An Evotel Production
CYNK – TAKING BOLD STEPS TO EMPOWER SMMES
FROM SMALL EFFORT TO LARGE IMPACT
EMALAHLENI BASKING IN THE GLORY OF FREE INTERNET!
Editor: Mathews Mpete
What’s Inside?
CYNK PROVIDES OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL ISPs!
When CYNK publicly rolled onto the South African telecoms scene this year, it did more than unveil a corporate logo — it dangled a very attractive carrot for local Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
By folding together Net Nine Nine, Evotel, LinkLayer, Magnolia Fibre Tree and Internet for Education (I4E) into a single holding platform, CYNK instantly presents itself as both a scale player and a purpose brand.
On the one hand, it promises infrastructure and market reach; on the other, it promises social-impact projects that sit well with communities and funders.
That mix is intoxicating for ISPs, partners and investors alike.
Here’s why that carrot looks so fat: CYNK isn’t a paper exercise. The group’s public messaging points to over 400 000 homes passed, a substantial live customer base and a sizable workforce.
These are the metrics that sell to municipalities, schools, corporate procurement teams and anchor clients.
Those are the exact credentials an ISP wants when trying to win large builds, municipal partnerships or education contracts.
In short, association with CYNK can shortcut trust and scale hurdles for many vendors and sub-brands.
Second, and more strategically, CYNK bundles capabilities that matter across the value chain — open-access fibre, closedaccess residential builds, a non-profit for education connectivity and brand distribution channels.
It goes without saying that ISPs must treat the carrot as an option and explore partnerships with CYNK for specific builds or markets.
CYNK has been seen as a nation-building partner to many ISPs and has rearranged the deck for South African connectivity.
For many ISPs, the new holding company is an irresistible carrot — but carrots don’t remove the farmer’s hand.
The future we want is one where scale and social purpose amplify competition and choice, not replace them.
CYNK – TAKING BOLD STEPS TO EMPOWER SMMEs
CYNK, one of South Africa’s fastest-growing telecommunications groups, is redefining connectivity by prioritising the needs of previously disadvantaged and underserved communities. The company distinguishes itself not only as an internet provider but as a partner in Mzansi’s digital future.
In line with government’s strategic commitment to Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) ahead of the 2025 G20 Presidency Summit, set for 22–23 November, CYNK is positioning itself as a critical partner in bridging the country’s digital divide and creating meaningful opportunities for communities across South Africa.
Founded by broadband visionary Group CEO, Albert Oosthuysen, CYNK was established early in 2025 through the strategic consolidation of five influential enterprises: Net Nine Nine, Evotel, Magnolia Fibre Tree, Internet for Education and LinkLayer.
Together, these entities form a powerful ecosystem that goes beyond simply providing internet access, delivering integrated digital and economic solutions.
Unlike traditional internet service providers, CYNK is purpose-built to address South Africa’s unique challenges: unequal internet access, affordability barriers and digital literacy gaps.
With more than 400 000 clients, the group has already made measurable impact by connecting over 222 schools across eight provinces with free internet, donating more than 50 computers this year alone, creating thousands of jobs and equipping SMMEs with essential digital skills and tools.
CYNK’s impact extends deep into rural and township communities, where access to digital infrastructure has historically been limited.
In Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, Wood and Raw Primary School now boasts its first-ever computer lab and unlimited internet access, thanks to Net Nine Nine’s donation of 30 computers and laptops at Dumisani Makhaye Village, City of uMhlathuze, on 25 June 2025.
This milestone transformed teaching from “unplugged” coding theory to hands-on digital learning.
Similarly, TM Letlhake Secondary School in Westonaria recently received 15 laptops for its educators, enabling teachers to embrace digital resources for planning, administration and classroom innovation.
These initiatives are complemented by additional social investment programmes, including the distribution of hundreds of school shoes to learners in need — the most recent being at Spectrum Primary School in Ennerdale Extension 5, Johannesburg.
