CONNECT TO OUR MASSIVE HIGH-TECH ‘BLACK FRIDAY’ SPECIALS!
ADVANCEMENT OF TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOLS IS CRITICAL!
OUR GO TO MEN ON THE GROUND
SATISFIED CLIENTS: YOU SPEAK
WE’RE TRANSFORMING SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNITIES THROUGH FIBRE INTERNET
WE CONNECT WITH ABATHEMBU KING IN MTHATHA!
NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN!
NET NINE NINE IN DEMAND THAN EVER BEFORE!
The South African telecommunications industry is so saturated with internet service providers that it may feel like there’s no room left for new players, creating the impression of a bubble. However, this perception needs to be taken with a pinch of salt, considering the ongoing migration from LTE to fibre internet.
Many organisations that specialised in Long Term Evolution (LTE) – data connections transmitted via radio waves –have now transitioned to fibre internet, a broadband connection designed to reach speeds of up to 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps). It’s an industry already packed with brands competing for customers.
But the question is: what are these new players bringing to the table?
Unlike many others, Net Nine Nine – South Africa’s prolific service connector – has transformed the lives of ordinary people since its inception in 2020. Four years later, on 12 September 2024, the journey to change lives positively continues to the next level.
Despite the tough economic climate, major franchises and retailers are gearing up for the ever-popular Black Friday specials, where selected products are discounted by up to 50%. This is how many of us wrap up the year – spending our annual savings.
In fact, in townships, where we specialise, community social clubs often start saving as a group from January in anticipation of Black Friday, which is scheduled for Friday, 29 November this year, to stock up for the December holidays.
Who doesn’t need cheaper deals these days or any sort of benefit in these challenging times?
That said, Net Nine Nine can’t be left out of the action. Even though we’ve been offering specials better than Black Friday since our launch – with all our affordable internet service packages – we will still be joining the festivities from the start of November, preparing a unique special for you, our valued clients.
How does winning prizes like a PlayStation 5 or a 43-inch smart TV sound?
More like it!
We’ll be spending over R50 000 on our loyal clients who pay their accounts three months in advance, from November to January. They will stand a chance to win either a PS5 worth R12 000 or a state-of-the-art smart TV.
Even better, we’ll also be giving away vouchers for Netflix, Showmax, and other exciting goodies – all up for grabs.
The way we’ve transformed our clients’ lives needs to be celebrated monthly, just to inspire other ISPs to follow suit and support the people who matter.
If you visit Kagiso township today, where Net Nine Nine exclusively launched, you’ll see all the happy clients raving about our reliable service, which doesn’t tie anyone down to unnecessary contracts – that’s how much we trust our offering.
We are not a fly-by-night operator; we are a real, established brand. That’s why we have physical stores across the country, in every township where we operate, reflecting our confidence. We are also expanding rapidly across eight of South Africa’s nine provinces.
As I told MyBroadband recently: “We find that people know what fibre is, but what they don’t realise is that they could also participate in connecting their communities beyond the physical labour.”
“We are changing lives and giving community members skills they never thought they could have – all while providing communities with critical access to affordable connectivity.”
We are training, educating, employing, and uplifting the youth who had already lost hope in life.
Our vision is clear: everyone must be the hero of their own life, and many who took advantage of our services have now taken control of their destinies – that is Net Nine Nine.
Peace out!
Dr Nicholas Thipe
There’s a new sheriff in town, armed with a silver bullet. His rifle is cocked with single-shot ammunition, ready to hit the target. Robert Nene, Net Nine Nine’s newest visionary in Vryheid and Regional Manager for Bhekuzulu, has vowed to live up to the high standards of this top-tier internet service provider and exceed all expectations.
Nene’s role at Net Nine Nine is to lead a team of sales agents from Vryheid’s townships, including Bhekuzulu and Mondlo, ensuring that all homes are connected to fibre internet, transforming lives in the process. He is confident that his experience will enable him to make a meaningful impact in these townships, which are plagued by drug abuse and unemployment.
His first step was to employ a team of about 20 youth from the townships. They were introduced to their new roles on Saturday, 12 October 2024, during the grand store launch at the Top Tile Centre, located in the heart of Vryheid. This store will serve as a hub where clients can apply for new accounts, make payments, and raise queries with the well-trained and dedicated staff.
The highlight of Nene’s successful launch was three major events, kick-started by the vibrant opening, with invaluable support from Net Nine Nine’s astute Events Specialist, Nomvula Mosiea-Tiya. Local politicians were invited to partner with the fibre internet company.
