Issue #28| August 2026
www.net99.co.za
BE A
HERO A Net Nine Nine Production
INSIDE CLOSED-ACCESS FIBRE CHANGING DIGITAL LANDSCAPE! FROM PROMISES TO PAY CHEQUES! WOMEN’S DAY ARRIVED IN IKWEZI, MTHATHA!
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KGOTSO GENERAL: CREATIVITY MEETS CONNECTIVITY! NET NINE NINE POWERS THE NEXT GENERATION OF AI LEADERS
CLOSED-ACCESS FIBRE In fact, competition is healthy, but perhaps CHANGING DIGITAL LANDSCAPE!
Africa’s fibre industry needs to evolve from competing over trenches to competing over service, innovation, reliability, affordability and customer experience. A properly planned network can mean less duplication, lower maintenance requirements and more focused infrastructure investment. It also allows the operator to concentrate on what ultimately matters to the person sitting at home or running a business: Does the internet work? Is it reliable? Is the service good? And does the customer feel valued?
Dr Nicholas Thipe
What particularly interests me about Net Nine Nine is that its growth appears to challenge Correct me if I am wrong, but one of the the idea that a closed-access operator has to biggest shifts I am observing in Africa’s fibre remain confined to one geographic market. landscape is the growing momentum behind The company is not simply growing within a closed-access fibre networks. small pocket and going around in circles, but is And, quite frankly, the model makes a lot of expanding its footprint across South Africa’s nine provinces, demonstrating that a focused sense. infrastructure model can potentially scale For years, the fibre conversation has often far beyond its original market. centred on who is building where, who owns which network and how many streets That, to me, is where the real story lies. can be covered, but perhaps the bigger Dr Nicholas Thipe question should be: Are we building fibre infrastructure sustainably and efficiently, with the customer at the centre? This is where the closed-access model becomes interesting, according to market research. Instead of multiple fibre network operators (FNOs) digging up the same streets and deploying competing infrastructure, a closed-access operator such as Net Nine Nine builds and invests in its own network, takes responsibility for its infrastructure and focuses on delivering a reliable experience to its customers. In my view, there is nothing inherently wrong with competition.
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FROM PROMISES TO PAY CHEQUES! In three months, from June to August, Net Nine Nine has created a minimum of 216 job opportunities, with the number drawn from the six regions that were launched in recent months. Moruleng and Tlhabane in Rustenburg, Harrismith in the eastern Free State, Musina, Nkowankowa, Tzaneen and Burgersfort in Greater Tubatse, Limpopo, all benefited from the job opportunities created by Net Nine Nine within the telecommunications space. In simple terms, or to put the job opportunities into perspective, Net Nine Nine creates job opportunities for about 30 sales agents in each region, two store coordinators, two stewards from the same area, as well as a minimum of two resellers. With this, at least 36 jobs are created in each region. At a time when South Africa’s unemployment crisis continues to deepen, Net Nine Nine is showing that job creation does not have to remain a promise on paper, and we have delivered. Statistics South Africa’s latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows that the country’s official unemployment rate increased from 32.7% in the first quarter of 2026 to 33.6% in the second quarter, with the number of unemployed people rising by 345,000 to approximately 8.5 million.
Against that reality, creating 216 jobs in three months may appear small when compared with the national jobs crisis, but job creation is ultimately built one opportunity at a time. The fibre network company has put people to work in remote townships and villages as it accelerates its network rollout and expands connectivity into communities that never dreamt of having fibre in their homes. The development comes at a particularly difficult time for the South African labour market. Against this backdrop, every job matters, and at Net Nine Nine, we do not take it lightly. The company’s fibre expansion model has increasingly focused on creating opportunities for people in the communities where infrastructure is being deployed.
