SANIBONANI EMLAZI – SESIKHONA EKHAYA!

Wamukelekile Emlazi!

Loosely translated to “welcome in Umlazi” was the line that greeted Nine Nine Nine officials earlier in February 2025 when the network was being built in the famous township in KwaZulu-Natal, just days before the area’s fibre internet went live. Living in hope that they would be having access to the best ever internet connection south of the continent, people of Umlazi, located south-west of Durban in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, are convinced their lives are about to get better.

Umlazi has had local LTE internet connections roaming around the streets before, but just a mention of fibre internet, and Net Nine Nine, which is fast gaining popularity across South Africa, many of the dwellers who spoke to this publication are convinced this is the real deal. Believe it or not, but Umlazi is the fourth largest township in South Africa, after Soweto, Tembisa and Katlehong in Gauteng, which makes them extra special as the only coastal kasi with such rich history. Majority of people in this township, mostly dominated by the young adults, are unemployed and many of them believe it’s about time they align themselves with the fourth-industrial revolution (4IR), and it’s happening, which brings along opportunities. Others are considering starting their own businesses from their Net99 subscription starting as lowly as R379 for a 10/20 package, others are looking at opportunities of venturing into eCommerce business which could be 5-tiga 50/50, others, especially at Mangosuthu University of Technology, say their connection will enhance their studies. With our store strategically positioned at KwaMnyandu Mall at the heart of the township, early knockings have since started when Net99 doors opened earlier in the year, and many have already subscribed even before the Point of Presence (POP) is turned live. However, the cherry on top was a partnership with the KZN Department of Education where majority of their schools, many of whom still in a state of disrepair, would be enhanced by Net99 with free 1G speed connection, which would help revive their inactive computer laboratories. Principals are waxing lyrical and couldn’t stop inviting this publication’s team to their rooms to show what they’ve been up to, and how the addition of free internet will turn things around. It’s like a new thing to them, but they’re aware that it will simplify their lives. Teachers, and learners will grasp fast with practical material sourced directly from YouTube and other Apps approved by the DoE in South Africa. In principle, Net99 has agreed to partner with the department with regards to a planned school’s sport projects that they planned on launching at the start of February, but had to be delayed a bit after realising that Net99 was all hands-on deck in their area. The first phases of the fibre internet rollout are in sections B, C, D, W and it will spread to neighbouring sections to cover the entire sections around uMlaza River to the north and eZimbokodweni River to the south, with the smaller Siphingo River flowing in the southern parts of the township. The KZN Department of Education Head of Ministry, Vincent Myeni, believes this is the start of a great partnership that will form a formidable force, and this might catapult them top of the learning charts. Under MEC Siphosihle Emmanuel Hlomuka, KZN recorded an educated 89.5% pass rate during the 2024 matric results, and now Myeni is getting hungrier.

“We’ve managed to push our learners to such an achievement with limited resources, and the contribution that comes with Net99’s offering will take us to the next level,” said Myeni. “We believe in partnership and this will lead us in the right direction. And the potential to host the school sport program, which we’ve dubbed ‘Dlala Thursday’ along with Net99 excites me a lot. I would be leading the team to make sure that you’re well looked after here in the province.” A visit to the Ekuthuthukeni Special School at Hambakahle Mkhonto Road, section D, under Principal Celani Ngcobo, left the visitors with teary eyes, considering that the institution serves intellectually disabled children aged between six and 18, but their school building and furniture still doesn’t have necessary apparatus to look after them. Ngcobo has pleaded that they will need as much help as possible, but most important is that internet comes at the right. “Kids with autism learn faster when they see things in front of them,” he explained. According to him, from Grade R-6, learners take two years to complete a class, until they are in Grade Net99 team led by Chief of Staff Nicholas Thipe and Umlazi main contractors (In no particular order): Celani Ngcobo, Nondumiso Dlomo, Thembinkosi Nhlapho, Zamandosi Cele, Bonginkosi Dlomo, ML Muutu and Nzo Makhanya. 7 where they’re allowed to spend a year before proceeding to secondary school. “It’s not easy, but we can only deal with what we have.” Other teachers who shared the same sentiments and appreciating Net99’s presence in their lives comprised Maphumuzana Primary School under Principal Nondumiso Dlomo, Zwelesithembiso Primary School under Principal Thembinkosi Nhlapho, Swelihle Secondary School of Zamandosi Cele, Makhumbuza High School under Bonginkosi Dlomo, Umgijimi Primary School led by ML Muutu and last but not least, Principal Nzo Makhanya’s from Muzomuhle Primary School.