“Connectivity changes everything, but access must be inclusive,” said CYNK’s Head of Marketing, Richard Genlloud.
“By equipping teachers and learners, we are investing in the future of education in South Africa.”
Beyond education, CYNK is actively strengthening township and rural economies.
South Africa faces a national unemployment crisis, with rates above 36% overall and youth unemployment at 44%, as reported by Statistics South Africa in July 2025.
CYNK has taken bold steps to empower small businesses and entrepreneurs through its Fibre Experience Centres, with more than 160 established nationwide.
These hubs provide digital infrastructure and customer access that help small enterprises grow, attract new clients and build resilience.
“Our aim is to help businesses succeed and contribute to stronger local economies,” Genlloud explained.
For Oosthuysen, CYNK’s mission is both personal and national:
“We need to bridge the digital divide and then the economic gap. The freedom of access to opportunity is the biggest challenge facing South Africa on a daily basis. We believe the best way to access opportunity is through the internet.”
By aligning with South Africa’s national priorities and the global G20 agenda on digital transformation, CYNK is not just connecting homes and businesses — it is laying the foundation for inclusive growth, social development and economic opportunity.
The Man Behind the Vision
Oosthuysen, a passionate and forwardthinking South African executive, grew up in Port Elizabeth. He developed a deep love for South Africa in his early years but quickly realised there was still much work to be done before the country could achieve its dream of an equitable society.
You can connect with CYNK Group at:
www.cynk.co.za www.netninenine.co.za www.evotel.co.za www.linklayer.co.za
And on all major social media platforms.
EVOTEL BRINGS DIGNITY THROUGH SHOE DRIVE
In Ennerdale Extension 5, hope arrived in the form of new school shoes at Spectrum Primary School — and the effort was well worth it.
Fibre Network Operator Evotel, a member of the CYNK Group, partnered with passionate community champion Levona Steenveld to bring dignity, warmth and renewed confidence to learners at the school, which is surrounded by informal settlements in Johannesburg South, through a large-scale donation drive.
This initiative forms part of Evotel’s longrunning Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme, which has for years provided essential support to underprivileged children across South Africa. And the drive isn’t slowing down.
The company’s latest partnership with Steenveld reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind because of poverty or difficult family circumstances.
For Steenveld, the project is deeply personal.
Her daily presence in classrooms and on playgrounds has exposed her to the silent struggles many children face, especially through her work with school feeding schemes.
“Walking into these schools, I could clearly see how many learners were vulnerable and underprivileged.”
“Close to 60% of them come from really difficult home environments — some from impoverished families, others from druginfested households,” Steenveld explained.
Many of these children attend school barefoot or in tattered shoes, braving cold and rainy mornings without proper protection, often wearing torn jerseys, trousers or skirts.
Over the years, Steenveld responded by identifying a few of the most desperate cases and gathering enough resources to buy five or six pairs at a time.
But the need was overwhelming.
Through her organisation, All Is Restored (AIR), the former police officer — with 16 years of service and multiple community upliftment awards — has spent more than 14 years working in local schools, running prevention and awareness programmes while supporting vulnerable learners.
Evotel answered her call for help. Nadia Smith, Marketing Manager, couldn’t ignore the chance to make a meaningful contribution toward South Africa’s future.
What began as a small donation quickly grew far beyond expectations.
Together with Steenveld, the company distributed more than 64 pairs of brand-new school shoes to learners who needed them most.
The impact was immediate and deeply moving. Children who had endured ridicule or discomfort because of their worn-out shoes now walked taller, prouder and more comfortably.
“We simply could not wait any longer for some of them,” said Steenveld. “They were walking barefoot in the rain and cold. We had to get them proper shoes right away.”
This drive marked a milestone for Steenveld — her first large-scale shoe distribution after years of small, ad hoc efforts. With Evotel’s support, she was finally able to meet the needs of dozens of children at once.
