WE CONNECT YOUTH WITH JOBS!
In KZN we say, Sawubona; in Rustenburg, Dumela; and in the Eastern Cape, Molweni.
This month marks close to five decades since the lives lost on June 16, 1976—48 years ago—during the Soweto Uprising. Our school children were massacred, and today, there’s little we can do but commemorate that terrible day by bringing together youth from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of common vision.
While some can relate to the day’s events, others can only relive the moment through visuals shared by top political photographers like Sam Nzima and Alf Khumalo, and videos by the cameramen of the time.
As part of our efforts to heal the broken hearts from that time, we, as the best internet service provider (ISP), have committed to contributing immensely by creating numerous opportunities for the youth of South Africa, and more importantly, offering permanent employment.
This month of June is dear to us as a brand. We are growing at a speed we never anticipated! It’s our dream to provide more employment for our youth, so poverty will be something they only read about but never experience.
However, since life cannot be predicted, my plea is for the youth to grab every opportunity available, seize it with both hands to bring change to their lives and alleviate hunger at home. We are a nation desperate to move forward, and the youth can save us.
I am pleased to announce that we will soon have our footprints in the Eastern Cape, North West, and parts of KwaZulu Natal, where they have been calling our name. In KZN, we say Sawubona; in Rustenburg, Dumela; and in the Eastern Cape, Molweni—this is how we foster relations with our people.
With this, they will know that we are not robots but real people who grew up under the same conditions as theirs. The majority of our staff come from the same dusty streets, but Net Nine Nine has managed to change their lives for the better.
Do not forget, we have nine stores across the country: Westonaria, Kagiso, KwaGuqa, Mhluzi, Thabong, Phuthaditjhaba, Rocklands, GaRankuwa, and Hammanskraal. I expect you to visit us and sign up for your uninterrupted fibre internet.
Give us a try, and you won’t regret it!
Dr Nicholas Thipe
About 80% of our staff are under 35, meaning they’re still within their youth bracket. It gives us great pleasure to see their pride renewed and not living under the same conditions as those in the 1960s and 1970s when the youth didn’t matter. These hardworking individuals carry a company like Net Nine Nine. I hope my fellow employees read this with admiration, knowing the contribution we are all making to eradicate poverty in our land. 03 04 06 09 10 13 15 14
housekeeping envoy speaks!
Dr Nicholas Thipe
OUR HOUSEKEEPING ENVOY SPEAKS!
You need uninterrupted Net99 internet to manage your business’– Mbali Nhlapo, proud ambassador
If you’re chronically on social media, then you should be familiar with the phrase:
“My name is Mbali Nhlapo, and I’m the Housekeeper.”
This introduction by the 41-year-old from Soweto, Johannesburg, is also the title of her housekeeping book. She has garnered over 788,000 followers on TikTok, 228,000 friends on Facebook, and many other platforms where she markets her craft.
As the owner and managing director of Sisters@Work, a cleaning services company, Mbali Nhlapo serves as one of Net Nine Nine’s ambassadors. Her contribution to the brand has been noted with distinction.
She reserved a few hours for Net99’s “Be a Hero” campaign amidst her busy schedule to chat more about her company and her involvement with South Africa’s leading internet service provider (ISP). She seemed to enjoy the conversation, as evidenced by the broad smile she wore throughout the interview.
Mbali emphasized that no one can survive in this day and age without an internet connection. “Marketing-wise, to find business and clients, you need to expose yourself on the internet. Flyers might contribute 10% of your daily promotions, but the internet guarantees you 90% promotion,” declared the former sales agent.
Net99 has given Mbali Nhlapo and Sisters@Work more exposure than they ever imagined. “I would recommend people to join Net99 as one of the best internet fibre companies.”
“We always advise our clients across the country to join Net99. It makes it easy for them to connect with us, and we can advise them on how to deal with their challenges, which is our specialty.” Nhlapo continues,
“Yes, we have a cleaning book they can buy, but connecting with us immediately requires the internet.