Following the dignified launch, all roads led to the Zululand Mayoral Cup Games, held just a stone’s throw from the store. The games featured various sports, including football (male and female categories), netball, basketball, cricket, and rugby, as part of the build-up to the KwaZulu-Natal Municipal Games at the end of the year.
The next day, Net Nine Nine co-sponsored the Zululand Heritage Festival at the King Zwelithini Hall, where over 1,000 children from local townships competed in cultural events such as poetry, Isicathamiya (won by Ntenga), Maskandi (won by Mshawodi), Umbholoho (won by Inqama), Amakhono Ezandla (won by Philiwe), Shemeni (won by Isigqi), and Indlamu (won by Isiqalo).
The community’s favourite ward councillor, Dasi Mthembu, oversaw the proceedings and praised the initiative: “They spent the day with us today, which is a good thing. This will become an annual festival, and we will raise more responsible youngsters who will represent us well in public spaces,” he said to the cheering crowd.
Nene echoed Mthembu’s sentiments, acknowledging that the Heritage Festival is set to unite and strengthen the community. However, Nene admitted that his start at Net Nine Nine on 2 September 2024 was anything but smooth sailing.
“I started on a Monday, and by the next day, I was told my region had gone live. I had to be in Bhekuzulu, where the store was already prepped for staff interviews and all other preparations,” said Nene, who hails from Umlazi, KZN.
“It wasn’t easy at all, but the Net Nine Nine team of experts in various departments supported me. I’m very grateful for their commitment. That’s why the KZN launch was such a great success – I wouldn’t have made it alone. I was thrown into the deep end, but I managed to stay afloat,” he said.
Armed with a degree in Statistics, Nene is fortunate to have come from a fibre internet background, having worked in the industry for 12 years. He’s found a comfortable home at Net Nine Nine.
“Fibre internet is part of my DNA. I spent 12 years in the industry after leaving my previous job as a statistician, where I worked for just under a year,” quipped Nene.
“Now, my confidence in the industry is paying off, as I’ve just been promoted to manager – a position I’ve never held before. I’m working with a team of young people who have little to no experience in fibre, but within weeks, they’ll be experts under my guidance. Even I’m still learning from my superiors – it’s learning as you go,” he added.
Following the weekend’s packed events, Bhekuzulu has already hit 50% of its monthly target, leaving Nene feeling proud.
“I’ve already surpassed the targets set for us. We’re aiming to double them. We started with a bang! My superior knows my capabilities and has complete confidence in me. Having three successful events in 48 hours was a massive achievement. Vryheid has challenged me, but I’ve worked hard and with the collective support of my Net99 colleagues, I’ve made it. Bhekuzulu has left its mark on my career, and I hope to achieve even more success as time goes on. In sales, it’s all about the numbers. I thrive when I’m on the ground, and that’s where I intend to stay,” he concluded.
Robert Nene(centre) with his Bhekuzulu team
Zululand District Municipality Mayor, Michael Khumalo, accompanied by local municipal leaders from Abaqulusi, Nongoma, Ulundi, uPhongolo, and Dumbe, has made an impassioned plea for Net Nine Nine’s fibre internet to be rolled out across all areas under his jurisdiction.
His sentiments were echoed by Sifiso Eric Mkhwanazi, Abaqulusi Municipality Mayor, who also praised the internet provider, highlighting how the telecommunications company has already transformed lives by employing locals who had been sitting idle at home.
Khumalo, who sponsored the annual Zululand Mayoral Cup held at the Cecil Emmett Sports Complex on Utrecht Street, Vryheid, which ran late into the night on Saturday, 12 October 2024 due to the large number of sporting codes that participated, said that Net Nine Nine’s involvement could mark the beginning of great things to come.
He pledged to support the telecoms company in achieving its goal of connecting every household and institution to the internet, ensuring that the region is no longer left behind in 21st-century technological advancements.
Khumalo’s support carries significant weight, given his influence within the Zululand District Municipality – a Category C municipality located in the north-eastern part of KwaZulu-Natal. According to information provided by the municipality, it is the largest district in the province, covering 16% of its geographical area.
Vryheid and Ulundi are two notable urban centres in the district, serving as a commercial and business hub and a regional and provincial administrative centre, respectively. Vryheid is known for its commerce, while Ulundi primarily serves administrative purposes and is the headquarters of the Zululand District Municipality.
The district is largely rural – about half of its area falls under the jurisdiction of traditional authorities, with the remainder consisting of privately owned commercial farms and protected areas, where mining and roundwood plantations are prominent.
