Herotel’s 10-Year Journey: Connecting South Africa, Empowering Communities

In 2013, we embarked on an ambitious mission – to connect all South Africans to faster, more affordable internet, no matter where they lived. This vision laid the foundation for Herotel, and as we approach our 10th anniversary, I am proud to reflect on the challenges we have faced and overcome, the remarkable growth we have achieved, and the vision that continues to drive us.

The internet landscape in South Africa has presented both opportunities and obstacles. We saw potential in underserved areas with slow or no internet connectivity, and we knew that we had to act. Our goal was clear: to find the right partners in the WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider) industry that shared our vision, passion, and pioneering spirit resulting in us bringing together 33 partners and creating a new Herotel under a unified banner and brand. This move paved the way for us  to achieve economies of scale and optimise our operations, setting us on the path of sustainable growth. In addition it  gave us a national presence across South Africa.

One of our most pivotal moments was in 2019 when we embarked on our first new fibre project as one group,  One Herotel. This expansion into fibre, alongside our wireless network, allowed us to offer even more reliable and high-speed internet services. It was a turning point that strengthened our position as a leading provider of internet connectivity, and further enabled the achievement of our mission.

The growth that our people have achieved over the last 3 years has been nothing short of extraordinary. We are now the 3rd largest (FNO) Fiber Network Operator, operating in all provinces in South Africa and covering over 400 towns and suburbs. This remarkable journey showcases our unwavering commitment to connecting communities across the country.

Our vision “Everyone Connected” has been the driving force since our inception. We are dedicated to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that fast, affordable internet reaches every South African home and business. Our focus on customer experience, availability, and low cost underpins our commitment to be the preferred provider for all.

Our journey has taught us valuable lessons that continue to shape our evolution. Having an in-house ISP allows us to innovate and deliver customer-focused solutions tailored to each community, whilst keeping the cost as low as possible for our customers. We will continue to embrace new technologies to stay at the forefront of the industry.

As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we are incredibly proud to hold the title of the 3rd largest player in the industry, a testament to the hard work of our employees and the trust our loyal customers and supportive communities have placed in us.

To express our gratitude, Herotel actively embraces Nelson Mandela’s legacy by re-launching the Digital Village initiative on the 10 year anniversary of his passing. With over 166 free school internet connections and a further 40 free community connections in underserved communities, the initiative will be expanded nationwide, bridging the digital divide for the future leaders of South Africa. Herotel’s commitment to connecting lives and empowering communities continues, reflecting the spirit of Mandela’s vision. We invite all South Africans to join Herotel in honoring Mandela’s legacy and shaping a brighter future for South Africa, help us connect everyone.

In conclusion, Herotel’s journey over the past decade exemplifies our commitment to transforming lives through connectivity. We have overcome challenges and embraced new technologies, and we remain steadfast in our vision of “Everyone Connected.” As we look ahead, we reaffirm our dedication to connecting every corner of South Africa and empowering its people through the transformative power of the internet. Together, we create a connected nation, where opportunities abound, and communities flourish.

Thank you for being a part of our incredible journey at Herotel.

Warm regards,
VZ