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FIBRE IS MORE THAN AN INTERNET CONNECTION Its approach includes working with contractors and subcontractors and, where necessary, bringing in external expertise while giving local workers opportunities to gain practical skills. For Net Nine Nine, the latest employment numbers are more than statistics, but evidence of what can happen when investment in digital infrastructure is deliberately linked to local economic participation. There has been no shortage of promises about broadband, digital inclusion, township development and job creation in South Africa, and people are lucky to be rolling with Net Nine Nine, or vice versa. Net Nine Nine appears determined to demonstrate that these promises can translate into tangible results, and the results are in the offing, as many walk away with their pay cheques at the end of every month.
spliced and connection activated are people earning an income. A fibre rollout can create opportunities for technicians, installation teams, civil workers, drivers, project personnel, managers and other supporting roles. It can also provide local contractors with experience that can potentially be used beyond a single project, making digital infrastructure an important part of the broader economic development conversation. Net Nine Nine has built a reputation around expanding fibre access into underserved and emerging markets.
The company previously reported that its rollout model had supported 15 primary contractors and more than 50 subcontractors, resulting in an estimated 1,000 jobs. The creation of another approximately 216 jobs over the past three months therefore forms part of a broader strategy rather than being an isolated employment drive. FIBRE IS MORE THAN AN INTERNET CONNECTION The significance of fibre deployment is often measured in homes passed, customers connected and kilometres of network built in the community. But behind every trench dug, cable installed, fibre
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CELEBRATING WOMEN WOMEN’S DAY ARRIVED IN IKWEZI, MTHATHA! Seventy years after more than 20 000 South African women stood together at the Union Buildings and declared that they would not be silenced, the spirit of imbokodo – women of courage, resilience and determination – continues to reverberate across the country. This Women’s Day, 9 August 2026, that spirit found a special home in Ikwezi township in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, where Net Nine Nine brought women together for a celebration centred on empowerment, connection and community. What began as an ordinary day in the township was transformed into a colourful celebration as women from different generations gathered at the Ikwezi Community Hall, where the atmosphere was filled with excitement, conversation, music, laughter and reflection. This came as the community marked one of the most significant periods on South Africa’s calendar – Women’s Month. For Net Nine Nine, the fibre network company, Women’s Day, 9 August, is not simply about commemorating history, but bringing the meaning of that history into the lives of women today. REMEMBERING WOMEN WHO CHANGED HISTORY! South Africa’s National Women’s Day traces its roots to 9 August 1956, when more than 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the apartheid government’s extension of pass laws to African women. They stood in silence for 30 minutes before raising their voices with the now legendary words: “Wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo” – a powerful declaration of women’s strength and resistance. In 2026, South Africa marked the 70th anniversary of that historic march. But while the original march was a demand for freedom, dignity and equality, the challenge today is to ensure that women have the tools, opportunities and platforms to participate fully in the country’s social and economic development. That is precisely where the Ikwezi celebration struck a chord. Net Nine Nine brought that message directly into the community, creating a day that combined celebration with practical empowerment. The event attracted an enthusiastic gathering of women, elderly people
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and youth, with speakers from different government departments sharing information and engaging with the community on issues affecting women and families. Ward councillors also came out in support of the initiative, rallying behind the day’s main speaker, Cllr Siphokazi Njisane, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Human Settlements at the OR Tambo District Municipality. “This is a great initiative, and we are grateful that Net Nine Nine opted for this community of Ikwezi. This is what we call ploughing back to the communities that you serve. Affording an opportunity to the elderly women, some of whom were part of the struggle, will forever remain memorable, plus the goodies that they’ve received from Net Nine Nine,” said Njisane. Prominent local businesswoman Lunka Boya was also among the voices contributing to the day’s programme, bringing a perspective from the local business community and demonstrating the important role women entrepreneurs continue to play in building sustainable communities. “As a businesswoman, I am truly thankful to Net Nine Nine for having improved ways and means on how I was conducting my business. Today was a major success. Women got to be taught about their rights, those with business interest were advised on how to hustle using internet as your gateway to success,” said Boya. The gathering became more than a Women’s Day event; it became a meeting point where government, business and ordinary residents could connect.
