YOUNG SCIENTISTS SHAPING OUR FUTURE! An Evotel Production
THE FEMALE CONNECTION
Editor: Mathews Mpete
What’s Inside?
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT US!
Did you know that there is a difference between a Fibre Network Operator (FNO), an Internet Service Provider (ISP), a Closed-Access Network Operator, and an Open-Access Network Operator?
Well, in this edition, I thought I should explain it more clearly so that our clients can better understand these terms and avoid the confusion we often come across.
This is not a tutorial, but simply information sharing – to distinguish the roles of the above, and how they operate together for your benefit.
An FNO – often the one that takes the blame when a network temporarily fails – builds, owns, and maintains the physical infrastructure for high-speed internet using fibre optic networks.
Fibre optic cables transmit data as light signals through thin strands of glass or plastic.
They are the backbone of fibre internet, providing the physical cables and connections that deliver internet to homes and businesses – and they continuously monitor the network.
At Evotel, we are an FNO, and we work with contracted ISPs for a number of reasons: pricing, reliability, turnaround time, etc.
We have about 49 ISPs that we work with to bring internet services to your home or business, depending on the package you have chosen. For more, visit www. evotel.co.za.
ISPs provide you or your business with access to the internet by supplying the necessary tools, like a router, for users to connect, send and receive data, and utilise online services.
Essentially, they act as the gateway, enabling users to access the web and all its resources – whatever you use the internet for.
The two – FNOs and ISPs – are interlinked, as one cannot function without the other. It’s more like a twin relationship, although the FNO often takes the punches when the ISP fails to deliver on its promises to clients.
In reality, some clients know more about the role of the FNO than the ISP – or perhaps, for you, it’s the other way around. It depends on which side of the fence you’re on.
When you’re browsing the internet at home, remember that both an FNO and an ISP are involved. At times, however, you may find there is a system called a Closed-Access Network Operator, which acts as both.
It offers a more controlled environment, potentially leading to better service quality and reliability, especially for bandwidth-intensive applications. In this model, no ISP can lease access to the same infrastructure.
In another edition, I will elaborate on whether this is good for business.
A HAPPY WELCOME IS EVOTEL’S GAIN!
Despite the Department of Education’s quarterly meeting with all school principals and HoDs in Bloemfontein, Free State, earlier in the month, none of the staff members would deny Evotel’s impact on their institutions – it is all smiles.
A short visit to various schools in Welkom, where Evotel enjoys a 99% uptime guarantee and runs an extensive connectivity programme in educational institutions, demonstrates our commitment to serving both commercial and learning needs in the Free State community.
Welkom Volkskool and Naudeville Primêre Skool are closely monitored, with visitors finding it extremely difficult to get past their gates without an appointment. However, a business card showing Evotel’s name will get you easy access into these beautifully coloured institutions, as security personnel are equally welcoming.
A Naudeville Primêre Skool employee, who could not be named as she is not authorised to speak to stakeholders, admitted that Evotel has built its reputation in the Free State region on reliability.
“This commitment to consistent service is particularly important for businesses,” she said, laughing from the reception area.
Indeed, by offering a 99% uptime guarantee to customers, the company’s focus on maintaining stable infrastructure resonates well with local users who value dependable internet access.
What remains vital is that Evotel continues to gain strong community support in Welkom.
Based on recorded conversations and testimonials from the region, Evotel has established itself as a trusted fibre network operator in this part of the Free State, earning positive reception from both business and residential users.
Evotel operates as a Fibre Network Operator (FNO), responsible for installing and maintaining the physical infrastructure in the ground. This distinguishes our role from that of our 49 contracted Internet Service Providers (ISPs), who use our infrastructure to deliver internet services to end-users.
Working alongside reliable ISPs is one of Evotel’s key strengths in the Welkom area, giving customers multiple options for internet services. This business model allows various service providers to act as sales partners, generating business while providing customers with competitive choices for their internet needs.