But Steenveld’s work doesn’t end with shoes.
Through All Is Restored, she coordinates regular visits from volunteers, including barbers who give learners free haircuts.
Supported by organisations like McDonald’s Mzansi Together, these visits provide grooming and self-care for children whose families often cannot afford such services.
“We believe when you look good, you feel good,” Steenveld said.
“It’s amazing how a simple haircut or proper school shoes can transform a child’s confidence. They start feeling that they belong, that they’re not different from the other kids.
And that can change everything about how they view themselves and their future.”
Most Spectrum Primary learners come from surrounding informal settlements such as Lolly One, Lolly Two, Kokotela, Lake View and Extension Four, while others travel from as far as Orange Farm. Poverty, instability and fractured family structures shape their daily lives.
Yet Steenveld insists these children carry within them the potential to become South Africa’s future doctors, nurses, leaders and innovators.
“It’s sad that many of them think their circumstances define them,” she said. “That’s why I’m in the schools — to push them to dream bigger than their environment.”
She also called on more corporates to step forward: “Not everyone is in this work for money. Some of us left paying jobs because of passion. Corporates should realise that investing in children is investing in South Africa’s future.”
For Evotel, this partnership aligns with its philosophy of giving back to the communities it serves. As part of the CYNK Group, the company continues to seek meaningful ways to improve lives beyond fibre connectivity — by meeting learners’ most basic needs: dignity, self-worth and confidence.
Smith said Evotel is helping unlock the potential of the next generation.
For Steenveld, the support has been life-changing:
“I wish more companies would do what Evotel has done. Together, we can restore hope to children who might otherwise believe they’re destined to repeat the cycles of poverty and addiction they were born into.”
EMALAHLENI BASKING IN THE GLORY OF FREE INTERNET!
As Emalahleni, previously known as Witbank, takes a bold step into the digital age, its schoolchildren are now better equipped to dream bigger, study smarter and compete globally — proving that with the right internet infrastructure, every community has the potential to thrive.
And none other than Evotel has made it possible for this community, surrounded by coal mines and still struggling with patchy LTE and financial hardship.
Many of the schools may appear well developed, but their connectivity nightmare has long been a silent crisis, often blamed on the smoke and dust hanging over the town from the mines.
In a major boost for education in the Mpumalanga town, Evotel has stepped in to provide free, reliable fibre internet to 12 local schools, transforming how learners and educators access information and prepare for their futures.
For years, many schools in the area have battled with poor connectivity, limited access to online learning resources, and the inability to participate fully in South Africa’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Emalahleni’s infrastructure challenges, compounded by economic hardships linked to the decline in coal mining, have made access to technology an uphill battle for many families.
But thanks to Evotel’s latest initiative, thousands of learners now have access to high-speed internet at school — a resource that has become essential for modern education.
The connected schools include Laerskool Panorama, Laerskool Klipfontein, HTS Witbank, Hoërskool Reyno Park, Hoërskool Patriot, Robert Carruthers School, Hoërskool General Hertzog, St Thomas Aquinas, Thomas Percy Sililo Secondary School, Laerskool Reynorif, Laerskool Taalfees and Kragbron.
Today, Emalahleni is a town in transition.
While its economy has historically relied on coal mining, many young people and educators have found themselves cut off from the digital economy because of inadequate internet infrastructure.
Recognising this, Evotel has made a strategic commitment to roll out its fibre network beyond wealthy suburbs and into underserved communities, ensuring that connectivity is not a privilege for a few but a right for all learners.
“Education is the foundation of a thriving society,” said Robert Carruthers School deputy principal, Mr Olivier.
“By providing fibre internet to schools in Emalahleni, Evotel has invested in the next generation of South Africans. Learners need access to the same quality digital resources to build a more equal and competitive society.”
The impact of this initiative is already visible.
A visit to Hoërskool Reyno Park, Thomas Percy Sililo Secondary School and Robert Carruthers School revealed classrooms buzzing with activity as learners and teachers used their new internet connections to prepare for final-year examinations.