“We are very appreciative of what Net Nine Nine has brought to our lives,” said Khumalo.
“Your consideration of us is of paramount importance, and to see you also sponsoring some of our teams was wonderful. Your presence here was just the cherry on top. Please join us again next year – we would love to make agreements and partner with you moving forward.
“The people are very happy. In fact, we want to expand Net Nine Nine’s connection and roll out infrastructure to other townships like Sasco, Lakeside, and many others. You’ve done excellent work.”
During the Mayoral Cup, the senior men’s teams wore Net Nine Nine-sponsored jerseys in the final, and Khumalo said he hopes to see more such support in the future.
“These games are important to us,” Khumalo added.
“They incorporate all five municipalities within Zululand. This is just preparation for the SALGA Games in December, where we’ll compete with other districts across South Africa. We’re preparing to compete for the provincial trophy at that level.
“These games have been running since 2002, originally known as the Kwanaloga Games. After Kwanaloga was dissolved, we became part of SALGA (South African Local Government Association), and have been participating ever since.”
He noted that Zululand walked away with a bronze medal at last year’s SALGA Games. “We only had four sporting codes last year, but now we’ve added more to meet all the requirements. Like everyone else, we want to win everything – and with Net Nine Nine’s support, we believe it’s possible.”
Mkhwanazi also gave his endorsement of the telecoms company:
“Abaqulusi Municipality welcomes you with open arms. I’m also going to sign up. This is exactly what our people need to improve their lives.”
On 19 October 2024, the Net Nine Nine leadership held a lunch meeting with AbaThembu King, Buyelekhaya Zwelibanzi Dalindyebo KaSabata, at his Palace, Mqhekezweni, where his wife, Queen Khazeka Nolubabalo Mcinga Dalindyebo, was present.
It was a successful meeting at their Mthatha homestead in the Eastern Cape where both respectable Kingdom leaders served a special meal for the Net Nine Nine crew led by CEO Albert Oosthuysen, Chief of Staff, Nicholas Thipe and COO Andrew Cohoe in a meeting where both parties fostered relationship to work together in future.
The fibre internet service provider staff was firstly educated about the Abathembu clan and what their ambition is about the community full of rich history, and lineage of the tribe dates back in the early 19th century when it was historically known as Thembuland.
The Thembus, a Xhosa speaking nation, were firstly led by ancestor Mbulali, whose grandson (named Thembu), led his people from what became the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal to Dedesi in the present-day Transkei region of South Africa, according to Wikipedia.
It explains that the Thembu emerged as unified people during the reign of Ngxeko/Nxekwa, who united clans living in Thembuland into a single political entity, owing allegiance to the Thembu royal family, or “Hala Mvelase.”
Among the famous Thembus include South Africa’s first democratic President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, whose father was a reigning nobleman from a junior branch of the Madiba clan of kings, and Walter Sisulu.
Dalindyebo is reportedly a trained Mkhonto we Sizwe Member, a military wing of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), and went to exile at a young age in Zambia in 1974 living under President Kenneth Kaunda, trained by people like the late Chris Hani.
Dalindyebo returned to South Africa as a 26-year-old in 1989 and was restored as the King of the AbaThembu clan after years of interference in royal and traditional affairs by the then government.
Thipe admitted that it was a great and wise move by Net Nine Nine to visit Mthatha: “We learn something new every day, and this one was another eye opener.”
All greet and sign off with CAMAGU, a Xhosa term frequently used in all situations in which the ancestors are involved, all meant to bless, appease, forgive, praise and to honour.
Net Nine Nine helped fill up Coronation Park in Krugersdorp on Saturday, 5 October, where hordes of enthusiastic music lovers gathered for the second instalment of the Mogale Food Festival, the biggest in the West Rand so far. The telecommunications giant drew attention with its extensive branding, including wall banners, gazebos providing shade for supporters, shark fins, and teardrop banners scattered all over Coronation Park. The park was awash in blue and white as the theme of the day was denim and white tops.
Food stalls and cooler boxes were plentiful as the capacity crowd danced the day away to a dynamic line-up of artists, leaving every muscle sore the next morning after an energetic day of dancing. Various music genres were on offer, but Soul and Amapiano were the big winners, with DJs engaging the crowd in singalongs, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
The line-up included performances from soul music kingpin DJ Young, Kabza De Small, Kingsley, Leletea, ERF Kay, Lamiez Holworthy, legendary Thebe, Maglera Doe Boy, Zozo Mafate, and Two Love Birds. Refiloe Motsei, Kea Leburu, Bongani… Drama, Malume Mdoko, and Palesa were the event hosts, introducing the musicians, and all earned their appearance fees by keeping the crowd entertained until the early hours of the morning.
