In a groundbreaking initiative to bridge the digital divide and empower education, Octotel, South Africa’s best-rated fibre network, and one of its internet service providers (ISPs), RSAWEB, in collaboration with Project Isizwe and Huddle Education, is transforming learning environments across the Western Cape. Together, these four organisations are tackling the challenges of educational inequality by equipping underserved schools with free high-speed internet access, digital resources, and skills training for educators.
This innovative partnership is currently rolling out at Grassy Park High, Khanyolwethu Secondary in Strand, and with Education Ally - the operating partner of Kraaifontein High School. These three schools exemplify the resilience and potential of South Africa’s public education system.
“Connectivity on its own isn’t enough — it’s what you do with it that truly changes lives,” says Carly-Beth Haydricks, CSR team lead at Octotel. “This partnership works because each organisation brings something valuable to the table. We deliver free, reliable, high-speed fibre that removes access barriers; Project Isizwe ensures that it reaches the communities that need it most; and Huddle and Education Ally bring the curriculum, training, and on-the-ground support that turns technology into real learning.”
Through Octotel’s 1GB fibre sponsorship, classrooms that were once offline now have seamless, zero-rated connectivity. Teachers stream lessons, and learning is no longer limited by infrastructure — all of this powered by possibility. To date, Octotel has connected over 160 schools across the Western Cape, benefiting more than 50,000 learners, proving that fibre can do more than connect devices — it can connect futures.
The non-profit organisations, Project Isizwe and Huddle Education, ensure that the free, reliable internet reaches the classrooms that need it most. Their work guarantees that digital resources complement traditional teaching, making learning fun, engaging, and impactful — and preparing learners for a digital workforce and economy.
“At Huddle, we bring the educational expertise that transforms connected classrooms into dynamic learning ecosystems. Teachers in the programme receive devices, training, and ongoing mentorship, allowing them to integrate digital learning into everyday teaching,” says Mona Ewees Mkumatela, head of implementation at Huddle.
“This is about more than technology — it’s about building a culture of growth, engagement, and resilience” added Mkumatela. “Working together with Octotel and Project Isizwe allows us to create solutions that are far more impactful than any organisation could achieve alone.”
“Too many schools sit on the wrong side of the digital divide,” says Shireen Powell, CEO of Project Isizwe. “This partnership demonstrates how internet connectivity can unlock meaningful learning for teachers and learners alike.”
Across these schools, learners now experience a blended-learning routine: lessons introduced via Huddle videos, followed by engaging workbook exercises — all powered by Octotel connectivity.
“We’re not just connecting schools — we’re connecting potential, dreams, and futures,” says Haydricks. “When learners in underserved communities can access the same digital tools as anyone else, the possibilities are endless. For us at Octotel, this is what connectivity with purpose looks like: opening doors, shaping futures, and proving that fibre can be a powerful force for social change.”
This collaboration by Octotel with Project Isizwe and Huddle Education is demonstrating what is possible in public education in South Africa. It shows that technology, when paired with expertise and heart, can do more than provide internet — it can unlock opportunities, inspire ambition, and create pathways to a better life for thousands of learners in the country.
About Octotel
Octotel is a leading Western Cape-based fibre internet provider, proudly ranked as the number-one fibre network operator (FNO) in South Africa. With a rapidly growing footprint, Octotel recently surpassed 125,000 active connections on its state-of-the-art network, delivering premium, reliable, and affordable fibre connectivity to homes and businesses.
Known for its commitment to innovation, customer-centric solutions, and community upliftment, Octotel continues to set the standard for fibre internet service excellence in the region and beyond. Join the thousands of satisfied customers who trust Octotel for their fibre needs and experience connectivity that’s fast, reliable, and designed for you. Visit www.octotel.co.za to learn more.
About RSAWEB
RSAWEB is South Africa’s best-rated ISP, providing premium connectivity to homes and
businesses across the country. RSAWEB is more than just a connectivity provider, partnering with numerous organisations to give all South Africans access to award-winning fibre connectivity. Visit www.rsaweb.co.za to learn more.