ACROSS GENERATIONS! CELEBRATING WOMEN ACROSS GENERATIONS! One of the most meaningful aspects of the Ikwezi celebration was its deliberate focus on older women. While Women’s Day is often associated with young women, leadership and future opportunities, Net Nine Nine recognised that today’s generation stands on the shoulders of mothers and grandmothers who carried communities through some of South Africa’s most difficult periods. The older generation was treated with particular care, with many women receiving warm meals as part of the programme and leaving the Ikwezi Community Hall with an assortment of gifts and goodies, including warm, soft blankets. SIMPLE BUT POWERFUL GESTURE! For some, empowerment is access to technology; for others, it is access to information, healthcare, education or economic opportunities. And sometimes, empowerment begins with something as fundamental as knowing that your community sees you, values you and appreciates your contribution. That is the spirit that defined the day – Knowledge. Opportunity. Connection.
Opportunity allows them to participate meaningfully in the economy. Connection gives them access to people, markets, services and information that can change the direction of their lives. For a company operating in the connectivity space, bringing that message into a community such as Ikwezi is especially significant. Internet connectivity is no longer merely about entertainment or communication, but can open doors to education, entrepreneurship, employment opportunities, government services and new markets. The digital world can give a woman running a small business in a township access to customers far beyond her immediate neighbourhood. It can give a young woman access to learning resources and allow families to access information and services that were once difficult to reach. But connectivity becomes most meaningful when it connects people to opportunity. THE LEGACY CONTINUES! The women who marched in 1956 could not have imagined the digital world in which today’s women live, yet the fundamental principle behind their protest remains relevant: women must have the freedom and opportunity to determine their own futures. The women of Ikwezi therefore gathered not only to remember the past, but to look forward. They represented different generations, backgrounds and experiences, yet shared one common aspiration – a better future for women, families and communities. In 2026, Net Nine Nine’s Ikwezi celebration demonstrated that the same principle remains powerful: when communities come together, when women are given a voice and when knowledge and opportunity are placed within reach, change becomes possible.
The theme behind Net Nine Nine’s celebration was clear: empower women through knowledge, opportunity and connection, because when women rise, communities thrive. Those three pillars are particularly relevant in an increasingly digital South Africa. Knowledge gives women the ability to make informed decisions.
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KGOTSO GENERAL: CREATIVITY MEETS CONNECTIVITY! jumps up and down to express anger and disapproval of what the child has done. The interesting part is that “Kabelo” is actually played by Kgotso’s friend, and the pair continue to draw more followers daily. Together, they create humorous situations that reflect everyday family life, particularly the challenges parents face when raising children. Behind the laughter, however, is a serious message. From Hebron to the digital world, he is demonstrating that when creativity meets connectivity, social media can become more than a place to laugh and scroll. Kgotso General uses the character to encourage children to respect their parents, behave responsibly and understand the importance of discipline at home, an approach he says was adopted from his parents. His approach is simple – deliver important lessons through humour so that young people can listen, relate and learn without feeling lectured.
In the fast-changing world of social media, influence is no longer measured only by followers, but by the conversations created, the behaviour influenced and the lives touched. For Kgotso Moloto, popularly known as “Kgotso General” and recognised through his popular “Mama Kabelo” character, social media has become more than entertainment. It has become a platform for influencing young people, promoting positive behaviour and creating opportunities. Hailing from Hebron in the Madibeng Municipality of the North West, Kgotso General has built a strong social media presence through comedy and relatable family situations. His “Mama Kabelo” character portrays a strict parent who takes no nonsense from a child and
Now, Kgotso General has entered an exciting new chapter by partnering with Net Nine Nine, a fibre network company expanding its footprint in communities including Hebron through the Bakwena ba Mogopa tribe. As a social media influencer and brand ambassador, Kgotso General believes the partnership is a natural fit. For him, the world is increasingly revolving around the internet, and this is where he has always wanted to find himself. “Everything is moving online” is the message behind his embrace of connectivity. He sees how reliable internet is changing lives in Hebron: learners can do homework and research from home, families can stay connected, and
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NET NINE NINE HEROES
Data N entrepreneurs can focus on their businesses, using digital platforms to communicate with customers and market their products.
