An Evotel Production
WE’VE LEVELLED UP FOR BETTER SERVICE!
CONNECTING RUSTENBURG:
Mathews Mpete
THE FACES OF OUR FRONTLINE!
The beauty of Evotel lies in its stars — not only on HelloPeter, but in our hardworking team. If you’ve noticed, starting last month, we began introducing our staff to you through this monthly digital magazine — a sort of meet-and-greet to help us get to know each other better and understand our different roles.
In essence, it’s our responsibility to introduce you to the team behind our success, as we continue to celebrate 10 years of excellence.
As we reflect on our remarkable decade in the telecommunications industry, we proudly recognise the extraordinary people who make Evotel what it is today. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure you receive the exceptional service you’ve come to expect from us.
Our customer-facing teams are often your first point of contact — but what you may not realise is the depth of expertise they bring to every interaction: sales representatives, call centre agents, billing coordinators, installation technicians, retention officers, IT specialists, HR professionals, and many more.
They don’t just sell connectivity packages — they’re trained to understand your specific needs, whether you’re a family streaming content at home or a business requiring uninterrupted service for critical operations.
They understand that recommending the right speed is essential. As one of our managers often says: “We can’t be selling a Mini to a client and expecting them to experience a Ferrari.”
When you call our support centre, you’re speaking with professionals who understand the complex infrastructure behind your service. They’re not just troubleshooting your connection — they’re drawing on extensive knowledge of our network architecture to provide real solutions.
Behind every stable connection is a team of technical experts who maintain our infrastructure. Our fibre network relies on specialised technicians and construction workers who ensure the physical lines remain intact and operational.
These dedicated professionals brave all weather conditions to repair damaged lines and upgrade our systems.
We’ve recently established a specialised Network Operations Centre (NOC) team that monitors our infrastructure around the clock.
This team of highly trained specialists — many with technical degrees — works proactively to detect and resolve issues before they affect your service. One of the most inspiring aspects of our company is our commitment to the communities we serve.
Our Chief of Staff regularly travels to meet with local councillors and stakeholders to ensure they’re satisfied with our service and that their communities are equally happy.
Crucial questions are asked: “What do you need? What can we do for you?”
These conversations have led to meaningful initiatives, including connecting over 100 schools to our network. Our community champions identify areas where we can make a difference, working closely with local leaders to implement practical solutions.
They’re the embodiment of our belief that business success and community upliftment go hand in hand.
Our marketing and business development teams are constantly finding innovative ways to tell our story — from activations and campaigns on the ground, to the strategic thinkers identifying new opportunities for growth.
Our leadership team believes in open communication at all levels. They know that maintaining a positive company culture is key to employee satisfaction and retention.
As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we reflect on how our growth-oriented mindset has helped us navigate industry challenges while others have come and gone.
Our leaders prioritise trust and empathy, recognising that these values create a workplace where employees can thrive.
As we mark this major milestone, we’ve also levelled up our speed packages — and we’re confident many of you will find these upgrades well suited to the quality of service you’ve come to enjoy from us.
When you call or visit our new office in Rustenburg, ask about the person assisting you — their expertise, their journey with us, and how they contribute to our shared success.
Understanding the people behind your service not only enriches your experience but also strengthens our relationship.
Our 10-year anniversary isn’t just about celebrating past achievements — it’s about recognising the people who make our company exceptional and looking forward to the next decade of innovation, growth, and community impact.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to the next 10 years of connection and excellence!
EVOTEL AND ISPS UNDER ONE ROOF!
In a remarkable move to strengthen customer relations and expand its market presence, 10-yearold Evotel has officially opened its first physical store at 68 Marias Street, Rustenburg — to loud cheers and champagne corks popping into the air on Saturday, 7 June 2025.
The grand launch event, held at the new store, was attended by popular social media influencer “Weather Hooligan”, real name Juandre Vorster, whose presence and jokes added excitement to the occasion.
The store, strategically located in Rustenburg’s central business district, marks a pivotal development in Evotel’s business strategy as the Fibre Network Operator (FNO) transitions from a purely digital presence to establishing physical touchpoints with its growing customer base.