For example, if you’re battling to degrease those stubborn stains on your stove, you can quickly connect with us via the internet rather than referring to the book.
“Remember, the greasy stains need to be removed immediately. This is where we use the internet, and it gets my immediate attention, so you’re done for the day
Mbali attends to her clients three times a day through TikTok live sessions, where she interacts with clients seeking solutions to their troubles. She attends to them personally and immediately, thanks to the internet.
“This is where Net99’s internet plays a big role. There’s no buffering or interrupted service. For two hours, I’ve never had an issue of ‘I cannot hear you properly,’” she revealed with a smile while holding an optical network terminal (ONT) device.
“As a client of Net99, their team is always there for their clients and responds quickly. We need companies that look after their clients. They send their team promptly to attend to challenges, and they’re just a phone call away. All Net99 employees are friendly and connected to their clients; they’re not robots.”
Mbali recounted how Sisters@Work was formed. “It started when my sister-in-law was on maternity leave in 2015. She had arranged a helper to be picked up on a Sunday, but the lady didn’t show up. Desperate, she called me for help, and I obliged. Being from Soweto and always helping everyone in the community and church, I found a stay-in helper for her. From there, everyone turned to me for help, and I realized this was the start of Sisters@ Work.
“Now it’s 2024, and we consider ourselves veterans in the housekeeping business. We have always used the internet and social media to get our word out to clients. Platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Google, and our website help us find clients. The internet has helped us immensely.”
Mbali Nhlapo and Mathews Mpete
Powered by Net Nine Nine
MEET THE PEACEFUL KING OF KAGISO!
Helmeted ‘Guineafowl’ sounds distinctive double clack-clack about Net99
Sweden-bound Nkosinathi Khumalo, AKA Kgosi, is set for international stardom, thanks to Net Nine Nine’s contribution toward the Kagiso-born artist’s future in the world of the arts.
Affectionately known as Kgaka (Guineafowl in English) in Kagiso where he was born and raised, Khumalo is preparing for a big move abroad to collaborate with celebrated South African painter, poet, sculptor, and musician, Lefifi Tladi, in Sweden next March, where the 75-year-old legend is based.
Khumalo, sitting at his family house on Kagiso Avenue, admitted that his career would not be where it is today without Net Nine Nine’s support and dedication to his success.
Driving through Kagiso’s main road, one is met with a beautifully painted Net Nine Nine house, its vibrant colors bringing light and excitement to fibre internet users in the township. Khumalo, an entrepreneur, arts specialist, events coordinator, and community builder, sits at his parents’ home, now converted into an arts gallery.
He emphasized that Net Nine Nine’s support has been unparalleled in Kagiso, where their most popular store is situated inside the mall at the corner of Kagiso Avenue and Krugersdorp Road. The shop is always packed with happy clients settling their monthly accounts and seeking more services.
Khumalo explained the origin of his relationship with Net Nine Nine: “Three years ago, the manager of Kagiso’s biggest radio station, Westside FM, introduced me to this big brand when they launched fibre internet in Mogale City. They had an event where I was invited as a community builder and influencer.
“I was commissioned to paint murals for their clients, an assignment close to my heart as it falls in the field of arts. I am the first one who drew their paintings. Some of us never anticipated that fibre internet would reach us in townships, and they have broken barriers when it comes to change.”
Nkosinathi Khumalo
NNN
Khumalo continued: “Net99 bought my paintings and supported other artists around our township. They sponsor most of my community service investment (CSI) projects. You can imagine my relationship with them. This noble company has invested in the youth by buying paintings we used in our structures where we educated the youth about the arts.”
He referred to a well-attended ‘sip-and-wine’ event to promote his work: “They captured my story very well through a video documentary produced from the event, and my artwork never looked more international.”
Brian Lavesta Thipe, a craft artist, and Themba Ntaka, both introduced to Net Nine Nine by Khumalo, are among a few talents supported by this internet service provider (ISP). “They are crafting Net99 murals together and perform together,” Khumalo revealed, wearing a branded hoodie.