Evotel prides itself on having connected over 100 schools in our coverage areas, a commitment made by Group CEO Albert Oosthuysen and his executive team as part of their Community Investment Service (CSI) – a brilliant initiative that has won many hearts and presented a substantial financial investment in educational infrastructure.
With the best educational tools at their disposal, learners at Riebeeckstad Primary School are assessed quarterly on results, and the majority have performed well, according to teacher Gime Jansen.
“We credit those who consistently achieve As and Bs, and this helps motivate others to catch up,” she said.
Evotel maintains a strong regional presence in the Free State, with dedicated Regional Operations Managers overseeing service delivery and customer support. This ensures that community needs are understood and addressed promptly, contributing to positive customer experiences.
Based on available testimonials and operational data, Evotel has successfully positioned itself as a reliable and communityfocused FNO in Welkom, Free State.
Its combination of technical reliability, community investment, open-access network model, and local presence has contributed to the positive reception among users.
YOUNG
Ever wondered what the world will be like in 2035 – just 10 years from now?
I can assure you that it will be a completely different environment from what you are seeing today. Things will be done differently – gadgets will display and be controlled in unimaginable ways, internet connectivity will be on another level, and electric cars could even be a thing of the past.
By then, if you’re not subscribed to a stable and uninterrupted internet connection, you’ll be left behind. If you’re still stuck on 3G or 5G, proactive South Africans could already be on 15G by 2035 – trust me.
Evotel recently spent a weekend with youngsters from different schools across the Free State, and what the future scientists are working on shows that South Africa is catching up nicely with the world.
For indemnity reasons, most of the learners couldn’t be captured on camera or video, but in summary, what they’re saying is clear: if you’re not keeping up with technological advancements, you’ll be irrelevant by 2035.
It may sound far off, but believe it or not, in the blink of an eye a decade will have passed.
What impressed most during the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists at the Central University of Technology (CUT) in Welkom was the planned invention of a solar-powered motor vehicle that would rely on the internet, through extended Bluetooth, to drive distances of up to 500 km.
To drive further than 500 km, you would need to connect to another Bluetooth signal – still within the same internet network.
We at Evotel, an open-access fibre internet operator, are ready for such inventions.
That is why we’ve partnered with the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists and sponsored the prizes.
Another exciting invention was a cable-theft detection system designed to alert authorities if tampered with.
The police would also receive a signal through their computerised systems, enabling them to act swiftly against the perpetrators.
The learners and teachers deserve to be congratulated for working tirelessly to support these projects.
Parents, too, deserve credit – no doubt having been persuaded to buy all sorts of tools to help the children succeed.
Congratulations to all the learners who won individual prizes, as well as the judges who volunteered their time and expertise to ensure the success of the programme.
THE FEMALE CONNECTION: EVOTEL
CELEBRATES WOMEN’S MONTH
This Women’s Month, Evotel proudly honoured the remarkable women who are shaping its business and redefining the telecommunications industry.
Under the bold theme “The Female Connection: Break the Mold,” the company dedicated the entire month of August to celebrating its women—because at Evotel, every woman deserves a spot in the light.
Celebrating Women All Month Long Instead of limiting recognition to a single day, Evotel rolled out a month-long campaign across its platforms, ensuring that every woman had her story told and her voice amplified.
Through individual features, employees shared their journeys, philosophies, and personal quotes for life, offering inspiration to women within the company, the industry, and beyond.
Sibongile Nkanyane (Activations Coordinator / Installations Administrator) reminded us that “The beauty of life is being able to reinvent yourself,” reflecting the courage to adapt and thrive in an evolving tech landscape.
Lynn Topper (Receptionist, Switchboard, Administration, and PA to C-Suite) lives by her principle: “Treat all people with kindness,” showing that true leadership is rooted in compassion, reliability, and consistency.
Natasha Dlamini (Comms Specialist), the first graduate in her family, empowers others with her belief: “You are responsible for your own happiness.” Her journey embodies resilience, independence, and the pursuit of greatness against all odds.