An ecstatic Evotel CEO, Alex Kleingeld, cut the ribbon to officially declare the store open for business and was the first to pop a cork, marking the special occasion.
“Hopefully this will change and assist the community of Rustenburg,” he said briefly. Thabo Mabena, Regional Store Manager, expressed appreciation for the efforts and dedication of his team, who were present to witness the tables being turned.
“I would like to thank all the ground forces, office bearers, ISP partners – Vodacom, Cool Ideas, CPF – but mostly the entire Evotel staff,” said Mabena, followed by a round of applause.
“You guys are doing amazing work, knuckling down to action to ensure Evotel has clients.
Let us continue on that track and celebrate this milestone. Also, let’s make sure this store operates at full potential. Remember, opening this store involved a lot of investment, and we need a return on that investment. Let’s grow this brand.”
According to Evotel Sales Team Leader, Lefa Mona, the store will serve as a crucial link between the company and its clients, offering face-to-face interactions that many customers still value in the digital age.
“I cannot wait to see clients trickling into the store to inquire and get first-hand physical assistance,” he said.
The physical location will provide customers with a space to ask about services, resolve issues, and learn more about fibre connectivity options available in their areas.
“While we’ve built our business on digital efficiency, we understand that many of our customers appreciate having a physical location where they can speak directly with our representatives,” added Mona at the launch.
“This store represents our commitment to being accessible to all our customers, regardless of their preferred method of communication. And while we’re on the ground, we’ll be able to guide clients more personally instead of only reaching out via emails and phone calls.”
Among the unique features of the new store is its function as a hub for Evotel’s partnered Internet Service Providers (ISPs), where customers can not only learn about fibre infrastructure but also connect with service providers of their choice within the Evotel network.
They can also:
• Check their coverage and apply for fibre.
• See store-exclusive promotions and offers.
• Receive friendly, professional, and personalised setup and technical assistance.
• Use the Internet Service Provider contact centre.
• Get a home fibre needs analysis.
• Book a business fibre evaluation.
This “one-stop shop” approach simplifies the often-complex process of selecting both a fibre provider and an ISP, offering customers convenience and clarity.
Much as the human touch is gradually giving way to machines, the reality is that there’s still a need for human intelligence — and the human touch will always be part of the solution,despite robots taking over more roles in the modern world.
The Weather Hooligan’s presence drew interest from his followers across platforms such as Facebook, X, and Instagram. His unique blend of meteorological insights and entertainment has garnered a substantial audience.
The influencer participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and engaged with staff and potential customers throughout the event.
“Connectivity is essential in today’s world, and having a place where people can come to learn about their options and get support is incredibly valuable for the Rustenburg community.
Like myself, I’d much rather visit a physical store than call and be left hanging on the line,” said the storm-chasing influencer.
Kleingeld indicated that the Rustenburg store is the first in a planned series of physical locations to be opened across the country.
This expansion strategy reflects the company’s growth and its recognition of the continued importance of personal interaction in customer service.
The store is now open to the public during regular business hours, offering consultations, technical support, and information about Evotel’s expanding fibre network and the various ISP options available to residents and businesses.
For more information about Evotel’s services and initiatives, visit their official website: evotel.co.za.
WEATHER HOOLIGAN CHASING AFTER EVOTEL STORM!
Some may call it weather reporting reimagined, others may see it as capitalising on South Africa’s unpredictable climate — but at its core, social media influencer Juandre Voster, better known as The Weather Hooligan on TikTok, X, and Facebook, calls himself a “seasonal storm chaser”.
An Evotel social media collaborator in partnership with South Africa’s Fibre Network Operator (FNO), Voster represents more than just a marketing strategy.
It’s a deliberate move towards tackling the technological frustrations of weather reporting — especially lagging apps and repetitive forecasts.
And Voster has carefully chosen to partner with Evotel, confident in the open-access fibre network operator’s consistent internet connection, which offers minimal to no buffering.