In September this year, South Africa can expect the biggest arts festival ever in Kagiso, where national and international artists will display their work. “Net Nine Nine is a big community builder, alleviating poverty in townships. Artists are getting paid for their work, and many youth are employed as installers, service providers at the store, contractors, and maintenance staff.
“They’re also developing education in schools by connecting them to free internet. Selected NGOs, SMMEs like chesanyamas, hair salons, carwashes, spaza shops, and others benefit greatly, especially in communities hit hard by unemployment.
“Net Nine Nine is involved in many projects in the township, but as a specialist in the arts, I appreciate how they are part of Business Arts South Africa (BASA). BASA has over 40 members, and they recognize companies that support the arts. This shows they have the best interest of the poor at heart.
“The free business branding of schools and businesses from Net Nine Nine works better than the company could have imagined. They help us with advertising, bringing more clients our way. It’s a direct advertisement for us, something we couldn’t afford.
“I am sponsored with free fibre at my business. It helps when I host events. I share the PIN with guests so they can experience Net Nine Nine’s product. Our lives rely heavily on the internet, and it’s expensive on your own, but Net Nine Nine’s rates are reasonable and affordable.”
Khumalo was thrilled when Net Nine Nine promised to potentially support his trip to Sweden financially. “I was supposed to leave for Europe last year, but financial constraints delayed it. It required about R190,000, which I don’t have. However, it was confirmed I would depart in 2025.
“Once all the travel arrangements are finalized, I can always rely on Net Nine Nine to back me up. They’re already on board. I have an important exhibition with Lefifi Tladi, who is my role model and mentor. Tladi is an international brand, with his work selling for no less than R300,000.
“Being mentored by him would open many doors, including opportunities with governments interested in my paintings. He is currently concluding his arts book, which will be launched in September next year.”
JUST AS WE COULD HAVE RODE INTO THE SUNSET, ALONG CAME THE INTERNET, AND IT TRIPLED THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PC
- ANDY
GROVE
“
IF IT ISN’T CHOKO, 5-TIGA OR KLIPA Schools connected free with 1gbps
Net Nine Nine’s campaign to foster change in South Africa’s basic educational system isn’t losing speed. The battle continues in the race to catch up with countries such as the United States, Australia, Uruguay, Japan, and Canada, whose educational curricula have gone paperless.
Computer rooms are a necessity for every school, and when internet connection is guaranteed in all Mzansi classrooms can only be ratified by the Department of Basic Education. This is where Net Nine Nine has hit the right nerve, shaking up the entire internet service landscape.
We offer packages that are unparalleled, with schools reserved for 1Gbps connections. But individuals aren’t left to fend for themselves. At Net99, we offer the Mahala Installation, which carries no risks. You can freely surf the net at cheaper rates, shop without buffering, game without interruption, and connect and browse without any challenges.
There’s the R379 per month unlimited CHOKO option, which connects five devices with 20Mbps download and 10Mbps upload speeds, with all installations free and no irritating contracts. For those seeking faster speeds, there’s the 5-TIGA that connects 10 devices at an amazing 50Mbps download and upload for a mere R499 monthly. And then there’s the KLIPA connection costing R699, which connects 15 devices at lightning speed of 100Mbps download and upload.
Now, with all these options, schools are connected at a faster rate of 1Gbps for free, allowing as many computers as needed for easy learning. The costeffective and reliable internet access should be a basic pillar of any future-oriented education system, according to the World Economic Forum.
The Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) international advocacy think tank, based in Cologny, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland, continues to stress its point: “It democratizes learner access to information and educational content, enables teachers to leverage cutting-edge teaching tools, eliminates geographical barriers, and facilitates interaction with teachers and colleagues.
If applied wisely, internet access can also help improve lagging education systems, which are often challenged by issues such as a lack of teachers outside large urban centers and inefficient book distribution logistics.”
