fledged SOS cohort is currently in Grade 8 and will matriculate in a few years. With each intake, the program is growing stronger, paving the way for a generation of learners equipped with both academic skills and digital fluency.

“We’re not just building a school. We’re building a future,” explained Moseki.

Thanks to bold leadership, dedicated staff, and gamechanging partners like Net99, the school is proving that with the right support, township schools can shine, and even lead and this was equally evident with two learners from the school who invested a rocket that flew 200m above sea-level, which won them a competition organised by the Department of Education.

WOMEN BEHIND THE BRAND

Kirsty Varejes

At just 29, Kirsty Varejes is not the kind of leader who waits for permission to speak up - she walks into a room and owns it!

Raised with a sharp mind for numbers, Kirsty studied Accounting and Finance at the University of Cape Town and went on to pursue her articles at Ernst and Young in 2021.

Now she now heads up Net Nine Nine’s Billing department, a fibre internet service (ISP) provider that connects previously underdeveloped townships to the digital world.

When she’s not solving complex billing challenges or leading her team, Kirsty is often in flight – travelling is one of her favourites and has explored places like Paris, New York, London and Croatia.

Each trip has added something new to her outlook

Behind the job title is a woman who knows that real strength doesn’t always come with a loud voice but with resilience, kindness and choosing to lead differently.

For Kirsty, inner strength isn’t something soft and hidden.

“It’s full of life,” she says. “It doesn’t shrink to fit the space.”

Instead of stepping back, she steps up.

In boardrooms where her voice didn’t always fit the corporate mould, she let results speak for themselves.

She runs her team with extreme care and precision, proving that leadership doesn’t have to look one way.

What keeps her going on tough days isn’t about recognition, but seeing that student from dusty streets logged online for their first online class, thanks to Net Nine Nine’s superior internet connection.

She’s also motivated by a mother in the township running a small business.

When asked what colour her confidence would be, Kirsty said, “Some days it’s bright and loud, other days it’s quiet and sharp. But it’s always me. Unapologetically so.”

Her advice to younger women starting out?

“You’re already stronger than you think,” she says.

“Don’t wait for someone to tell you it’s your time. Walk in like it already is.”

And that’s exactly what Kirsty Varejes does.

She walks in, stands tall and opens the door for other women to follow.

Minky Msimango

At the helm of Net Nine Nine’s sales team stands Minky Msimango. Her story is one of staying true to her roots and moving forward with clear direction and unstoppable energy.

Born and raised in Soweto, Minky’s early life was shaped by the strength of her single mother and the reality of limited resources. “Inner strength to me means hunger, survival and pushing through all boundaries to succeed,” she says. These words aren’t just sentiments but lived experiences.

From the hustle of township life to leading a sales team at one of the country’s most dynamic connectivity companies, Minky’s story is a testament to what hard work and resilience can achieve.

Just as the world shifted in 2020, so did Minky’s journey. She boldy stepped into Net Nine Nine as an installation coordinator, following her academic path in PR and Events Management at Wits. It was a challenging time for any new role, let alone one in a fast paced tech industry. But Minky didn’t shy away. “I came into Net Nine Nine during lockdown. I showed hard work, resilience and pushed through limitations,” she reflects.

It wasn’t long before her hard work started turning heads. From Intallations Coordinator to now leading the entire sales division. From the outside, it looks like progress, but beneath every step is a story of determination and strength.

When the weight of leadership gets heavy, Minky draws strength from her past and future. She’s a proud mother to two daughters who inspire her every day. “I want to raise my girls to dream big, think deeply, love themselves and walk boldly in a world that doesn’t always make it easy to achieve their goals,” she shares. Her ambition reaches beyond herself through shaping her future and those who come after.

Minky paints her confidence in shades of blue, bold, commanding and alive with passion. It’s the same vibrant hue that lights up her presence at Net Nine Nine.

Elsie (Gabby)

WOMEN BEHIND

Mthembu

Elsie Mthembu is not only the regional sales manager for Net Nine Nine, she plays an integral role in delivering service to the clients of Kagiso and Westonaria. In just three years, Elsie, widely known as Gabby, has utilised her street knowledge to climb above her peers from being a field sales agent, to becoming a regional sales manager for the communities of Kagiso and Westonaria.

“Inner strength to me means being self-aware. Having the confidence and courage to face fears while taking risks and being able to maintain discipline around thoughts and emotions”. She credits her family as her source of strength, “I am very family orientated. My kids are a daily dose of motivation, and they help me through whatever lemons the world throws my direction”.