At Hoërskool Reyno Park, teachers explained how the connection has allowed them to access and share digital study materials more easily, conduct online revision sessions and provide learners with past exam papers and supplementary resources at the click of a button.
“Our learners now have access to educational videos, interactive learning platforms and research tools. They can collaborate, research and learn in ways they couldn’t before,” said one teacher at the reception area.
At Thomas Percy Sililo Secondary School, learners were working on digital study guides and joining online revision groups with their peers.
Robert Carruthers School has also embraced the fibre connection to introduce more interactive and digital-based learning methods, integrating online assessments and virtual learning tools to support exam preparation.
Beyond helping learners, the connectivity has empowered educators too.
Many teachers now use online platforms to access professional development courses, share lesson plans and collaborate with colleagues.
Evotel’s initiative in Emalahleni is part of a broader vision to bridge South Africa’s digital divide. In many towns, a lack of connectivity has reinforced inequality — where learners in well-resourced schools enjoy high-speed access to the world’s knowledge, while those in poorer communities are left behind.
By providing free internet to schools, Evotel is not only supporting teaching and learning but also empowering communities with tools for the future.
It’s a step towards ensuring that learners from mining towns like Emalahleni can compete on an equal footing with their peers in urban centres such as Johannesburg and Pretoria.
As final-year exams approach, the excitement and sense of possibility in the connected schools are palpable.
Evotel’s investment in Emalahleni shows how partnerships between the private sector and communities can make a meaningful difference in education.
By empowering schools, learners and teachers with digital tools, the company is laying the groundwork for a brighter, more connected future for South Africa’s youth.
FUTURE4BABY: A LIFELINE OF HOPE FOR YOUNG MOTHERS!
In a country where many young women face daily social and economic challenges, a grassroots initiative is lighting a beacon of hope - the Future4Baby.
This baby project, founded and led by Ingrid Louw, was launched to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young South African mothers - particularly teenage moms - in underserved communities across South Africa.
This initiative is not a corporate idea born in a boardroom, it began at home, driven by one woman’s personal mission to confront the pressing issues of teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence (GBV).
Through her heartfelt work, Ingrid Louw has rallied support from community members, private partners, and influential voices who believe in empowering young women and their children to build brighter futures.
One of the initiative’s key partners is a newly established CYNK, a fibre network company comprising five influentials companies –Evotel, Net Nine Nine, Magnolia Fibre Tree, Internet for Education and LinkLayercommitted to bringing high-speed internet to areas like Alexandra and other underserved suburbs.
These are communities often left behind in the digital transformation, where access to reliable internet is still a privilege rather than a right.
“Future4Baby is a first-of-its-kind, registered not-for-profit, social impact project at the intersection of environmental sustainability, social justice, and economic transformation,” explained Louw.
“We deliver a groundbreaking, endto-end model that solves for climate change, poverty, education, employment, and economic well-being via our microentrepreneurship programmes.
“We give tangible, direct support to young mothers, including adolescent mothers, to ensure that their at-risk babies are kept in homes and do not feel the need to give them up or abandon them. Above all, the support given to the adolescent mothers encourages them to return to school or remain in school so that they can ‘re-envision’ their lives.”
Founder: Ingrid Louw
Jacqueline Zwambila
Slindelo Masikane
By integrating Corporate Social Investment (CSI) into its rollout strategy, it aims to ensure vulnerable groups, especially women and children, are not left behind in the digital age, and the young mamas could also catch up with the rest of the world while still nursing infants at home.
Among those publicly standing in solidarity with Ingrid is Jacqueline Zwambila, a retired politician and lifelong activist for women and girls who has described the initiative as a powerful example of community-driven change.
“I’m proud to stand with Ingrid because what she’s doing is not waiting for others to act - she’s doing it herself. She’s empowering people to take action, to upskill, and to build a better future. This is leadership in action,” said Zwambila.