In his newly found — and lucrative — passion, Voster says, “My job doesn’t need lag on weather,” highlighting the importance of real-time, efficient delivery of information.
What sets Voster apart is his deep connection to local context and community engagement, as seen during his involvement in the launch of Evotel’s first flagship store in the heart of Rustenburg, North West.
“Keep it local, keep it fun, and support local,” is his guiding mantra.
This approach stands out in a media space often filled with generic, impersonal content.
As climate change increasingly affects everyday life, innovative approaches to weather communication is becoming more essential — and Voster represents a new breed of meteorological communicator: part scientist, part entertainer, fully dedicated to making weather information accessible and exciting.
He believes the future of weather reporting has arrived — and it speaks with a proudly South African accent.
In his words, transforming weather communication is essential in an era of rapidly evolving media consumption. The traditional weather report is undergoing a major overhaul, and he sees himself at the forefront of that shift.
Boasting around 8,000 followers on TikTok and more than 25,000 likes, The Weather Hooligan — a former plumber turned meteorological influencer — is reshaping how South Africans engage with weather updates through a unique blend of expertise, humour, and tech-savvy delivery.
With a background in aviation meteorology and a private pilot’s licence, Voster adds professional weight to his public persona.
His journey from conventional weather watching on TV to social media prominence underscores the changing way South Africans consume information.
“We’re going to change the weather industry in the country,” he declares, emphasising his mission to make weather reporting more inclusive, dynamic, and engaging.
Through his partnership with Evotel, he’s pioneering what he calls the “evolution of weather” — an approach that reaches far beyond traditional forecasting.
By using platforms like TikTok and Facebook, Voster aims to connect with younger audiences and bring a bit of comedy to what’s often viewed as a dry, repetitive subject.
“Weather gets a bit boring to watch,” he admits.
“We get the same predictions, the same people, every single day. But I want to add humour and get young people involved.”
His rise wasn’t part of a grand plan. A casual joke in front of a TV screen became the catalyst for a new career.
“My friend Mitchell Crock said, ‘Just do what you do in front of a TV screen — quickly.’ And from there, it just took off. That’s the way I presented, and that’s how it all started.”
His breakthrough may have been spontaneous, but his approach is distinctly South African: grounded, local, and packed with personality.
Voster’s storm chasing and documentation of extreme weather phenomena — including rare tornadoes in the Eastern
He even highlights local interpretations of natural events, like the people of Mthatha who refer to tornadoes as the “snake from the sky.”
From humble beginnings as a plumber to becoming a rising voice in weather communication, Voster’s journey is far from typical.
And with Evotel by his side, he’s not just forecasting the weather — he’s changing the way South Africans connect to it.
WE’VE LEVELLED UP FOR BETTER SERVICE!
Faster Speeds. Better Value. More Possibilities.
Time waits for no one… and in the world of technology, speed is everything. The faster your internet connection, the sooner you reach your goals — whether it’s staying ahead in business, gaming with friends, streaming your favourite shows, or simply connecting with loved ones.
The world around us is evolving rapidly. Every day, new apps and platforms are launched to make life easier, smarter, and more efficient — but they require faster, more reliable internet to work the way they’re supposed to. The global telecommunications landscape is moving at lightning speed, and you deserve an internet connection that can keep up.
At Evotel, South Africa’s most trusted Fibre Network Operator (FNO), we believe that fibre isn’t just about internet — it’s about opportunity.
That’s why we’ve made it our mission to provide the most reliable, premium fibre network to homes, schools, businesses, complexes, and estates across the country.
Now, we’ve taken things a step further.
As part of our commitment to providing even better value, Evotel has LEVELLED UP its fibre speed packages in partnership with South Africa’s leading Internet Service Providers (ISPs). This means you now have faster speeds for the same great price — or better.
What’s Changed?
From 1 June 2025, Evotel’s old rate cards have been replaced with upgraded, faster speed packages, giving our clients access to exciting new power-up levels that make everyday online life smoother, more productive, and more fun.