This doesn’t resonate well in Africa, but Net Nine Nine’s step is fast-tracking the migration to catch up with the rest of the world. ‘Be a Hero’ visited secondary schools in Rocklands, Bloemfontein, earlier this month, which will be connected for free: Atlehang Secondary School, St Mary’s Secondary School in Bochabela, Hodisa Technical High School, Kgato Secondary School, and Lereko Secondary School are all in the process of being connected.
OUR REGIONAL MANAGERS’ HECTIC DIARY!
Ever wondered what goes through the daily life of a Net Nine Nine’s Regional Manager? Worry no more; “Be a Hero” sought answers for you. After reading this, you will understand the activities of our Regional Managers.
Regional managers are leaders of our teams based across the country, mainly looking after the interests of our clients and the company. They are the ones who make the machines tick, ensuring you enjoy our services seamlessly.
We’ve heard inquiries from many of our clients who wanted to understand how Net Nine Nine is so functional and the friendly service they get from our staff in different stores across the country.
MPUMALANGA – MHLUZI and KWAGUQA
The charismatic William Ratladi, Regional Manager from Mpumalanga, who heads the stores in Mhluzi and KwaGuqa, says his life revolves around his clients. He gave the impression that he almost works 24 hours a day, even seven days a week, as he admits to having calls even during weekends.
“My day starts immediately when the store opens, and I make sure that we’re open on time to avoid clients having to wait for staff to arrive,” explained Ratladi. “I ensure everything is organized in the store to operate without any hindrance and sometimes initiate special measures to excite our clients when they arrive to make payments or inquire about our service. The tools of trade are crucial in this business and must be in top working condition, which is my responsibility. Happy and satisfied customers are my priority. They must always get what they want; they’re our bosses, aren’t they?” he said with a chuckle.
He continued: “From the office, I go on to the ground with my team, which includes sales agents. We knock on every door to ensure we bring business to the company while helping communities get connected with internet fiber. It is critical for installations to happen daily and on time as communicated to the client, and our contractors must make sure it happens.”
Interacting with clients and managing staff isn’t everybody’s daily cup of coffee.
GA-RANKUWA – ALL ZONES
and HAMMASKRAAL
Ronny Mofokeng has vast experience in internet fibre, having spent almost a decade connecting people to the best means of communication. The Regional Manager for Ga-Rankuwa and Hammaskraal has set monthly targets for himself and his sales team, “And I’m happy to say we hit the mark everytime.”
“I focus on all activities happening in both regions to ensure we get the desired results monthly. It’s essential to get more attraction everywhere and resolve any issues. Ensuring staff are well trained to interact with clients professionally in line with company policies and codes of conduct is crucial,” said Mofokeng, better known as Maronza.
“We have daily meetings to plan the day and review achievements. There are challenges, but as a Regional Manager, it’s your responsibility to resolve them. Sales agents have targets, and so do I from the head office. Our clients sometimes struggle to understand our service and payment methods and it’s our job to help them understand.”
WESTONARIA – Simunye, Bekkersdal, Glenhavie and Libanon
Lybon Mashinbyi is passionate about his work: “My staff gets a brief on the latest from the company, and we map the way forward for the day. I’m happy to give them the breakdown on targets, and we push each other to meet them. One of the biggest challenges is fibre breaks and having to explain to clients.
KAGISO
Gabisile Mthembu regards herself as a conveyor-belt between the head office, staff, and clients. “I sell a lot,” she revealed. “I have mastered how our clients think and which dates of the month they come to the store for payments.
Verification and billing seem to be our challenges, but we usually resolve them quickly, making our clients happy. Store coordinators communicate a lot with us; if not, we escalate matters to other managers.”
RUSTENBURG - Boitekong
Portia Mbiza sees herself as a salesperson, viewing her title of Regional Manager as just a fancy term. Her job centers around the field and targets, bringing her to the conclusion of being a seller.
She told “Be a Hero”: “Our responsibility is to empower our staff to ensure they know everything about sales and what to do when confronted by challenges. My staff are my friends, and we share everything, building each other up. Our challenges include differences with politicians, often referring matters to councilors. But overall, it’s a job I enjoy.”
