An Evotel Production
MEET OUR CYNK PARTNER – INTERNET4EDUCATION!
Editor: Mathews Mpete
We were not bluffing when we declared that we are changing the saucer from which people used to be served Internet – we meant it when we said we are bridging the digital divide.
Today, I would like to introduce you to our CYNK partner – Internet4Education – which can be found at www. internet4education.org for all your donations and support.
Browsing through our partner’s site, one is greeted with the message: “Internet for Education connects South African schoolchildren to the Internet.”
This is powerful, and it aligns with our vision. As the CYNK Group, we have already connected about 220 schools – with Evotel boasting a good 90 and Net Nine Nine an impressive 120, and still counting.
“In an era where the Internet is as essential as water and electricity, many communities are left in the dark. Our mission at Internet for Education is to connect South African schoolchildren to the world and unlock the potential of our youth. This is how we level the digital playing field, for all,” declares the non-profit organisation.
They believe that access to the Internet is the catalyst that unlocks opportunities for young people in this country.
“Our students must have the ability to connect to the international marketplace online and take their place as global citizens,” reads a line in a pop-up message on the site.
What’s Inside?
As the CYNK Group, we have built fibre networks in communities and offer this connectivity to local schools for free, as part of the Internet4Education vision and mission.
Our infrastructure is bringing about transformative change in areas that were previously constrained by expensive and limited mobile data – as noted on www. internet4education.org.
However, with many individual homes in these communities still unable to afford Internet packages, Internet for Education bridges the gap by sponsoring worthy recipients with unlimited fibre Internet in their homes.
*“We subscribe to a package on the student’s behalf… more than just Internet.
“We are passionate about empowering South African youth through comprehensive skills development and career guidance.
“We curate the very best free online educational resources for students to access, and connect them with institutions that offer guidance, support and mentorship for their journey into the workforce.”*
Internet4Education’s on-the-ground relationship with the communities they serve enables them to identify and sponsor households in dire need of Internet access.
“It’s our privilege to light the spark of opportunity in homes yearning for connection,” they say.
Here’s how it works: a steward visits the student’s home, installs routers, establishes secure connections, and provides guidance for accessing relevant educational resources.
I will introduce you to more of our CYNK partners in the next edition.
STORE RECORDS EXCEPTIONAL GROWTH SINCE LAUNCH!
Evotel’s newly launched store in Rustenburg has exceeded expectations, recording exceptional growth in sales and customer engagement since opening its doors in June
The store has quickly established itself as a key driver of business activity and a central touchpoint for customers seeking reliable fibre connectivity solutions, according to Store Manager Victor Mabena, who shared the update in mid-September 2025.
A cucumber-cool yet excited Mabena expressed satisfaction with the strong performance, noting that sales numbers have surpassed forecasts.
“The numbers are exciting me,” he said while reviewing the monthly stats to back up his
“We are experiencing significant movement at the store, with clients walking in daily to enquire about Evotel products, as well as those from our Internet Service Providers (ISPs). This level of interest demonstrates the strong demand for our services in
People can now trust us because we have a
“From June, our numbers picked up significantly, and this makes a huge difference – not only in terms of sales, but also in staff morale and client satisfaction.
Clients now know where to go when things go south, and those who want to physically connect with us can visit the store. This is unlike before, where they dealt only with call-
“There is nothing wrong with call agents, as they do resolve issues, but for some customers the process takes longer than they’d like, and it uses mobile data or airtime. To add a cherry on top, contractors are now also referring potential clients to our store – and we’ve seen this happen on numerous occasions.”
Working with his team, Mabena refers most walk-in clients to Store Coordinators Veronica Makamo and Mateo Laarman, who are always on standby to assist.
The success of the Rustenburg store has also created positive outcomes for Evotel’s partner ISPs – Infinity and Cool Ideas – along with other providers, who have reported encouraging growth in customer uptake since the store launch.
