Local enterprise development initiative facilitates customer acquisition and promotes long-term growth of the business while supporting the local community Orange Business Services, in partnership with the Siyakha Development Trust, has provided much needed enterprise development support to Solidhope Tech. This empowered Solidhope Tech to further establish its ISP service in the undeveloped communities of Pretoria West in Gauteng South Africa.
Solidhope Tech is a 100% black-owned Exempted Micro Enterprise that operates within the ICT sector, offering services that include network installation, IT support, VoIP and hardware sales, as well as internet-for-home sales. The business, located in Lotus Gardens, Pretoria West, was established in 2016 and is owner managed by Charles Maake.
Keith Matthews, Orange Business Services Country Manager for South Africa and Sales Director Sub Saharan Africa at Orange Business Services says, “Solidhope Tech was selected as the Enterprise Development beneficiary of the Siyakha Development Trust. Siyakha means “building together” and it is through direct investment, co-investment, and a passionate focus on implementation that the Siyakha Development Trust facilitates empowerment and development projects. The programme rolled out by Orange Business Services on behalf of Solidhope Tech included an equipment grant, with the aim to facilitate customer acquisition and promote long-term growth of the business.”
The equipment grant was provided in the form of 80 Internet for the Home kits, which included wi-fi routers and supporting equipment. The equipment has enabled Solidhope Tech to increase their customer base with 80 new customers signed up over a four-month period. During the fourth quarter of 2020 more than 60 devices were successfully installed within households across various townships in Pretoria West, Pretoria East, and Thembisa.
“The equipment grant has enabled Solidhope Tech to provide internet access to families living in townships that would otherwise not have the financial means to afford the purchase and installation of a wi-fi router,” says Keith Matthews. “In addition, the support grant has supported Charles in developing a sustainable business that will not only connect more households to the internet but will also facilitate job creation.”
Charles Maake shares his gratitude to Orange Business Services for their generous assistance in, “helping my business grow and enabling wi-fi connectivity for many people in the community that could previously not afford this service. The money generated from the monthly subscriptions will allow Solidhope Tech to purchase further equipment on an on-going basis, thereby securing continuous client growth.”