Gabby explains that being a strong woman today means not being perfect but being able to demonstrate strength and determination through adversity. “To be a strong woman today means owning your voice in a world that still sometimes tries to silence it.

It’s about choosing courage over comfort, embracing both vulnerability and resilience, and lifting others as you rise.”

She encourages woman to know their strengths and work on their weaknesses. “Be able to view opportunities and always have solutions for your threats. No one will have your back – work on yourself now. VUKA MFAZI!”

This powerful call to action reminds us that true strength comes from self-reliance and determination. It’s about waking up every day ready to face challenges head-on, confident in your abilities and prepared to create your own path. Empowerment starts within, and when women stand firm in their power, they inspire those around them to do the same.

She concludes by associating her confidence with neon orange or daring red as they symbolise life, light, love and fierceness.

We are truly fortunate to have her at the helm as one of regional sales managers. Her unwavering dedication and leadership have been instrumental in driving the remarkable growth we’ve seen since she joined our team. With her vision and commitment, the future looks brighter than ever.

THE BRAND

Josephine Orange

Born and raised in the bustling streets of Germiston, Gauteng, Josephine Orange is no stranger to hard work. Having worked at Net Nine Nine for over three years, she became the sales team leader one year into her position.

“Sales wasn’t where I initially started, but I soon realised I had been selling all along. Whether it was ideas, solutions, or myself, once I stepped into the field, I discovered how dynamic and rewarding it was.”

Asked what she enjoys most about her career path, a vibrant Josephine replied by stating “Everyday brings a new challenge and an opportunity to grow. This helps keep me engaged.”

She attributes her success to her inner strength. “No matter what life throws my way, I never give up. I transform every setback into a stepping-stone, and this has helped me stand tall through adversity.” She further adds: “To be a strong woman in today’s society means standing firm in your worth, even when the world tries to overlook or underestimate you. Strength is about breaking barriers without losing yourself.”

The source of her strength is her family, which she credits as her inspiration to

wake up and work hard everyday. “The thought of letting them down is simply not an option.”

Asked if her confidence had a colour, a jubilant Josephine replied with the colour green, as she associates it with nature. The colour is a perfect reflection of her grounded personality that exudes tranquility and warmth.

“It’s never been easy to be a woman in a world that often feels like it wasn’t built for us, but don’t waste your energy trying to compete on someone else’s terms. Embrace everything that makes you a woman. Your voice, your intuition, your resilience. That’s where your true strength lies.”

We are extremely happy to have her leading our sales call centre. Her dedication and work is evident in the growth we have experienced since she walked through our doors. digital future.”

Phemelo S

Satisfied Clients

Jeofry Netshiava reactivates our wifi line super fast and always delivers with a positive attitude. He’s very reliable. Jeofry Netshiava reactivates our wifi line super fast and always delivers with a positive attitude. He’s very reliable

Thembinkosi C

Hello Net Nine Nine I really appreciate the assistance I get from Agent Xolo Dube your the best man keeping doing your great work. Net Nine Nine the best

Rudolph K

Good day net nine nine i highly appreciate the quick service.. Nwabisa has assisted very good and i am satisfied with your service thank you

Thembimosala T

Jacob Banda and the installation team were on time and shared valuable information about the install process. Shared support info and Jacob came back to help setup Wifi, and downloaded the Net Nine Nine App. The App was also explained in detail. Thanks Net Nine Nine, we are happily connected

Junior J

The prices are so low they say we should not say it’s cheap instead we should say it’s affordable... but I beg to differ is is the cheapest in ma area Network coverage is exceptional no buffering and no funny business And the most amazing is the team net nine nine has ... A was assisted by VICTOR NGOLOMBANE and his customer care deserves an Oscar award...you can call the guy at 2am and he will still help you that makes a customer feels like royalty

Reneilwe M

Had an issue with out internet Sunday evening, called support and the guy called Mandla - hope I got the name right..kept me updated through out while trying to resolve the issue. I applaud him for keeping me updated and assuring me that the issue is being looked at even though the issue was resolved the last time we spoke. I decided to try another route and came across Thando. Thando tried one thing on his side and walla my internet but up and running. Kudo to this gentleman. He even assisted me after the normal working hours. I was really disappointed at first that we have been struggled the whole of yesterday and today without any luck but that was overshadowed by the effort and the service I got from the two gentlemen I have interacted with. Thanks Thando and Mandla once again. Great services. Keep up the good job