This is more than just a technical upgrade — it’s a permanent improvement to your digital experience, designed to help you stay ahead in an increasingly connected world.
With cutting-edge advancements in technology like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) becoming part of our daily lives, reliable high-speed fibre is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity.
Whether you’re:
- Running your business online
- Streaming in HD and 4K
- Gaming competitively
- Learning or working remotely
- Shopping and managing finances
- Protecting your home with smart security
- Keeping up with social media trends
— you need fibre that can handle it all, without buffering, lag, or frustration.
Here’s what’s new:
10/10Mbps - 20/20Mbps from only R549pm 30/30Mbps - 60/60Mbps from only R709pm
300/300Mbps (R1159pm) and 850/850Mbps (R1249pm) remain unchanged — already offering premium speeds.
Lower speed packages have all been permanently DOUBLED.
Premium packages (300Mbps and 850Mbps) remain unchanged — they’re already ahead of the curve.
No action is required if you’ve already been upgraded — the change is automatic via your ISP.
If you haven’t seen the change by 1 June 2025, please contact your Internet Service Provider for assistance. Terms and Conditions apply.
Nadia Smith, Evotel’s Marketing Manager, explains:
“We’re constantly looking for ways to offer greater value to our customers. This speed upgrade allows both new and existing customers to experience fibre the way it’s meant to be used.
With the four lower speed packages now permanently doubled, and all our packages aligned with market trends, we’re giving our customers exactly what they deserve: fast, reliable, and affordable internet. This is what premium service looks like.”
Evotel doesn’t believe in holding you back. We believe in empowering our customers with the tools they need to succeed, thrive, and enjoy every moment of their online experience.
Need more info?
Please review your old and new rate cards to make sure you’ve been moved to the speed that suits your lifestyle and usage needs.
This is your time to level up. Welcome to the new era of faster fibre. Welcome to Evotel.
www.evotel.co.za
SHAHIL CAUSING A BUZZ!
Careers are being built alongside the nation’s digital backbone — and it’s people like Shahil Darmalingam who are turning up the buzz.
At Evotel, one of the country’s prominent Fibre Network Operators (FNOs) celebrating its 10year anniversary, the story of growth extends beyond bandwidth and into the human potential that powers the company, which has made its mark countrywide.
“It’s been challenging, difficult, but also fun,” reflects an Evotel employee whose four-year journey with the company mirrors the expansion of South Africa’s digital infrastructure.
Like the fibre lines branching into neighbourhoods, their career has grown from Sales Coordinator to Team Leader, Supervisor, and now ISP Coordinator — with each role offering new challenges and deeper insight into the complex ecosystem connecting South Africans to the digital world.
The fibre industry operates through a delicate partnership between those who build the infrastructure and those who provide the services — professionals like Darmalingam.
Fibre Network Operators such as Evotel lay the physical groundwork across the country — the actual cables transmitting data at light speed — while Internet Service Providers (ISPs) transform this raw capability into user-friendly packages and services for homes, businesses & schools.
This distinction, often misunderstood by the public, presents both challenges and opportunities for those working at the intersection.
“If you don’t give them the information they need going forward, they’re always going to contact Evotel — because that’s the only name they know,” explains the employee, highlighting the need for customer education.
Each conversation becomes not just a transaction, but a teaching moment, helping South Africans understand the invisible architecture behind their digital lives.
The fibre industry’s rapid growth has created a tapestry of career opportunities — especially at Evotel, where teams are constantly alert and available to serve clients who are increasingly confident and satisfied with the company’s support.
As one industry leader noted in a separate interview:
“The journey from door-to-door sales to executive leadership is possible for those with persistence and vision.”
At Evotel, company culture is geared towards growth and retention — something the cucumber-cool Darmalingam is quick to endorse. “If the growth and the culture is right — employees stay,” he says, echoing a sentiment shared in a recent entrepreneurial insights discussion.
This philosophy is evident in stories like his. Looking toward the horizon, Evotel is expanding beyond virtual connections to physical ones, opening customer-facing retail stores — starting with its first location in Rustenburg, launched in June 2025.
