In a landmark event that brought together educators, community leaders, and corporate partners, Net Nine Nine officially launched a state-of-the-art computer lab at Wood and Raw Primary School in Dumisani Makhaye Village, City of uMhlathuze. This initiative, part of the company’s growing Corporate Social Investment (CSI) footprint, aims to transform how learners in historically underserved communities access technology and information.
The launch was not just symbolic, it marked a real shift in how township schools like Wood and Raw can prepare learners for the digital future. With high-speed internet provided by Net Nine Nine, the lab will empower students to develop vital computer literacy skills and explore the world of coding and robotics, areas previously out of reach for many children in the community.
In addition to the lab, Net Nine Nine also sponsored full soccer kits for the school, committing to support Wood and Raw in its broader sporting ambitions.
The Chairperson of the School Governing Body, Mr. Ginger Mnguni, explained that this journey began when local community leader Sazi Msane approached him with a bold vision: to use the school as a Point of Presence (POP) for Net Nine Nine’s fibre infrastructure. This move would not only benefit the school but also provide fast, affordable internet access to residents of Dumisani Makhaye and Ngwelezane.
“Net Nine Nine saw potential in that vision,” said Mnguni. “And that’s why they chose to invest right here at Wood and Raw.”
Mr. Zwane of Empangeni High School, a key partner in the rollout, emphasized the school’s role as an “Education Village” leader. Empangeni High is already a recognised coding and robotics hub by the United Nations and serves as KwaZulu-Natal’s appointed IT school. Zwane pledged that his school would oversee the E-Learning programme at Wood and Raw to ensure continuity and academic success.
“We are more than capable of supporting this computer literacy programme,” he noted.
Ward 9 Councillor, Cllr Mdaka, expressed his appreciation for being part of the occasion. He highlighted the critical role councillors played in creating an enabling environment for Net Nine Nine to operate.
“This is a no-fee school,” said Cllr Mdaka. “Which makes the involvement of the private sector all the more vital. We applaud Net Nine Nine for their investment in education and community upliftment.”
He urged learners and the broader community to safeguard the infrastructure:
“Let us protect this facility, because it is not just for the learners, it is for all of us.”
Sazi Msane, the visionary who initiated Net Nine Nine’s involvement, reminded the audience of the deeper value of this investment: access to information.
“We need information to transform our society,” Msane said. “And access to the internet is how we get it. This lab provides that platform, this is how we build a new future for these children.”
Mrs. Nzama, Director for Basic Education in the King Cetshwayo District, praised both the school and the private sector for their proactive partnership.
“Net Nine Nine has opened many doors for these learners,” she said. “You’ve planted seeds of success. You’ve restored dignity to the African child.”
“The best coders are coming from King Cetshwayo. We are number one in the country—and we’re just getting started.”