A Great Offer
Net Nine Nine, a top internet service provider, has committed to empowering such events as part of its initiative to give back to the communities it serves. The company offers the most affordable subscription packages in the country, including R379 for a 20Mbps/10Mbps package known as Choko (supports 5 devices), the popular 5-Tiga for R499, offering 50Mbps/50Mbps (supports 10 devices), and Klipa for R699, delivering 100Mbps/100Mbps (supports 15 devices).
All packages come with free installation and offer unlimited fibre connections, which excited the entire Coronation Park. Many attendees enquired about Net Nine Nine’s services, with the fibre internet company now operating in eight provinces across the country.
Net Nine Nine is a leading South African Fixed Network Operator (FNO) and Internet Service Provider (ISP) that leverages an innovative business model to bring about tangible change in underserved communities through fibre internet.
Since beginning operations exclusively in Kagiso township, Net Nine Nine has rapidly expanded and now offers fibre internet across eight of South Africa’s nine provinces.
The key to Net Nine Nine’s success lies in integrating each community it serves into its core business processes.
Net Nine Nine first engages with community leaders to gain a comprehensive understanding of the community’s needs and identify which members should be hired to facilitate key fibre services in the area.
These community members take on roles such as running the local Net Nine Nine shop and providing customer support to their neighbours.
“We find that people know what fibre is, but most cannot comprehend the fact that they could participate in connecting their communities beyond the physical labour,” said Net Nine Nine Chief of Staff Nicholas Thipe. “We are changing lives and giving community members skills they never thought they could have – all while providing communities with critical access to affordable connectivity.”
At the heart of Net Nine Nine’s vision is a strong focus on bringing the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) to South Africa’s most underserved areas.
“In South Africa at the moment, some children will matriculate without knowing anything about computers,” said Thipe.
“We believe that equipping young South Africans with digital skills and internet access at a young age is crucial to growing South Africa’s economy.”
Thipe noted that many other projects have been launched to give young South Africans the digital tools they need to thrive, but these initiatives have failed due
to their lack of integration into the community.
In contrast, Net Nine Nine becomes an active part of each community it operates in – as an employer, a partner, and a member.
In addition to providing fibre internet access, Net Nine Nine hosts social activities such as football tournaments – encouraging children to lead active and healthy lives. Net Nine Nine is ready to work with both the South African and provincial governments to accelerate the digital growth of underserved communities.
“We’re a great partner for the government because we don’t only have a vision – we also execute,” said Thipe. “We have a track record of success, and we continue to expand our network exponentially.”
This situation makes it difficult for the Minister to realise her vision of digitising schools, as the budget shortfall may turn her aspirations into a mere dream.
In provinces like the Western Cape, we have already seen the painful decision to reduce the number of teaching posts for 2025, a move that could lead to fewer educators in classrooms. This could result in larger class sizes, less individual attention for learners, and ultimately, a risk to the achievement of quality education outcomes.
Unfortunately, other provinces are in a similar position, with many working desperately to avoid cutting budgets for essential services such as textbooks, administrative support, and scholar transport programmes.
The incumbent Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, believes that equipping teachers and educators with digital technology is key to upskilling learners for generations to come, as well as ensuring ongoing staff training.
“Teacher development is critical. We must invest in upskilling our teachers, providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to educate in a rapidly changing world,” said Gwarube, whose department is currently grappling with financial constraints and may seek assistance from ISPs.
“As we enter the digital age, we must embrace technology in our classrooms. This includes providing digital tools, internet access, and training for both teachers and learners to ensure that no child is left behind in the 21st century.”
Gwarube stated that the department plans to invest appropriately in securing infrastructure while addressing other challenges that are hindering the country’s progress beyond the 21st century.
It is no secret that in recent weeks, several provincial departments of education have been vocal about the budget pressures they face. These pressures have been years in the making due to aggressive budget cuts, economic stagnation, and fiscal mismanagement across government, which now threatens to impact schools.
“These budget pressures are not just numbers on a spreadsheet—they translate into fewer teachers, reduced textbooks, and less administrative support, which forces teachers to spend more time on admin work, thereby reducing teaching and learning time. Essentially, the very fabric of our children’s future is under threat.”