This evolution represents more than just business strategy — it creates new career paths, offers opportunities for further education, and upskills staff across various functions.
“People wouldn’t mind considering that — to help better myself and grow within the company,” he shares, expressing interest in further studies to continue his upward journey. In a country where connectivity equals opportunity, the work of building and maintaining fibre infrastructure goes beyond technical details.
It becomes a mission — to connect communities, empower businesses, and create pathways for growth not only for customers, but also for the individuals helping to deliver that service.
As South Africa continues its digital transformation, the stories of those building careers alongside fibre cables remind us that the most powerful connections aren’t made of glass and light — but of human potential, dedication, and a persistent belief that growth, both personal and professional, belongs to those who stay focused on what truly matters.
Indeed, Darmalingam’s story — one of consistency, commitment, and continuous growth — will serve as an inspiration to colleagues across the company. His dedication has paid off, after all.
THE CREATIVE PULSE BEHIND EVOTEL’S MARKETING MAGIC!
In a world where connectivity is king and brands are expected to speak not only loudly but clearly, Nadia Smith stands out as one of the quiet forces driving Evotel’s vibrant, human-centred marketing success.
At just 30, Nadia has not only carved out a space for herself in the demanding world of telecommunications marketing, but has also become a trusted pillar within a company celebrating its 10-year milestone.
Born and raised in the East Rand, Nadia’s roots trace back to a time when the digital world was only beginning to seep into everyday life.
“I grew up in a time when technology was integrating into daily life more and more every day,” she reflects.
This early exposure laid the foundation for a career that would eventually see her merge creativity with cutting-edge connectivity— ultimately being voted Evotel’s employee of the month for May.
It’s an honour that carries both recognition and, as her team jokingly puts it, 30 days of bragging rights.
She attended a double medium school, where she focused on Art and Design—disciplines that continue to inform her daily work.
Before joining Evotel on 1 June 2022, Nadia ran her own service-oriented business, helping local entrepreneurs with tight budgets set up and scale their operations.
That hands-on experience gave her an intimate understanding of what it takes to build from the ground up—perspective that has served her well in the dynamic world of marketing.
“I consider myself a dedicated career woman,” says Nadia, in a matter-of-fact tone that leaves no room for doubt.
Her journey through the ranks of marketing— from Graphic Design to planning, print production, and now strategic management— was no accident. It was the result of intentional growth and a desire to understand the bigger picture.
At Evotel, she’s part of what she affectionately calls a “boutique corporate” culture—small enough to stay agile and personal, yet professional enough to leave a mark.
“People feel like people, not numbers. You get to know your teammates, collaborate freely, and grow together,” she says.
Her day-to-day schedule is a masterclass in multitasking: managing suppliers, updating strategy sheets, dabbling in design, checking emails, and overseeing campaigns—all with one goal: to keep Evotel’s identity consistent and alive in a competitive market.
That effort hasn’t gone unnoticed. Being voted Employee of the Month during the company’s 10-year celebration was more than an accolade—it was a reminder of how far she’s come and how deeply embedded she is in the fabric of the company.
“It’s always nice to be recognised for going above and beyond,” she says.
“And my colleagues? They’re my biggest supporters. I love each and every one of them.”
“Evotel staff have this amazing way of always cheering on their team members, no matter what. They bring so much love, spirit, and good vibes to everything.”
When asked what the future holds, she smiles. “We’ll have to see.”
A classic Nadia response: grounded, optimistic, and quietly ambitious.
For those curious about what the Marketing Department at Evotel actually does, Nadia offers a simple answer:
“What doesn’t marketing do?”
According to her, the team handles a bit of everything— but right now, the biggest visible projects are their outdoor efforts (such as murals and signage), event activations, and their ever-growing social media presence.
Her team is the bridge between the brand and the communities Evotel serves—making the invisible visible, and turning strategy into story.
As the company looks ahead to the next decade, one thing is certain: Nadia Smith will continue to be a driving force, shaping not just the look and feel of the brand, but the culture and spirit behind it.