These voices represented just a fraction of the women at Evotel whose impact drives the company forward every day.
Breaking the Mold in Fibre and Tech Telecommunications has long been a maledominated space, but the women of Evotel are changing that narrative.
They are leaders, connectors, and innovators who are not only redefining what it means to be women in tech but are also opening doors for the next generation to enter the industry with strength and confidence.
Evotel’s Women’s Month campaign wasn’t about a single celebration—it was about empowerment.
High heels and power suits became symbols of determination and authority, reminding us that women don’t just take part in shaping industries, they lead them.
Commitment to Empowerment
At Evotel, every employee is valued, and every voice matters. Honouring women is especially important, as they continue to break barriers, reshape perceptions, and bring essential perspectives to the fibre industry.
As part of its commitment to supporting women beyond its own workforce, Evotel has also been sponsoring female gaming influencer Paranoid Pixi3, highlighting its drive to empower women in spaces where female representation remains underdeveloped, such as gaming and esports.
“We believe in giving every woman her place in the spotlight. Women are not only part of our company—they are the strength of it. Their voices, ideas, and leadership are changing the future of fibre, and we are proud to walk beside them as they break the mold,” said Nadia Smith, Marketing Manager at Evotel.
The Female Connection: Breaking the Mold Together
By celebrating women throughout the entire month of August, Evotel reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and the belief that women deserve more than just recognition—they deserve to lead, inspire, and shine.
In recognition of Women’s Month, we’d like to shine a light on the remarkable women at Evotel.
We will delve into their values, insights, sources of inspiration, and pearls of wisdom for other women in the telecommunications sector.
Stay tuned to our social media for posts featuring each employee.
CAROLINE WESTON
VIAAN STEENKAMP Admin Leader Comms Specialist
# What Your Role Represents to You
As a 21-year-old Communications Specialist, I view communication as a vital tool for connection and transformation. I’m passionate about facilitating understanding through strategic messaging and digital content. With expertise in audience engagement and brand voice, I infuse creativity and purpose into every project.
# What You Should Know as a Woman Entering This Industry
To the next woman entering this field: You have a rightful place here. Your voice is significant. The world needs more women who approach leadership with clarity, creativity, and bravery—one message at a time.
“A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.”
# What Does Your Role Mean to You?
Based on my experience, giving up was never an option. Although I faced a challenging beginning, my resilience and strength have allowed me to evolve into a better version of myself, inspiring my colleagues to remain motivated.
# What Do You Want Other Women to Know About Working in This Industry?
Never give up, and take pride in everything you accomplish. With every obstacle we encounter, we grow stronger.
“Believe in yourself, always!”
THE FEMALE CONNECTION
NATASHA DLAMINI
Comms Specialist
# What Does Your Role Mean to You?
My job means financial security and independence being able to aspire to my goals. The job provides me an opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge.
# What Do You Want Other Women to Know About Working in This Industry?
Being a young black woman being the first graduate within my family means that I am my ancestors wildest dream and being an independent young woman that aspires to great things I truly believe that every woman can achieve everything their hearts desires
“You are responsible for your own happiness”
MAMELLO TALENG
LUVHENGO RAMADOLELA
Installations Coordinator
# What Does Your Role Mean to You?
It means fully embracing responsibility for my work and continually aiming to excel in my field.
# What Do You Want Other Women to Know About Working in This Industry?
There is always room for one more, and the continuous evolution keeps it thrilling and far from dull.
“Keep moving forward.”
# The Significance of Your Role
Being a sales agent is more than closing deals. It’s about building trust, understanding clients, and offering solutions that help. This role requires persistence, empathy, and strategy. I’m proud to contribute to the company’s success.
# Insights for Women Entering This Field
I urge women to see sales as an empowering and rewarding career. You don’t need to change who you are to succeed. Sales is about building trust, solving problems, and delivering real value.