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Kgotso General believes Net Nine Nine’s presence in the community is helping create an environment where technology becomes part of everyday life, and he is witnessing it daily. For young people especially, he believes the internet should not only be used for entertainment, but should also be used as a classroom, a business platform, a career opportunity and a place to develop talents. That philosophy also shapes his ambitions. Kgotso General wants to create more educational social media platforms aimed at young people, while also reaching adults. His ultimate goal is to use his influence to change lives. His partnership with Net Nine Nine, therefore, goes beyond conventional brand promotion. He says it brings together connectivity, creativity and community influence. Net Nine Nine provides the infrastructure that allows people to connect, while Kgotso General uses his personality and digital platform to communicate with them. The partnership also highlights the changing role of social media influencers. Today’s influencers can be entertainers, educators, entrepreneurs and community voices at the same time.
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BRIDGING THE NET NINE NINE POWERS THE NEXT GENERATION OF AI LEADERS internet provider. It is a catalyst for educational transformation, using connectivity as a bridge to opportunity while helping to close South Africa’s digital divide. More than 170 schools are today connected to the internet for free with Net Nine Nine’s 1 Gbps service across eight provinces, and the number keeps increasing. Recently, the AI vision came to life when Net Nine Nine partnered with TechWays Foundation and Henley Business School learners to sponsor the AI Fluency Introduction Programme for 124 Grade 7 learners at Wood and Raw Primary School in Empangeni, in the northeastern part of KwaZulu-Natal under the uMhlathuze Municipality.
Net Nine Nine is more than a fibre company – it is contributing towards building the future, one connected learner at a time! This is a true reflection of Net Nine Nine’s mission and highlights how fibre connectivity, digital access and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming South Africa’s classrooms. Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a technology of the future; it is already reshaping the way people learn, work, communicate and solve everyday problems, and this is a reality that needs to be accepted. The World Economic Forum, UNESCO and the OECD all agree that AI literacy is rapidly becoming as essential as reading, writing and digital literacy for the next generation. As countries race to prepare young people for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), Net Nine Nine is ensuring that South African learners are not left behind. Driven by its 2026 theme of creating future leaders through digital enrichment, Net Nine Nine continues to prove that it is far more than a fibre
The intensive two-day programme introduced learners to the exciting world of AI, equipping them with foundational knowledge of how it works, where it is used in everyday life and how it can be applied responsibly to solve real-world challenges. The initiative builds on Net Nine Nine’s long-term investment in the school. In 2025, the company established a fully equipped computer laboratory at Wood and Raw Primary School, providing learners with access to technology that many had never experienced before. This year, Net Nine Nine strengthened that commitment by donating additional laptops, ensuring that even more learners can access digital learning tools and develop future-ready skills. For many learners, this was their very first encounter with artificial intelligence, yet their enthusiasm demonstrated that talent is universal. The programme achieved remarkable outcomes, recording an impressive 93.3% average course completion rate and 100% learner engagement, reflecting both the relevance of the curriculum and the learners’ eagerness to embrace emerging technologies.
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DIGITAL DIVIDE Teacher Thokozani described the initiative as “the perfect programme to help learners learn better,” while Grade 7 learners Melo and Miso proudly shared, “We learnt that AI is not a human. It is a system of coding that helps make life easier.” These responses highlight a powerful reality – when learners are exposed to meaningful technology education at an early age, they quickly develop curiosity, confidence and critical thinking skills.
Technology readiness is equally important. Before introducing AI programmes, schools need reliable connectivity, appropriate devices, trained educators and technical support. UNESCO research shows that these factors significantly improve the success and sustainability of digital learning initiatives, particularly in under-resourced communities.
