If South Africa truly wants to compete in the global digital economy and fully embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), expanding fibre connectivity must remain a national priority.
These systems rely on constant, high-capacity connectivity to function efficiently.
The future of innovation quite literally runs through fibre cables beneath our feet, and it’s a reality. It is difficult to imagine the modern world without fibre internet.
As we stand firmly in the era of the 4IR, the backbone of innovation, communication and economic growth is fast and reliable connectivity.
Fibre internet has become the silent engine powering this transformation. Without it, the promise of technologies such as AI and IoT would remain largely theoretical.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution thrives on data, AI systems require massive amounts of information to learn, process, and make decisions.
Without high-speed fibre networks, transferring this data quickly and efficiently would be nearly impossible.
Fibre allows machines, businesses and institutions to communicate instantly, enabling smarter decisionmaking and automation in sectors such as healthcare, education, banking, and agriculture.
In South Africa, the impact of fibre connectivity is already visible.
In the financial sector, big companies rely heavily on digital platforms powered by high-speed internet to offer online banking, AI-driven customer services, and securing transactions.
Without fibre, these innovations would be slower and less reliable.
Education has also been transformed. Universities like the University of Johannesburg and the University of Cape Town use high-speed networks to support digital classrooms, online research, and global collaboration.
Students can now access learning resources from anywhere, something that would be difficult with outdated internet infrastructure.
The Internet of Things is another area where fibre is essential, like cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, smart technologies are being used for traffic monitoring, security cameras and energy management.
Be a part of the revolution and join the winning team at Evotel, one of the top 10 FNO’s in South Africa.
SOUTH AFRICA CANNOT BUILD A GIG ECONOMY ON MOBILE DATA ALONE!
The conversation around South Africa’s gig economy often focuses on access to tools.
Today, more people than ever can design content, invoice clients, manage workflows, and sell services using affordable digital platforms including Xero and Canva.
On top of this, the latest AI tools allow you to build websites and apps in a matter of days – theoretically democratising access to the economy.
While the progress is significant, it also obscures a deeper constraint that continues to limit meaningful participation in the digital economy: You cannot build a modern digital business on mobile data.
The common narrative is that South Africa has roughly 80% internet penetration, but most of that access is mobile-driven.
Fibre penetration, by contrast, sits closer to 26% when measured across homes and small businesses with fixed-line broadband.
This gap is one of the reasons so many micro and small enterprises remain confined to lowvalue participation in the economy.
Entrepreneurs can design, brand, and communicate on their phones, but scaling consistently in a digital economy requires stable, affordable and high-capacity connectivity.
The implications for the gig economy are significant.
Freelancers, creators, online traders, and service providers depend on reliable connectivity to upload content, run cloudbased software, manage digital storefronts and maintain real-time engagement with clients.
These activities are difficult to sustain on prepaid mobile data, where costs are high and performance is inconsistent.
Until that gap is addressed, many participants will remain active, but unable to grow beyond subsistence-level operations.
South Africa cannot rely on market demand alone to close the fibre divide.
Countries that take digital infrastructure seriously do not wait for adoption to catch up before investing.
They create predictable policy environments, streamline approval processes, support rural deployment, and implement tax frameworks that make long-term infrastructure investment viable. Markets that have accelerated fibre rollout have done so by treating connectivity as foundational infrastructure rather than a commercial addon.
International examples underline the point. Government-backed voucher schemes in the United Kingdom accelerated fibre rollout to the extent that full fibre now passes more than 60% of its premises, a rapid increase from a few years ago.
South Korea has taken an interventionist approach for over a decade, combining incentives with financing mechanisms to support network expansion.
Singapore’s co-investment model lowered infrastructure costs for operators and enabled nationwide coverage exceeding 95%. Kenya has also expanded broadband reach through shared infrastructure corridors that reduced duplication and accelerated deployment.
South Africa’s policy environment shows pockets of progress but remains fragmented. Many SMEs still operate in areas where fibre providers cannot recover capital costs, leaving mobile data as the default connection.
Research by the Bureau of Economic Research highlights how this dynamic reinforces inequality, noting that heavy internet use for education, remote work or online business quickly becomes unaffordable for lower-income households when reliant on volume-based mobile data pricing.
This goes to the heart of economic inclusion in a digital economy and is one of the points we raised when we recently hosted the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies. South Africa has no shortage of entrepreneurial energy.
Side hustles, freelancers, traders, and micromanufacturers are already using low-cost tools to build brands, manage operations, and reach customers.
The barrier is not creativity or motivation, but rather the absence of stable infrastructure that allows these activities to operate at the pace the digital economy demands.
You cannot expect an SME to compete with a limited mobile data bundle. You cannot build a digital export business on prepaid connectivity. Additionally, you cannot meaningfully expand the tax base through small business development if infrastructure constraints continue pushing entrepreneurs into offline or semi-digital models.