Special guest Nikki Russon, who runs her own learning and development practice, shared a deeply personal connection to the cause. As a young mother herself years ago, Russon expressed heartfelt admiration for Ingrid’s work and its impact.
“I’ve been there. I was a young mom. It was a daunting journey, just as it is for many of these ladies,” she revealed.
“I really take my hat off to Ingrid for being willing to stand beside them and offer her support to help them go the distance.”
She believes the initiative has limitless potential to grow across provinces: “If Ingrid doesn’t place limits on herself, the sky’s the limit. She can expand this across many provinces and even further. I pray for her success and truly believe she can achieve it.”
Among the many who have lent their voices to the initiative is eNCA investigative reporter Slindelo Masikane who described Future4Baby as a “powerful and muchneeded intervention for vulnerable young mothers in South Africa”.
“When I hear Future4Baby, what comes to mind is hope - hope for a better future,” said Masikane.
“This organisation is bringing a much-needed initiative that addresses real issues in our society. What they’re doing is something we don’t see every day.”
She also highlighted the staggering reality: around 1.2 million babies are born in South Africa each year, with nearly 60% born to single mothers.
Many of these women face severe economic hardship, and initiatives like this offer more than just charity - they offer empowerment. “This isn’t just about money,” emphasised Masikane.
“It’s about looking around and seeing what we can give. Baby clothes, prams, blankets -items people no longer need can change someone’s life. Everyone can contribute, no matter how small.”
The Future for Baby project is more than a relief effort. It seeks to provide practical, long-term solutions - equipping young mothers with the skills they need to build sustainable livelihoods.
This approach is especially vital in communities such as Soweto and Tembisa, where teenage pregnancy rates remain high.
With community backing and interest from potential partners, the initiative is poised for significant expansion.
Its focus on both immediate support and long-term empowerment reflects a model of change that goes beyond temporary assistance.
Louw’s story is a reminder that real change often begins at home - with one person deciding to act, from a single idea to a growing movement – Future4Baby is proof that compassion, community, and determination can transform lives.
As Nikki Russon said: “She spoke from the heart. She wasn’t reading from a book - she was sharing her real story, and that’s why it reached people deeply.”
FROM SUPPORT TO STRATEGY: THE RISE OF THAPELO ‘DIGGER’ MOPAILO
If there’s one thing that defines Thapelo Mopailo, it’s his remarkable journey of growth — grounded in authenticity and purpose.
Known affectionately as “Thaps” by his colleagues and “Digger” by contractors in the field, Mopailo’s name has become synonymous with reliability, consistency and a hands-on approach to leadership.
Mopailo began his journey with Evotel in early 2020, stepping into the role of Support Team Leader.
From the outset, he showed an exceptional ability to connect with people and solve problems — traits that quickly set him apart.
His sharp understanding of customer needs and operational processes earned him recognition and opened the door to new challenges.
Not long after, Mopailo transitioned to Installation Quality Assurance (QA) Coordinator, where he focused on improving installation standards and ensuring quality control.
His eye for detail and commitment to doing things right the first time made a tangible difference in Evotel’s field operations.
In 2022, his dedication paid off when he was promoted to QA Manager — a pivotal step that allowed him to lead teams and redefine the company’s approach to installation excellence.
By 2023, his growing influence saw him move into the role of Office Manager, expanding his impact into the administrative and operational core of the business.
The momentum didn’t stop there. On 1 March 2024, Thapelo was appointed Operations Manager — a position that brought together everything he had learned along the way: from support and quality assurance to logistics and leadership.
Today, he oversees end-to-end operations, ensuring alignment between teams, maintaining standards and driving the company’s service delivery objectives forward.
But Mopailo’s story is still unfolding.
With a passion for data and strategic insight, he’s setting his sights on becoming a Business Analyst of note — someone who bridges operations and strategy to guide informed business decisions and sustainable growth.