This collaboration underscores Evotel’s role not only as a fibre network provider but also as an enabler of growth across the ISP ecosystem.
The store coordinators have described the decision to establish a presence in Rustenburg as a milestone achievement for the company.
“Opening this store was the best decision we could have taken,” noted Makamo.
“It has proven to be an effective platform for building stronger customer relationships while also expanding business opportunities for our partners.”
As with any business, there are ups and downs. One ongoing challenge lies with ISPs who sometimes take longer to resolve customer issues, meaning that clients may still face the same problem after leaving the store.
However, the good news is the steady increase in leads reported by the staff each month since the store’s opening – a marked improvement from before.
Rustenburg, a fast-growing city with strong demand for digital infrastructure, has embraced Evotel’s presence, affirming the company’s vision of delivering accessible, high-quality fibre connectivity to South African communities.
Evotel remains committed to maintaining this upward momentum by continuing to provide superior customer service, strengthening partnerships with ISPs, and positioning the Rustenburg store as a model of success for future expansions.
GOVERNMENT READY TO PARTNER WITH INTERNET OPERATORS!
The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, has emphasised that South Africa’s vision for connectivity and digital transformation cannot be achieved by government alone.
Instead, it requires strong partnerships with industry players, academia, and civil society to ensure the country reaps the benefits of a truly digital economy.
Speaking at a telecommunications technology summit held in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, Malatsi stressed that political commitment, government action, and private sector collaboration are critical if South Africa is to unlock the promise of a connected society.
“It requires civil society and academia to keep us honest and innovative,” he said.
“This is why GovTech is such an important platform. It allows us to build the partnerships that will bring our vision to life.”
Central to this vision is government’s “One Data, One Citizen, One Citizen Service Journey” initiative.
Malatsi believes that collaboration with independent fibre network operators (FNOs) and Internet service providers (ISPs) will be crucial in delivering services that are accessible, affordable, and inclusive.
“Together, we can build a smart and inclusive digital country that will drive growth, reduce poverty, and strengthen the ways people communicate,” he said.
“A smart government is not a dream of the future. It is a necessity of the present.”
According to the minister, digital government — when developed in partnership with the private ICT sector — has a decisive role to play in achieving three national priorities:
1. Driving inclusive growth and job creation.
By lowering barriers to market entry, digital tools can make it easier and cheaper for businesses to register and comply with regulations.
This, in turn, opens opportunities for small enterprises and entrepreneurs to access markets and scale their solutions.
Ever wondered what the world will be like in 2035 – just 10
years from now?
A streamlined, digitally enabled system reduces red tape and allows businesses to focus on creating value rather than struggling with compliance. Furthermore, digitalisation creates new employment pathways in software development, ICT infrastructure, data analysis, and related fields.
2. Reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living.
Improved data sharing between government departments helps eliminate duplication, reduce wastage, and save taxpayer money.
Transparent and traceable digital systems in government spending can further build confidence that public resources are managed responsibly. These efficiencies can free up resources to be redirected to essential services, ultimately easing the financial burden on ordinary South Africans.
3. Building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.
Technology, Malatsi noted, is a powerful tool for accountability. Digital systems can create audit trails, curb corruption, and reassure citizens that government acts in their best interests. By rebuilding trust through transparency, government can strengthen its role as a developmental state.
Malatsi painted a picture of what a digitally enabled South Africa could look like:
“Imagine a South Africa where every young person, regardless of where they live, can access educational materials online without worrying about the cost of data. Imagine entrepreneurs accessing markets and global intelligence with the click of a button, instead of spending days travelling between offices,” he said.
For Malatsi, the message is clear: a digitally inclusive South Africa is not just an aspiration, but a necessity for growth, equality, and sustainable development.
DANCING INTO HERITAGE DAY!
How South Africa Moves Together
September is a special month in South Africa. It’s a time when the smell of woodsmoke from roadside braais lingers in the air, when the first blossoms of spring remind us of renewal, and when communities across the country take a moment to celebrate the roots, traditions, and identities that make up our collective story.