“Own your power, always.”
THATO SITHOLE
Business Development Representative ISP Coordinator
# What Does Your Role Mean to You?
My role holds significant meaning as it allows me to ensure that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are listened to, while also assisting end users in communicating with their ISPs on their behalf.
# What Do You Want Other Women to Know About Working in This Industry?
I want women to understand that the world of fiber optics is not exclusively for men; there is a place for women here as well.
“Turning dreams into a reality”
THE FEMALE
SYLVIA GROENING
Human Resources Supervisor
# The Significance of Your Role
Providing the necessary support to both the business by ensuring the right people are in the right roles and the employees by creating fair, supportive and legally compliant workplace
# Insights for Women Entering This Field
HR is more than a job; it’s a commitment to supporting people. When you have a genuine drive to help people, everything else naturally falls into place
“First impressions are just chapter 1.”
AVAH MACHOGA
Reseller Sales Manager
# What Does Your Role Mean to You?
As a sales manager, you are not just selling-you are building partnerships,solving business problems and influencing outcomes. Your ability to listen, build trust and think long-term is a huge asset this industry is competitive you snooze you lose.
# What Do You Want Other Women to Know About Working in This Industry?
As a sales manager,you are not just selling-you are building partnerships,solving business problems and influencing outcomes. Your ability to listen, build trust and think long-term is a huge asset this industry is competitive you snooze you lose.
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
MAMPHUTI MTSHWENI
Accounts Coordinator
# What Does Your Role Mean to You?
To me, working in finance means being a steward of value—both in the literal sense of managing money and in the broader sense of enabling better decisionmaking. My role is about more than just numbers; it’s about trust, integrity, and impact.
# What Do You Want Other Women to Know About Working in This Industry?
Focus and Determination
“Discipline is freedom”
CONNECTION
SCHOOL UPDATE
MIDDELBURG’S CUTTING-EDGE LEARNING TECHNOLOGY!
Laerskool Denesig, traditionally known as Dennies, stands as proof that the internet is fast transforming the world. The Cultural Heartland-based school in Mpumalanga has taken to the digital revolution like a duck to water.
Since 2017, the school has never recorded a pass rate below 97%, thanks in part to its strong digital position, with significant investments ensuring it is not left behind.
In his own words, Principal Werner du Plessis admitted that Evotel’s connectivity initiative has brought cutting-edge learning technology to the school, situated on OR Tambo Street.
On a quiet Tuesday morning around 11 am, learners were scattered in groups with their lunchboxes, clad in lime and black school blazers and scarves against the nippy weather.
Within minutes of the siren sounding, the entire schoolyard went silent as every learner returned to class.
That discipline, instilled by Du Plessis, is one of the reasons the school’s impressive pass rate attracts parents eager to enrol their children –like vultures to prey.
We live in an era where digital transformation is reshaping education globally, and Laerskool Denesig shines as an example of how strategic partnerships can bridge the digital divide in South African schools.
The ever-friendly Du Plessis credits Evotel’s free internet connection as the catalyst that has fundamentally transformed their approach to education. Now, they are taking it to the next level with Robotics and Coding classes, funded through a R350 000 sponsorship.
“The way we used to educate learners has been completely transformed. It’s good that we start them young as they are,” explained Du Plessis, reflecting on the remarkable changes at his institution.
What was once a traditional classroom environment with a dark chalkboard has evolved into a dynamic, technology-enabled learning space that extends beyond school hours.
The transformation began when Evotel, as part of its Community Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, provided the school with complimentary high-speed internet connectivity. This was not just about getting them online – it was about reimagining the entire educational experience.
The most notable change at Laerskool Denesig, which Du Plessis eagerly highlighted, is the installation of touchscreen televisions in every classroom.
These interactive displays have replaced traditional blackboards and projectors, creating an immersive learning environment that engages learners in new ways.
“Now, with touchscreen TVs in each class, we’re recording every lesson,” Du Plessis explained.