“We must adopt and implement economic policies that prioritise growth. We must wholeheartedly support Operation Vulindlela, which aims to remove key obstacles to growth as a step in the right direction,” said Gwarube, indicating that she would need Treasury’s help to digitise schools.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like Net Nine Nine have connected over 40 schools to the internet across the country, a major achievement, with many more still pending activation.
“Regulatory bottlenecks that stifle business growth must be removed, and we must encourage private sector investment in key industries such as manufacturing and technology,” added Gwarube.
As a result, Gwarube revealed that she has requested an urgent meeting with the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, to discuss the matter further.
“We appreciate Treasury’s willingness to engage with the education sector. Ultimately, a solution must be found to protect frontline services,” said Gwarube.
While Gwarube agrees that fixing the economy is crucial, she emphasised the need to rethink how the country invests in education.
She concluded: “Education is not just another expenditure— it is an investment in our country’s future. A well-educated population is the foundation of a prosperous, competitive, and innovative economy. Without it, we cannot hope to address our unemployment crisis or compete globally.
“Our education system is the bedrock of our nation’s future. While we face significant challenges, these are not insurmountable. But they require decisive action and an unwavering commitment to putting education first.”
MHLUZI STEWARDS
Pastor Thulani Sango
Hohannah Masilela
Duduzile Mthombeni
CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686240553
KWA-GUQA STEWARDS
Musa Ncongwane
Ayanda Mathebula
Sbongile Skhosana
CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686083885
GA-RANKUWA STEWARDS
Isaac Mothibi
Dimakatso Themba
Oupa Ramosepele
CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686029135
KAGISO STEWARDS
Themba Manzie
Danny Letlhage
Itumeleng Menyatso CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686245586
WESTONARIA STEWARDS
Richard Nziyana
Jacob Banda CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686177774
ROCKLANDS STEWARDS
Thabo Thaane
Nthabiseng Mokobori
Antronica Sebidi CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686233711
THABONG STEWARDS
Disebo Makume
Sello Makonyane CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686163016
QWAQWA STEWARDS
Christian Ledimo Khekhe Sekere CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686201618
HAMMANSKRAAL STEWARDS
Neoyame Nthite
Norman Maboa
Paulos Mahlangu CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686360536
Khumo M
Lesego Disetlhe is always there to help. Payment link is sent on time when requested.
Molofolo M
II was having problems of not being debited correctly which resulting to my internet connection being suspended. Zamo explained to me nicely how to stay connected, she also helped me to set up a debit. I’m very happy with Net Nine Nine. Keep Shining Zamo
Kenosi vera T
Thank you for your best service, the WiFi is working perfectly we were helped by neo makhele
Nhlanhla M
I was really impressed with how quickly and efficiently Zamo resolved my issue. Her professionalism made a huge difference in my experience with Net nine nine. Thank you Zamo. Keep up the good work.
Nompumelelo Success
I rate Christopher Morobe 5 stars. He was kind, friendly and patient when he offered he’s service to me he wasn’t just a sales agent just selling the product but he was an agent offering re-assurance to a client it was like talking to a friend and not just a sells agent Good job Christopher keep it up. Thanks for your service .
Vhahangwele S
I had a serious problem with my provider my service was down I was having a problem since I work from home but merryjane made sure that they fixed very fast. Thank you guys for such an exceptional service. I highly recommend you.
Lizwelibanzi Shadrack Ntshali
I wish to express my gratitute towards the service towards your clients.I praise Mr Neo Makhele for the wonderful service and experience he offered to me.Highly experiensed and very kind hearted.Glad to have the service of this gentleman.I will recommend Netninenine to everybody who id related to me in anyway.Thank you for that wonderful service with also people ĺike Daisy.
213 Utrecht Street, Vryheid, KwaZuluNatal, 3100
063 904 6471
robertn@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
Kagiso Mall Kagiso Dr, Krugersdorp
The Elizabeth Centre
8 Pres Kruger
Renbro shopping centre, 39 Old Warmbaths road, Kensworth Centre Moshoeshoe St Mangaung, 9323
063 904 6471
portiam@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
068 644 4427
elsie@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
063 905 9556
lybonm@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
A Phakathi Drive and, Nkoane Rd Welkom, Freestate
068 636 0310
tshepo@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
063 905 9556
tshepo@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
Maqhibini Dr, KwaGuqa, Emalahleni, 1073
10115 Motloung Street, Kenzitown Freestate, 9869
1122 Kgware road, Unit number 16 Gauteng 0208
068 603 4533
williamr@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
068 610 2629
tshepo@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
068 620 7611
ronnym@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za