The programme also reinforced an important lesson for the future of education. Every connected classroom, every laptop donated and every learner introduced to AI represents another step towards building a generation equipped to compete in tomorrow’s digital economy. As South Africa accelerates towards an AI-driven future, Net Nine Nine is not merely connecting homes and schools to the internet, but connecting young minds to opportunity, empowering educators with new capabilities and ensuring that no learner is excluded from the digital revolution. Successful AI adoption in schools is not only about providing computers or internet connectivity; it also depends on teacher AI training, technology readiness assessments and on-site implementation support to ensure educators have the confidence and skills to integrate AI into everyday teaching. This approach aligns with global best practice. UNESCO’s AI Competency Framework for Teachers emphasises that educators need structured training in AI foundations, ethics and classroom application to guide learners responsibly in the AI era. Likewise, the OECD’s recently launched AI Literacy Framework for Primary and Secondary Education argues that learners must understand not only how to use AI, but also how to evaluate its outputs critically, use it ethically and apply it creatively to solve problems.
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Be a Hero. Got a Fibre Problem? Don’t Panic! Got a fibre problem? Don’t panic submit a ticket! From no internet to a slow connection, our support ticket makes it easy to tell us what’s wrong.
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Satisfied Clients Vhahangwele S I got a wonderful service today by Mary Jane . She was so patient and bubbly. I definitely loved the experience.
Puseletso I like the service and the people at the admin and installers are very kind and patient Nomusa H We are grateful to have you as our assistance agent Zamani Hadebe your had work is an attraction to as whole we love what we get from you quality time with your smile Sebabatso L Jeofry Netshiavha does a very good job by assisting me with making payment through the Net Nine Nine app. He knows how to work with people, and he was very patient in helping me. Basetsana Freedom and his team did a great job with the instalation and it’s a great experience so far with stable connection speeds and affordable pricing. Highly recommend their services to everyone looking for reliable fiber. Alungile N
I would like to commend Sinovuyo Goso for her outstanding service as a consultant at Net99. From the start, Sinovuyo was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful. She explained everything clearly, responded with pride, and made sure I was fully assisted with my WiFi needs without any hassle. Her customer service is beyond and above, patient, friendly and efficient. She follows up, she delivers on her promises
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OUR GO TO MEN ON THE GROUND GAUTENG REGION GA-RANKUWA STEWARDS
WESTONARIA STEWARDS
Tshireletso Sibanyoni Isaac Mothibi Dimakatso Themba CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686029135
Richard Nziyana Jacob Banda CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686177774
KAGISO STEWARDS Themba Manzie Danny Letlhage Itumeleng Menyatso CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686245586
HAMMANSKRAAL STEWARDS
HEBRON STEWARDS
Neoyame Nthite Norman Maboa Paulos Mahlangu CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686360536
Christopher Kgatlhego Thoane Freedom Makhubela
MPUMALANGA REGION MHLUZI STEWARDS Pastor Thulani Sango Hohannah Masilela Mncedisi Hlumbane CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686240553
KWA-GUQA STEWARDS Musa Ncongwane Ayanda Mathebula Sbongile Skhosana CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686083885
ROCKDALE STEWARDS
HENDRINA STEWARDS Zama Bhengu Slindile Gloria Ndlazi CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686240553
Thobani Mncube
BETHAL STEWARDS
BOTLENG STEWARDS Lerato Modumaela Tshiamo Ntando Mabatle