International precedent suggests South Africa needs a coordinated strategy to fasttrack fibre rollout.
This includes standardised wayleave processes across municipalities, targeted incentives for network operators in underserved areas, co-investment in highcost corridors and regulatory reforms that reduce administrative burdens on infrastructure providers.
These measures are not theoretical; they reflect approaches already proven in markets prioritising digital inclusion.
Fortunately the Minister appears to have a good grasp on the importance of digital infrastructure and we were encouraged by our engagements. It is clear that both public and private sector participants can see the roadblocks and are keen to invest to allow more meaningful access to our economy.
There is already momentum.
Private operators are investing and demand continues to rise.
What is missing is the acceleration needed to close the gap between mobile access and meaningful digital participation. Fibre is the difference between running a hustle and building a business. It is the difference between surviving and scaling in a modern economy.
If South Africa wants to strengthen its gig economy, support SMEs and attract investment, digital infrastructure cannot remain a secondary priority.
The tools are here. The entrepreneurs are here. What is needed now is infrastructure that matches their ambition. – By Albert Oosthuysen
WE FULFILL THE NEEDS OF SPECIALISED SCHOOLS!
Inspired by the anti-apartheid struggle icon, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Madiba Primary School, perched at 2637 Hibiscus Crescent, Lenasia South, Gauteng, demonstrates that when technology meets determination, even the most under-resourced learning institutions can rise to meet the future of education.
As South Africa continues its digital journey with telecommunications giants like Evotel, stories like that of transformation of education in South Africa is accelerating as schools move from traditional paper-based systems to digital learning.
In 2026, the integration of technology in classrooms is no longer a luxury but a necessity, as indicated by South African Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube.
For many schools in disadvantaged communities, access to reliable internet has become the turning point in bridging the gap between township, village schools, and those in more affluent suburbs.
One such example is Madiba Primary School in Lenasia South, a quintile 4 institution that is now embracing the future of learning, thanks to the support of open-access fibre network operator, Evotel.
Madiba Primary operates with a free fibre installation from Evotel, a move that has begun reshaping how teachers teach and how learners engage with their studies.
Madiba Primary School serves primary-level pupils, offering tailored education with a focus on specialised learning needs. This institution is designed to support children who require extra attention or specialised learning programs to succeed in their education journey.
The reliable internet connection has opened doors to new teaching tools, online resources, and digital platforms that were previously out of reach for the school.
School principal Fikile Khumalo, spoke with Evotel and has reiterated that the shift has been nothing short of transformative.
“For years, schools like ours have been compared to institutions in leafy suburbs, often without considering the resources gap,” Khumalo explained.
“Now, with stable internet at our school, we are beginning to close that gap. Our teachers can access online materials, learners can interact with educational platforms, allowing us to bring the world into our classrooms.”
The school is classified as a no-fee school, meaning it serves communities where families often cannot afford school fees.
Despite these financial limitations, the school has continued to push forward in its mission to provide quality education for its pupils.
The presence of fibre internet has done more than simply connect the school to the digital world.
It has inspired a renewed sense of innovation and determination amongst its educators and administrators.
Khumalo shared that the availability of internet resources motivated the school to take another step toward digital learning.
Through careful budgeting and savings, the school managed to raise R70 000 to purchase two smart boards for their classrooms.
“The decision was inspired by having internet at the school,” she said.
“Once we saw the possibilities of what connectivity brings, we realised we had to take advantage of it. The smart boards will allow our teachers to present lessons in a more interactive way and make learning exciting for the learners.”
The impact of technology is particularly significant for Madiba Primary because the school also supports learners with special needs.
Teaching methods often need to be adapted to ensure every learner receives the attention and support they require.
With internet access and digital tools, teachers can now explore specialised learning materials, visual aids, and online programs designed to assist learners with different learning abilities.
This makes it easier for educators to personalise lessons and ensure that no learner is left behind.
Khumalo believes this is where digital transformation truly proves its value.
“When you work with learners who have different learning needs, you must be creative in how you teach,” she said.
“Technology gives us that flexibility. Videos, interactive activities, and visual content help our learners understand concepts better.”
The partnership between Evotel and Madiba Primary reflects a broader movement to ensure that connectivity reaches schools that need it the most. Access to fibre internet is no longer only about communication or entertainment; it is becoming a cornerstone of modern education.
Across South Africa, many township schools still struggle with limited resources, outdated infrastructure, and overcrowded classrooms. Yet the example set by Madiba Primary shows how connectivity can change the narrative.
“Connectivity has given us confidence. Our learners deserve the same opportunities as those in suburban schools. Now we have the tools to help them succeed,” concluded Khumalo.