At Evotel, we embraced this spirit with our #SokkieForSeptember competition — a joyful celebration of movement, culture, and connection. What started as a call to dance turned into something much bigger: a reminder of what it means to be South African.
Heritage: More Than Just a Word
Heritage in South Africa is more than history. It is living, breathing, and constantly evolving. It’s in the songs sung at church gatherings and in the rhythms played on street corners. It’s in the recipes passed down from grandparents, in the languages we speak around the dinner table, and in the laughter that spills out of taxis during rush hour.
Most importantly, heritage is about people. It’s about how, despite our differences, we find ways to connect. Whether it’s sharing a meal, supporting our favourite sports teams, or dancing together at a wedding, South Africans have an unmatched ability to come together — especially when it matters most.
The Spirit of Togetherness
Ask any South African what makes this country unique, and chances are they’ll talk about our spirit. We are resilient, hopeful, and endlessly creative.
When the Springboks take to the field, we paint our faces green and gold. When Bafana Bafana scores, the streets erupt with cheers, vuvuzelas, and flags waving proudly. When our Proteas take on the world, offices and schools alike pause to watch and scream in unison.
This same spirit carries through to everyday life. It’s the strangers who join in when a song is played at the taxi rank.
It’s the impromptu dancing at the robots when the music is loud and the mood is light. It’s the neighbour who brings over extra meat to throw on the fire when the braai runs short.
It’s the laughter — that big, unmistakably South African laughter — that gets us through hard times and reminds us we’re never alone.
Dance as a Language of Unity
This September, we chose sokkie as our symbol of togetherness. Known also as Langarm, sokkie is more than just a dance — it’s a tradition that has graced countless weddings, parties, and family gatherings. It’s about rhythm, connection, and joy.
Our #SokkieForSeptember competition invited South Africans to share their best dance moves — whether sokkie, traditional, or any style that speaks to who they are. And they delivered.
We had strong contenders across the country, posting videos filled with energy, music, and love. Families danced together, friends hyped each other up online, and communities celebrated through rhythm.
The winner walked away with a R3000 voucher for the ultimate Heritage Day braai, but every single participant walked away with something bigger: the joy of being part of a celebration that united us all.
A Country That Shows Up
If there’s one thing that defines us, it’s that when something happens — good or bad — South Africans show up. We rally behind each other in times of hardship. We fill stadiums with colour and noise when our national teams play. We light up social media with jokes, memes, and humour that only we understand.
Our love for this country is not naïve. We know its challenges. We live its mix of love and hurt, of struggle and triumph, every day. But still, we choose to celebrate. We choose to laugh. We choose to dance.
Heritage Day: A Celebration of Us
As Heritage Day on 25 September arrives, Evotel wishes every South African a day filled with pride, family, and joy. Fire up the braai. Paint the flag on your cheeks. Share a meal with friends. Sing, dance, and laugh loudly — because that’s who we are.
At Evotel, we believe connection is the heartbeat of heritage. Just as sokkie brings people together on the dance floor, fibre brings communities together in the digital age. Both are about rhythm, communication, and harmony. Both are about making sure no one dances — or lives — alone.
This Heritage Month, and every month after, we remain proud to be part of the South African story. Together, we move forward. Together, we celebrate. Together, we dance.
Happy Heritage Day, South Africa.
Employee of the Month for July and August 2025
EVOTEL CELEBRATES OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEES – THATO AND CAROLINE!
Evotel is proud to recognise two exceptional team members, Thato Sithole and Caroline Weston, who were named Employees of the Month for July and August respectively.
Their dedication, professionalism, and passion for uplifting others truly reflect Evotel’s values and vision as part of the CYNK Group.
Both Thato and Caroline are not only focused on excelling in their own roles, but are also committed to developing and mentoring colleagues, ensuring that Evotel’s legacy continues to grow across future generations of employees.