FREE STATE – THABONG, PUTHADITJHABA AND ROCKLANDS
Tshepo Maphosho starts his day with a morning meeting to discuss the previous day and provide assistance where necessary. “I start at 8 am at the office, and by 10 o’clock, I venture into the field to train sales agents, especially the bottom performers. I check what could be hindering their performance. From there, I focus on team leaders who need my attention. Everyone can be a sales agent, but not everyone can be a leader. It’s my responsibility to ensure leaders lead.”
Maphosho’s main concern is the youth in the Free State who seem uninterested in working. “Most people who want to work are not capable of doing the job. Some are eager but not cut out for it. Some come and work for a week and leave. That’s how hard it is on the ground. It’s crucial for me as a Regional Manager to stay updated on the happenings around my area.”
William Ratladi, Portia Mbiza, Lybon Mashinbyi, Gabisile Mthembu, Tshepo Maphosho, Ronny Mofokeng
A ‘CHAMPION’ HAS FALLEN!
‘Blesser ya Radio’ remembered by Net99, his contacts to remain in our cellphone for infinity
Oh, what a terrible week it was! The first week of June didn’t go well for many of the Net Nine Nine staff, who lost a steward dedicated to his craft. He was regarded by many as a “soldier” and an “influencer of note” by those who spent time with him and understood him better.
Known to some as Mampudi and to the majority as Champion, he was referred to by his Radio Motheo FM listeners as “Blesser ya Radio” because of his ways of connecting with the microphone. Nonetheless, one builds their profile while still alive and is celebrated based on what they leave behind, like the Motheo FM show host, the listeners’ favorite “bosso ya moya.”
Unfortunately, all those who loved him got the shock of their lives on June 2 when they woke up to news of the untimely death of 31-year-old Mohlophehi Mokoena, along with his 35-year-old friend Tshepo Tsebe, who were declared dead by paramedics following a car accident believed to have been a hit-and-run. The Free State World, an online Free State publication, reports that the “accident happened on the N8 East National Road between Bloemfontein and Botshabelo.”
Our Net Nine Nine team, led by Chief of Staff Nicholas Thipe, immediately rushed to Bloemfontein to understand what really happened and to pass on condolences from all the staff of the company.
The last time Champion interacted with the team was in the last week of May when he was active visiting schools to be connected with free fibre internet, accompanied by Skuzabell, another Net99 influencer in the province. His close friend, Nelson Jonkoro, who had known him since 2015 while Mokoena was an SABC radio sports producer for Lesedi FM, was deeply affected along with Champion’s family.
“This past weekend has been one of the most difficult for me to experience after receiving a call in the early hours of Sunday morning,” recalled Jonkoro through his social media page. “We happened to meet with Champion early in 2015 when his dream was just for me to arrange a meeting for him with Ba2cada or Skuzabell.
Since then, I saw him as a talented soul whom I admired for his radio craft—one of the best. In 2018, the SABC had a match in Lesotho, and somehow Champion made it across the border without a passport because all he wanted was to be with his idols. The following year, we played in a curtain raiser at the Ba2cada Soccer Tournament.
We always had chats about his passion and the reality of having to make a living. I then introduced him to a Net99 Regional Manager in the Free State, and the rest is history. Five days before his death, he showed me his new car. I was anxiously waiting for his wedding, only to attend his funeral. God has his ways. RIP Mfanaghithi.”
Net99’s Shanai Pillay, Marketing Manager also shared her sadness over Champion’s death: “I knew him well. We worked closely on events, and he was always there for us as a brand. He was our Net99 champion, and it happens that he was known as Champion in
I’ve known him since 2022, and when we started building in Rocklands, he hooked us up with celebrities around there because he was well-known and a good presenter on Motheo FM too. This is a big loss for us. Life is short; cherish the people around you and those you love and care about.
The fact that I won’t be able to pick up a phone and call Champion devastates me. Going to Rocklands without him will be heartbreaking. He will always be a part of our lives.”