Ambrose Mashinini Sibongile Mthimunye CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686083885
DELMAS STEWARDS
KWAMHLANGA STEWARDS
SAKHILE STEWARDS
Lerato Modumaela Tshiamo Ntando Mabatle
Joseph Mmola Phindokuhle Mnguni
Sifiso Yekani Mathapelo Nkosi
EASTERN CAPE REGION
NORTH-WEST REGION
MTHATHA STEWARDS
BOITEKONG STEWARDS
Siseko Mashalaba Nomvuyo Mhlungu
Thato Sejeso Mosa Seleke
BOITEKONG STEWARDS Page 16
Onkgopotse Majolo
FREE STATE REGION ROCKLANDS STEWARDS
QWAQWA STEWARDS
Thabo Thaane Nthabiseng Mokobori Letshego Sebidi CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686233711
Christian Ledimo Khekhe Sekere CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686201618
THABONG STEWARDS
BOTSHABELO STEWARDS
THABA-NCHU STEWARDS
James Mokhathi Sello Makonyane CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686163016
Khotso Moleko Tshepang Mahloko CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686201618
Itumeleng Motlhabane Keitumetsejang Koji CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686201618
KWAZULU-NATAL REGION BHEKUZULU STEWARDS
UMLAZI STEWARDS
Lerato Modumaela Danisile Mdlalose CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686029135
Ndumiso Mkhize Minenhle Ngubane Vuyani Radebe CONTACT NUMBERS:
EMPANGENI STEWARDS Andile Africander Zuzile Mwanzi CONTACT NUMBERS: 0686177774
NORTHERN CAPE REGION
NORTH-WEST REGION
BOICHOKO STEWARDS
THOHOYANDOU STEWARDS
Lorato Susan Chiri CONTACT NUMBERS:
Makana Mufamadi Thilivhali Cedrick Mukwevho Rofhiwa Ratshilavhi CONTACT NUMBERS:
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NET NINE NINE FIBRE STORES BHEKUZULU
CONTACT
BOITEKONG
063 904 6471 213 Utrecht Street, Vryheid, KwaZulu- robertn@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za Natal, 3100
Erf 16914 Tlou St, Boitekong, Rustenburg, 0309
BOTSHABELO
CONTACT
BOTLENG
Reahola Shopping Centre, Shop 47B, Botshabelo, 9781
087 245 0099
Botleng Mall, ERF 10665, Cnr, Bronkhorstspruit
MHLUZI
tshepo@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
CONTACT
068 633 7385 Emhluzi Mall 2/3/4 williamr@netninenine.co.za of erf 12941 www.netninenine.co.za Mhluzi Middelburg. Page 18
EMPANGENI Shop 22 Rex Henderson & Paul Ave, 5 Ways mall
CONTACT 068 607 2886 portiam@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
CONTACT 068 632 2464 williamr@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
CONTACT 079 848 1955 robertn@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
EMZINONI
CONTACT
GA-RANKUWA
CONTACT
6 Liebenberg Avenue, Gordan Centre, Bethal
068 649 2858
1122 Kgware road, Unit number 16 Gauteng 0208
068 620 7611
williamr@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
HAMMANSKRAAL Renbro shopping centre, 39 Old Warmbaths road,
KWA-GUQA
CONTACT 063 904 6471
ronnym@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
www.netninenine.co.za
HENDRINA
CONTACT
31 Beukes St, Hendrina, Mpumalanga 1095
079 848 1955 williamr@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
KAGISO
CONTACT
068 603 4533 Maqhibini Dr, KwaGuqa, Emalahleni, williamr@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za 1073
Kagiso Mall Kagiso Dr, Krugersdorp
068 644 4427
MTHATHA
CONTACT
PHUTHADITJHABA
CONTACT
Shop M1, Mezzanine Level, Mall of Mthata
063 905 9556
10115 Motloung Street, Kenzitown Freestate, 9869
068 610 2629
ROCKLANDS
CONTACT
ronnym@netninenine.co.za
tshepomo@netninenine.co.za
www.netninenine.co.za
CONTACT
THABA NCHU
063 903 3639 Kensworth Centre tshepo@netninenine.co.za Moshoeshoe www.netninenine.co.za St, Rocklands,
07 Hoog Street, Bahlabani Centre, Thaba Nchu, 9780
THABONG
UMLAZI
CONTACT
068 636 0310 A Phakathi Drive tshepo@netninenine.co.za and, Nkoane Rd www.netninenine.co.za Welkom, Freestate
WESTONARIA
CONTACT
The Elizabeth Centre 8 Pres Kruger
063 905 9556
elsie@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
tshepo@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
CONTACT 087 245 0099 tshepo@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
CONTACT
068 932 1162 341 Griffiths Mnxege highway, robertn@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za shop 319
elsie@netninenine.co.za www.netninenine.co.za
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