This systematic lesson capture has created an invaluable educational resource that extends learning opportunities beyond the traditional school day.
Perhaps the most innovative aspect of this digital transformation, according to Du Plessis, is how it has redefined when and where learning takes place.
The recorded lessons serve a dual purpose: they allow learners to review complex concepts at their own pace, and they create unprecedented opportunities for parental involvement in their children’s education.
“Learners can now watch the recorded lessons with their parents at home or over the weekend, depending on their availability,” he said.
This development has strengthened the homeschool partnership, allowing parents to actively participate in their children’s learning journey and provide support with homework and revision.
The principal attributes these advances to the broader digital migration made possible through Evotel’s contribution.
“This is thanks to the digital migration brought to us for free by Evotel,” he emphasised, highlighting how corporate social responsibility initiatives can profoundly impact educational outcomes.
The free internet connection has eliminated what could have been a significant financial barrier for the school, allowing resources to be redirected to other priorities while still benefiting from cutting-edge technology.
The initiative aligns with broader trends in South African education, where schools are increasingly recognising the importance of digital literacy and technology integration in preparing learners for the modern workforce. As the Dennies continue to leverage their enhanced digital capabilities, the school stands as an inspiring example for other institutions facing similar challenges.
Just 20 km away, at Hoërskool Middelburg, another success story underscores the importance of corporate partnerships in advancing educational equity and demonstrating how free internet access can be a powerful tool for social transformation.
The enthusiasm about Evotel’s connectivity was clear on the face of the school’s technology specialist, Rachel Macdonald, who noted that the free connection reflects a broader recognition that education in the 21st century requires more than just textbooks and traditional teaching methods.
With Evotel’s support, Hoërskool Middelburg has positioned itself at the forefront of educational innovation. The school has consistently maintained a pass rate above 97.1% since 2017, with the Class of 2024 achieving an impressive 99.6%.
Macdonald emphasised that creating a learning environment to prepare learners for an increasingly digital world – while strengthening the vital connection between school and home – is critical. However, she warned that such initiatives require a reliable Internet Service Provider (ISP).
The transformation at Hoërskool Middelburg is a testament to what is possible when technology companies invest in education, proving that free internet access can indeed form the foundation for revolutionary changes in how we teach and learn.
Elsewhere in Middelburg, at Middelburg Primary School – previously profiled on this platform – educators have confirmed that they can now research extensively without the limitations of restricted data access.
MBUSO THUSI’S JOURNEY FROM SOUND ENGINEERING TO
EVOTEL OPTICS!
This is the story of a young man who changed the course of his life and found his calling at Evotel.
Mbuso Thusi’s journey with Evotel is just getting started. As he settles into his newly found career in the fibre space, he has built a new family and looks forward to the future in Welkom, Free State, where he was strategically deployed.
In the heart of Welkom, where dusty roads weave through resilient communities and the future of tech is beginning to take root, Mbuso is redefining what it means to rise with purpose. A driven and dynamic Sales Agent, he is fast becoming one of Evotel’s most promising faces in the Free State region.
What makes his story stand out isn’t just the fact that he’s excelling in one of South Africa’s most competitive sectors – fibre – but also the unexpected journey he’s taken: from soundboards and audio waves to fibre optics and customer calls. He has embraced that change with grace, grit, and a goal-driven mindset.
“I never imagined I’d be in telecommunications,” said Mbuso, adjusting his Evotel-branded jacket during our interview.
“But I’ve come to realise that your skills can serve you in places you never saw coming. After completing my course as a Sound Engineer, I couldn’t find space in the field I had studied for – then boom, Evotel grabbed me, and now I’m captured.”
Armed with a qualification in Sound Engineering from the Music Revolution Sound Academy, Mbuso once envisioned himself immersed in music studios and sound design.
Creativity was, and still is, part of his DNA, but life had other plans – ones that led him towards fibre connections rather than frequency modulations.