Thato, who joined Evotel three years ago, describes herself as “bubbly and outspoken” and takes pride in seeing others succeed.
“Helping others grow is my biggest achievement, and training them to excel in the department is even more rewarding,” she explains.
As a mother of three, Thato balances her professional ambitions with her personal responsibilities, crediting Evotel’s supportive leadership and welcoming culture for enabling her growth.
She has her sights set on expanding the Internet Service Provider Relations department into a larger, stronger team.
Looking ahead, Thato hopes to continue advancing her skills within the business and one day complete her studies in Events Management. “It feels great to be recognised for the hard work I put in,” she says.
Caroline, who has been with Evotel since 2021, brings with her extensive experience in the telecommunications sector, having worked in the industry since the age of 18.
Originally from Pietermaritzburg and raised partly in Botswana, Caroline is passionate about community service and dedicates her free time to volunteering at animal shelters.
A proud mother and seasoned professional, Caroline draws inspiration from her personal journey. “Being a single mom has taught me resilience and adaptability, qualities I bring into my work every day,” she shares.
At Evotel, her ambition is to grow into a leadership role where she can make a lasting impact, whether by mentoring others, driving innovation, or contributing to the company’s broader mission.
Caroline is also passionate about training and empowering her colleagues. “I take pride in mentoring upcoming administrators, helping them feel confident, capable, and well-prepared.
My goal is not only to build skills but also to foster self-reliance and a strong sense of belonging within the team,” she explains.
Both Thato and Caroline expressed gratitude to their colleagues for the recognition.
“Winning this award is an incredible honour,” Caroline reflected, “but what makes it meaningful is knowing it came from the encouragement and belief of my peers.”
Evotel congratulates Thato and Caroline for their outstanding contributions and is confident that their leadership, dedication, and passion will continue to inspire growth and success within the company.
EXPRESSION OF THE MONTH:
THE MAGIC OF WI-FI AT HOME
These days, Wi-Fi isn’t just about being connected, it’s about making life easier, smarter, and more enjoyable. From family fun to serious work, a strong home connection is the invisible thread that keeps everything running smoothly.
Keeping Us Close
Think of Wi-Fi as your family’s bridge to the world. It brings loved ones together through crystal-clear video calls, instant chats, and shared moments online. Grandparents can join birthday parties virtually, friends can laugh together on video calls, and family updates are just a message away.
A Classroom at Home
Wi-Fi has turned every home into a place of learning. Children can access lessons and resources, students can work on projects with classmates online, and parents can pick up new skills or hobbies from the comfort of the couch. Whether it’s coding, cooking, or catching up on schoolwork, Wi-Fi makes learning fun and limitless.
Entertainment Without End
Movie nights, music playlists, live sports, and binge-worthy series all of these run on the magic of Wi-Fi. No more waiting for downloads or fighting over the TV remote.
Everyone can enjoy what they love, when they want it, in the room that suits them best.
Work Made Simple
Working from home is no longer a challenge when Wi-Fi is reliable. Online meetings flow without interruptions, projects can be shared instantly, and that “urgent” email gets out right on time. With Wi-Fi, the kitchen table can become a desk, and productivity doesn’t have to stop at the office.
Smart Living, Smarter Life
From smart TVs to voice-activated assistants and security cameras, Wi-Fi powers the gadgets that make modern living smarter.
It keeps your home safe, saves energy, and helps you manage daily routines with just a few taps on your phone.
Fun for Everyone
And of course Wi-Fi is the heart of family fun. Kids can play their favourite online games, parents can discover new recipes or plan holidays, and grandparents can scroll through family photos with ease. It’s the quiet companion that brings joy to every generation.
At the end of the day, Wi-Fi is not just a cable or a signal. It’s a lifestyle. It’s the way we learn, connect, laugh, and grow together. With the right connection, your home is more than just four walls, it’s a place full of opportunities.
So, the next time you stream, study, chat, or work, remember: Wi-Fi is the rhythm of your home.