SATHYA SAI BABA INSPIRED SCHOOL LOOKS TO ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE!
Learners at Sathya Sai Secondary School are experiencing a new wave of educational growth after the learning institution was connected to a free fibre network provided by Evotel.
The high-speed internet connection is not only improving access to digital learning tools but also reinforcing the core values that define the institution - Truth, Right Action, Peace, Love, and Non-Violence.
Situated in Lenasia South Extension 2, the school has long been known for its strong value-based education inspired by the teachings of Sathya Sai Baba.
The institution forms part of the global network of schools influenced by the philosophy of Sathya Sai International Organisation, which promotes character building alongside academic excellence.
The principal of Sathya Sai Secondary School says the fibre connection has already made a meaningful difference in the day-to-day operations of the school.
According to her, the pleasure of having consistent and reliable internet connectivity has improved the learning environment and has also helped strengthen discipline amongst its pupils.
For the learners and educators of Sathya Sai Secondary School, the fibre connection represents more than just faster internet, it is a bridge between timeless values and the digital future, ensuring that education remains both meaningful and relevant in an increasingly connected world.
“With stable internet access, teachers are able to prepare lessons more effectively and learners are more engaged in the classroom,” she asserted.
“It also brings structure to our school activities because learners have access to information, research material and educational platforms that keep them focused.”
Sathya Sai Secondary School is unique in that it embraces an all-religion philosophy.
Learners from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds come together under one roof where they are taught universal human values that transcend religious boundaries.
The principal emphasised that discipline at the school is guided by these shared values rather than strict punitive measures.
“We teach our learners that discipline begins with understanding truth, practicing right action, maintaining peace, showing love and living with non-v iolence,” she outlined the true values of the school.
“These values are universal and they guide our learners both inside and outside the classroom.”
The newly installed fibre network by Evotel is now playing a critical role in helping the school strengthen its skills development offering.
Teachers are increasingly incorporating online resources into their lessons, opening new opportunities for research, digital learning, and interactive teaching methods.
The principal revealed that the school is already working on introducing more lessons and learning programmes that will fully utilise the internet connection.
These developments are expected to expand learners’ exposure to modern educational tools and prepare them for a technologydriven future.
“As a school that focuses on both character and academic development, access to the internet allows us to broaden our teaching methods,” she said.
“We want our learners to become responsible digital citizens while maintaining the values that define our institution.”
Established with a strong focus on human values education, Sathya Sai Secondary School continues to play an important role in shaping young minds in the Lenasia South community.
Through the support of partners such as Evotel, the school is now combining its longstanding spiritual and ethical teachings with modern technology.
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH: FEBRUARY 2026
Sisathi Diko grew up in Centane, a small town in the Eastern Cape where everyone knows everyone, and where a lot of life lessons are learned early.
For her, it was netball that really shaped things. Teamwork, discipline, communication, all the things that might sound cliché, but actually show up in how she works every single day.
Sisathi has always had a strong sense of responsibility and work ethic, something she credits to her dad. Watching him work hard to create opportunities for her clearly left a mark. She’s consistent, accountable, and just gets on with things, even when the pressure is on.
Fun fact; she originally wanted to be a social worker, and honestly that makes sense. That natural drive to help people didn’t go anywhere, it just shows up differently now.
Before Evotel, she worked as an Education Assistant, which is probably where a lot of her patience comes from (and let’s be real, you need that in this role).
When the opportunity came up through K-Tel to join Evotel as an intern, she took it, and hasn’t looked back since.
Her first impression of Evotel? A team that’s genuinely supportive and willing to help. That made all the difference in those early days while learning systems, processes, and getting comfortable speaking to clients.
Because yes, like most people, those first few calls were a bit intimidating.
Now? Completely different story. Sisathi is confident, motivated, and approaches every interaction as an opportunity to get it right.
On any given day, she’s right in the middle of everything, coordinating installations, speaking to clients, working with installers, supporting sales agents, managing tickets, WhatsApps, calls. She’s one of the people keeping things moving behind the scenes.
And the part she enjoys most? The clients. Being able to help someone, solve a problem, and know they’re up and running because of you, that’s what makes it worth it.
Since joining Evotel, her growth has been clear. She’s strengthened her communication, learned how to juggle multiple priorities, and built real resilience. You can see the confidence, it’s not forced, it’s earned.
When she found out she was The Employee of the Month, it meant something. Not in a loud way, but in that real, “my work is being seen” kind of way, and that’s exactly why she got it. She’s organised, reliable, goes the extra mile, and shows up for her team.
Simple as that.
For Sisathi, this isn’t a finish line, it’s motivation. To keep improving, keep learning, and keep showing up.
And if she had to give advice to someone new? Take initiative, stay curious, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. It pays off.