When he joined Evotel in 2022, it was his very first job – a leap into uncharted territory.
But instead of retreating, Mbuso leaned in: “At first, it was overwhelming. New terms, new environment, new challenges. But the energy of the team, the mentorship, and the trust they put in me made all the difference.”
While reflecting on how much he enjoys his job at Evotel, Mbuso realised during the interview that he is now approaching his third year at the company –proof that he’s not just adapted but is thriving.
In a city like Welkom, where the need for fast, affordable internet is growing with each passing month, Mbuso has become a familiar name in homes and businesses alike as a talented Sales Agent.
He admitted that he doesn’t just promote fibre – he educates, empowers, and builds lasting relationships with clients, even when those relationships are challenging at first.
Mbuso’s approach is rooted in community understanding. He knows what’s at stake: fibre connection isn’t just about streaming TV or browsing social media – it’s about children being able to do homework, adults being able to apply for jobs, and small businesses being able to trade online.
“When someone says, ‘My child passed because they could study online,’ I know I’ve done more than make a sale – I’ve made a difference,” he said.
Born into a family with deep roots – his father originally from Durban – Mbuso is guided by values of hard work, humility, and ambition. These qualities have helped him stay grounded even as his career begins to take flight.
Despite the challenges that come with sales –targets, rejections, and tight deadlines – Mbuso remains cool as a cucumber under pressure.
“You have to believe in what you’re offering. Evotel isn’t just a job for me. It’s the beginning of something bigger,” he said, indicating that he’s gunning for greater things.
Indeed, his eyes are set firmly on the horizon. Mbuso dreams of climbing the corporate ladder within the company, ultimately leading a Regional Sales Team or even managing operations beyond the Free State.
“There’s so much room to grow here. I want to mentor others one day, just like I was mentored. I want to be that person others look to for direction,” he said.
In many ways, he is a living embodiment of Evotel’s brand values – progress, innovation, and local empowerment – as inspired by CEO Alex Kleingeld.
The company’s commitment to hiring talent from within communities and fostering growth is paying off through employees like him.
EXPRESSION OF THE MONTH:
GROWING TOGETHER THROUGH FIBRE TECHNOLOGY
Growth is one of the most natural parts of being human.
From the moment we are born, we are wired to learn, to adapt, and to move forward.
The same is true for businesses, communities, and even technology.
Every innovation is a reflection of human progress and today, fibre technology is one of the clearest examples of how growth and adaptation shape our future.
For many people, adopting fibre isn’t just about faster internet speeds.
It’s about opening the door to new opportunities or allowing us to explore new possibilities.
A student in an underserved community, once limited by slow connectivity, can now access online learning without interruption.
A small business owner can run their operations seamlessly, connecting with clients across the world as if they were next door.
Families can stay closer than ever, sharing life’s moments instantly with loved ones no matter where they are.
Fibre doesn’t just connect homes it connects lives, dreams, and futures.
And just like with any kind of growth, there’s always an adjustment period.
Change can feel uncertain at first.
But with openness and resilience, people quickly discover that what once seemed complicated is actually the path to empowerment.
The adoption of fibre mirrors our own human journey. We take a step into the unknown, we learn, we adapt, and ultimately, we thrive.
As a company, our role goes far beyond building networks or laying fibre cables. We are enablers of growth.
Every installation is more than just a technical achievement; it is the start of a story of progress.
We are helping create the infrastructure that allows businesses to expand, children to learn, and families to stay connected. What we build today fuels the growth of tomorrow.
The truth is, human growth and fibre technology share a powerful common thread – they both unlock potential.
Growth is about becoming more than we were yesterday, and fibre gives us the tools to do exactly that in the digital age.
It’s an investment not just in technology, but in people, in possibilities, and in the belief that our communities and clients can rise to meet the challenges of the future.
Together, we have built more than just networks we are building progress. And when people and technology grow hand in hand, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.
Here’s to growth.Here’s to connectivity.
Here’s to the future with Evotel.