OUR GO TO MEN ON THE GROUND

GAUTENG REGION

GA-RANKUWA STEWARDS

Isaac Mothibi

Dimakatso Themba

Oupa Ramosepele CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686029135

KAGISO STEWARDS

Themba Manzie

Danny Letlhage

Itumeleng Menyatso CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686245586

MHLUZI STEWARDS

Pastor Thulani Sango

Hohannah Masilela

Duduzile Mthombeni CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686240553

KWA-GUQA STEWARDS

Musa Ncongwane

Ayanda Mathebula

Sbongile Skhosana CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686083885

WESTONARIA STEWARDS

Richard Nziyana Jacob Banda CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686177774

HAMMANSKRAAL STEWARDS

Neoyame Nthite Norman Maboa Paulos Mahlangu CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686360536

MPUMALANGA REGION

DELMAS STEWARDS

Sifiso Yekani CONTACT NUMBERS:

HENDRINA STEWARDS

Zama Bhengu

Thobani Mncube CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686240553

BETHAL STEWARDS

Khosi Motha

Sibongile Mthimunye CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686083885

ROCKLANDS STEWARDS

Thabo Thaane

Nthabiseng Mokobori

Antronica Sebidi CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686233711

THABONG STEWARDS

Disebo Makume

Sello Makonyane CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686163016

FREE STATE REGION

QWAQWA STEWARDS

Christian Ledimo

Khekhe Sekere CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686201618

BOTSHABELO STEWARDS

Khotso Moleko

Tshepang Mahloko CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686201618

KWAZULU-NATAL REGION

THABA-NCHU STEWARDS

Christian Ledimo

Khekhe Sekere CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686201618

BHEKUZULU STEWARDS

Lerato Modumaela

Danisile Mdlalose CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686029135

EMPANGENI STEWARDS

Andile Africander

Zuzile Mwanzi CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686177774

UMLAZI STEWARDS

Ndumiso Mkhize

Minenhle Ngubane Vuyani Radebe CONTACT NUMBERS:

EASTERN CAPE REGION NORTH-WEST REGION

MTHATHA STEWARDS

Siseko Mashalaba

Nomvuyo Mhlungu CONTACT NUMBERS:

RUSTENBURG STEWARDS

Masego Pelle CONTACT NUMBERS:

213 Utrecht Street, Vryheid, KwaZuluNatal, 3100

Reahola Shopping Centre, Shop 47B, Botshabelo, 9781

063 904 6471

robertn@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za

087 245 0099

tshepo@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za

Erf 16914 Tlou St, Boitekong, Rustenburg, 0309

Botleng Mall, ERF 10665, Cnr, Bronkhorstspruit

068 607 2886

portiam@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za

068 632 2464

williamr@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

Shop 22 Rex Henderson & Paul Ave, 5 Ways mall

079 848 1955

robertn@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za

EMZINONI

6 Liebenberg Avenue, Gordan Centre, Bethal

CONTACT

068 649 2858 williamr@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za

HAMMANSKRAAL

Renbro shopping centre, 39 Old Warmbaths road,

KWA-GUQA

Maqhibini Dr, KwaGuqa, Emalahleni, 1073

063 904 6471 ronnym@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za

1122 Kgware road, Unit number 16

Gauteng 0208

31 Beukes St, Hendrina, Mpumalanga 1095

Shop M1, Mezzanine Level, Mall of Mthata

068 603 4533 williamr@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za

Kagiso Mall Kagiso Dr, Krugersdorp

063 905 9556

tshepomo@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za

Kensworth Centre

Moshoeshoe St, Rocklands, A Phakathi Drive and, Nkoane Rd

Welkom, Freestate

063 903 3639 tshepo@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za

10115 Motloung Street, Kenzitown Freestate, 9869 07 Hoog Street, Bahlabani Centre, Thaba Nchu, 9780

068 636 0310 tshepo@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za

341 Griffiths Mnxege highway, shop 319

The Elizabeth Centre 8 Pres Kruger

063 905 9556 elsie@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za

068 620 7611

ronnym@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za

079 848 1955

williamr@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za

068 644 4427

elsie@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za

068 610 2629

tshepo@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za

087 245 0099

tshepo@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za

068 932 1162

robertn@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.