Opportunity in Bhekuzulu

Just 409 km from Johannesburg, on the way to KwaZulu-Natal, lies the small coal mining and cattle ranching town of Vryheid—Afrikaans for “freedom”—which falls under the Abaqulusi Municipality in northern Zululand. One of the notable areas in the region is the small township of Bhekuzulu

A community that proudly traces its roots to the late King Goodwill Zwelithini and is managed by the Ingonyama Trust.

Most residents of Bhekuzulu, as well as those from nearby Mondlo—Vryheid’s two main townships—work in coal mines. Others find employment on cattle farms or in roundwood plantations in the Midlands and Mpumalanga South.

Apart from the new shopping mall, which was still under construction in September 2024, there has been little to no development in Bhekuzulu and Mondlo. For many young people in these impoverished townships, substance abuse appears to be the only form of entertainment.

None could have imagined that their kasi would one day have access to high-speed internet until Net Nine Nine, a fibre internet service provider, identified the area for upgrades—obviously in consultation with the municipality and in line with their by-laws.

This move has been widely welcomed by politicians, religious leaders, community leaders, and ordinary residents alike, many of whom have expressed their gratitude.

Driving through Bhekuzulu and Mondlo, one notices that these townships look old and neglected, with development seemingly forgotten. Many residents rely on Vryheid, which is less than 3 km away, for a better quality of life.

The local youth, who spoke to Net Nine Nine’s team, are hopeful about the changes the ISP will bring to their area.

“Unemployment is the order of the day here,” said one of two men hanging around a corner near Bhekuzulu Primary School, each holding a quart of alcohol, as sewage flowed like a river near a nearby spaza shop.

“We hope you guys are bringing jobs to Bhekuzulu. We feel like a forgotten community, and we deserve better. I’m definitely going to submit my CV, hoping that your presence here will change our lives.”

A taxi driver, who didn’t seem too keen to discuss his experience in the township, added, “You can see our taxi rank—it’s just disorganised. But we’ll welcome fibre to our homes.”

It’s telling that, when driving towards Bhekuzulu from Mpumalanga, many people at filling stations had never heard of the township—an indication that nothing significant has happened in this poor Midlands kasi.

Net Nine Nine held a two-day recruitment drive and community engagement session on 10 September at the King Zwelithini Community Hall, which saw a good turnout of locals eager to attend workshops on various telecommunications sectors.

Their store, based at the Top Tile building, has already hired several sales agents after the area went live with fibre internet earlier in September.

At least 20 jobs have already been created in Bhekuzulu—a significant change that is expected to improve life in the Zululand region.

Net Nine Nine’s Events Specialist, Nomvula Mosiea-Tiya, received invaluable support and coordination from councillor Mthembu in organising the event and ensuring everything ran smoothly. Mthembu, along with his colleagues from various departments, played a key role in the success of the event.

“Abaqulisi 90.7 FM, the township’s community radio station, helped spread the word about the network provider’s presence in town,” said Mosiea-Tiya. “It was a memorable event, and we’re looking forward to celebrating the Bhekuzulu Heritage Festival on 12 October 2024, where there will be Maskandi, Isicathamiya, Izinkondlo and more.”

She added that this information couldn’t have come at a better time, as many residents are preparing to start new jobs towards the end of the year.

Mosiea-Tiya also noted that she’s looking forward to involving more local youth in community events yet to be hosted in Bhekuzulu, which will bring further positive changes.

“It’s our tradition to involve locals as marshals, referees, umpires, and to promote SMMEs,” she concluded.