His personal philosophy is what ties it all together.
“Don’t compromise yourself. You’re all you have. In life, finding a voice is speaking and living the truth. Each of you is an original.” This quote from John Grisham inspires him to work harder.
For Mopailo, those words are more than a quote. They’re a way of life — a reminder to stay true to who he is, to lead with integrity and to always strive for excellence without losing authenticity.
From the support desk to the operations boardroom, “Thaps” continues to prove that consistency, humility and a clear vision can turn ambition into achievement — one promotion, one project and one original voice at a time.
THE FIBRE LIFESTYLE:
HOW CONNECTIVITY HAS REDEFINED THE WAY WE LIVE
Ten years ago, the internet was something people used as tool for browsing, emailing, or watching the occasional movie. Now, it’s something far more profound – the foundation of modern living. Fibre connectivity now sits at the centre of our daily routines, our work habits, our relationships, and even the way we experience downtime. It’s more than a tool now, it’s a lifestyle.
A New Way of Living
Life moves at the speed of connection. From the moment we wake up and check our messages, to streaming our favourite series at night, the internet is the thread that ties our day together, and fibre elevates that effortlessly with stability, reliability, and speed that keeps up with every demand.
It’s the difference between adapting to technology and having technology adapt to you – Parents can work while kids study, and side hustles don’t have to collapse under a weak connection. Fibre let’s you do it without compromise.
Empowering Work and Learning
The modern workspace isn’t confined by four walls anymore. Fibre has enabled the rise of hybrid and remote working, allowing people to collaborate with colleagues and clients from anywhere. Meetings happen over high-definition video calls, projects are managed in real time, and productivity is no longer limited by geography.
The same transformation is seen in education. With high-speed fibre, learners can access digital classrooms, online resources, and virtual libraries instantly. It has opened doors to opportunities that once depended on physical location. For families, it means children can learn with confidence and adults can continue upskilling all from home.
Entertainment Without Limits
When it’s time to unwind, fibre brings entertainment to life in the highest quality possible. From 4K streaming and online gaming to music and movie nights that don’t pause to buffer, fibre makes sure your family movie nights don’t include the kids rioting while you try to hold your router closer to the roof.
Households today are filled with multiple connected devices from smart TVs and consoles to tablets and streaming boxes. Fibre ensures everyone can enjoy what they love, simultaneously, without interruption.
A Smarter, Connected Home
The rise of smart technology has transformed how we interact with our living spaces. With fibre as the backbone, smart homes become more than a concept they become a daily convenience.
Security systems stream real-time footage, thermostats learn your habits, voice assistants manage your schedule, and appliances communicate with each other to make life easier. These innovations rely on stable, high-capacity connection – pressures that fibre was built to handle.
Building Connected Communities
Beyond individual homes, fibre builds stronger communities. It enhances local economies, attracts new business opportunities, and ensures that everyone from residents to entrepreneurs — can participate fully in the digital era.
A good connection can shrink distances and open doors — that’s where the real power lies. It bridges gaps between people and places, creating access to information, education, and opportunity. Fibre networks are the digital highways that enable growth and innovation in every community they reach.
The Lifestyle Advantage
Choosing fibre is not just a tech decision it’s a lifestyle choice. It’s about investing in comfort, convenience, and future readiness. It’s about transforming homes into smart spaces, work into freedom, and entertainment into shared experiences.
The fibre lifestyle is one where you’re always connected but more importantly, one where you’re always empowered.
Looking Ahead
As technology continues to evolve, fibre will remain at the heart of it all supporting faster speeds, smarter devices, and greater possibilities. It’s the silent enabler of modern living - whether that’s a 2 a.m. gaming session or a call that lands a new client.
So, when we talk about “having fibre,” we’re really talking about having access access to a better way of life. Because in today’s world, true connection isn’t just about being online. It’s about living fully, freely, and seamlessly connected.