AN INSIGHT INTO THE BILLING DEPARTMENT With Buhlebenkosi Nonqandela
If you had asked me a year 6 months ago what my professional life would be, I would have not guessed it would be as colourful as it is now. I had an opportunity to join Net99, and things have changed for the better in this short space of time. My name is Buhlebenkosi Nonqandela, a multidisciplinary artist who is now a Billing Manager at one of the fastest growing companies in the fibre industry and this is my story.
I joined Net99 in December 2022 and I remember the day of my induction vividly. This is because of the free-spirited culture, the love and the environment it was and still is.
I started as a Billing Coordinator with limited knowledge about the position but under the guidance of other employees, I learned a lot and my passion and hard work would see me soaring to greater heights soon becoming a team Leader in less than 3 months, leading the team to meeting target for the first time in March of 2023.
Little did I know that this small victory would be the beginning my leadership of the Billing Department. Expectations were set, challenges arose, and responsibilities were added, and we grew from a team of four to 12 funny, hardworking, dedicated team members who contribute immensely to my growth as a leader. And we still smash projected targets and improved our processes from under 7000 clients to over 20 000 clients to successfully bill and provide assistance with their accounts.
Our job is technical and very human based, it requires personal touch as we deal with all kinds of clients from different walks of life in and around South Africa. Our goal is to continue taking Net99 to greater heights.
As a department that is growing faster than I could have imagined, we do have some hiccups along the way, but nothing that could hinder our growth because I pride myself in having a very innovative team that makes weathering any storms smooth sailing.
I’m Buhle Nonqandela, Net Nine Nine’s Billing Manager, and I am here to resolve your billing matters – always at your service.
Satisfied Clients
Mandla M -Good network
Delta B
The service provided by Uveshni was magnificent, and she went above in providing support and service to me. I rate her 10 out of 10 she deserve employee of the month of June. Thank you so much Uv for the wonderful service provided. I appreciate so much
Taona R
Thanks to Lebogang Moorosi wth her customer gud n fast service she showed me on my WiFi problem today she’s a star
Emmanuel N
Satisfied customer
I had a problem with my connectivity and got assisted by Kananelo with that, gladly want to say, I am a satisfied customer by the service I received from the guy, top-notch.
Hape L
Distance doesn’t prevail assistance, Mr Masukela April effectively help me troubleshoot my network as I couldn’t access some websites Thank you a lot sir for your patience.
Howard J
Hi Would like to give Uveshni all stars you can get. Wonderfull consultant. If this company can get more people like this with no doubt this i see this company flying. Keep up the GREAT WORK. No words can explain how much this lady means to this company. May God Bless her.
Tlalane K
I got the best service from Kgosi, every time when I face problems with my Wi-Fi or connection he is always available..... Keep it up the good work
Sharon W
Zamo I don’t know if I spelled her name correctly at Nett Nine Nine is the best she responds quickly and clearly when I contact for assistance with any problem relating to my Net Nine Nine issues. Kind Regards Happy customer AKA Sharon De Wee
Khutso R
This 5 stars goes to MARYJANE I thank you for assisting me by applying a fibre network. The technician came to my house to install a Fibre after we spoke and made payment online
NET NINE NINE FIBRE STORES
Renbro shopping centre, 39 Old Warmbaths road,
Kagiso Mall
Kagiso Dr, Krugersdorp
068 644 4427
elsie@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
063 904 6471
portiam@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
Emhluzi Mall 2/3/4 of erf 12941 Mhluzi Middelburg.
068 633 7385
williamr@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
The Elizabeth Centre
8 Pres Kruger
A Phakathi Drive and, Nkoane Rd
Welkom, Freestate
063 905 9556
lybonm@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
068 636 0310
tshepo@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
Maqhibini Dr, KwaGuqa, Emalahleni, 1073
068 603 4533
williamr@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
Kensworth Centre Moshoeshoe St Mangaung, 9323
063 904 6471
tshepo@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
10115 Motloung Street, Kenzitown Freestate, 9869
068 610 2629
tshepo@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
1122 Kgware road, Unit number 16 Gauteng 0208
068 620 7611
ronnym@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za