customer - Vox

Microsoft Teams Voice Options: A Practical Guide for SA Businesses

Posted on 12 November 202514 November 2025 by Andrew King

Navigating Teams Voice Connectivity from Vox

The use of Teams Phone, a cloud-based phone system, transforms Microsoft Teams into a full Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) platform, blending Voice, video, chat and collaboration. To enable external calling, organisations can select from a variety of solutions, each balancing simplicity, control and customisation.

The right choice for your business depends on your IT maturity, existing infrastructure and business needs.

In this article we discuss the various options of navigating Microsoft Teams Voice Connectivity from Vox. Collectively, our customers report deployments that are 20 to 50 percent faster, with lower operational costs, and resilience tailored to SA’s infrastructure challenges.

Microsoft Teams Voice: Three Excellent Options to Consider

Microsoft Teams offers two primary pathways for enabling public switched telephone network (PSTN) or PSTN-replacement (VoIP) calling from within the Teams application, namely:

Operator Connect for managed simplicity, and
Direct Routing for flexible control.

We also discuss:

Azure Communication Services (ACS), a developer-centric Platform as a Service (PaaS), for building custom communication apps that extend Teams Phone into other IT assets.

The choice for your organisation hinges on factors such as infrastructure, scale and workforce distribution.

In addition, the options aren’t mutually exclusive. For example, you may want or need to use Operator Connect for core users and Azure Communication Services for developer-built bots, or Direct Routing with a Survival Branch Appliance (SBA) for branch offices or sites that can never be without telephony services (for example underground mining).

In short, though, it’s useful to think of your options as follows:

Operator Connect suits low-overhead rollouts in regulated sectors such as finance, legal and advisory;
Direct Routing fits legacy-heavy environments such as manufacturing; and
Azure Communication Services (ACS) is suitable if you’re building custom experiences, for example, Voice in CRM apps, or need extensibility beyond your standard PBX.

Operator Connect (OC)

Operator Connect (OC) is a fully managed service where the Vox Voice network enables calling to and from any destination while being integrated directly into Teams. No on-premises hardware is required – Vox peers with Microsoft’s Azure network for seamless integration.

Key features include the following: Number provisioning via Teams Admin Centre, built-in emergency calling, fraud monitoring, and 99.999% SLA from Vox and Microsoft. OC supports hybrid models (for example: mix with Direct Routing for sites that require offline survivability).

OC is best for organisations prioritising speed and a low IT burden. A deployment can take hours to days, instead of days to weeks, making OC ideal for environments requiring optimal security, fast scaling and low IT burden.

Choose Operator Connect if you are Microsoft 365-centric, want zero hardware (no Session Border Controller appliances – SBCs – or desk phones), and you value the provisioning of managed services with joint Vox-Microsoft support. It’s ideal for cloud-first migrations or when time-to-service in a week or less matters.

Typical industry use-cases include financial services (security, fraud monitoring); higher education or public sector (budget scrutiny, multi-site rollouts); retail and hospitality (high staff churn, thin IT capability across franchises).

Integrations: You could add ACS for AI call summaries and bot-to-human call hand-off.

Vox example: A Kwa-Zulu Natal university provisioned 2,400 users in days, inheriting Entra ID policies for seamless multi-factor authentication.

Direct Routing (DR)

Direct Routing allows the connection of your existing SIP trunks or PBX to Teams via a Session Border Controller (SBC) appliance. This SBC can be hosted on your premises or in your private cloud, or you can take advantage of Vox’s multi-tenanted SBCs.

With Direct Routing and your own SBC, you retain control over routing and carrier relationships, and with Vox’s shared SBCs we manage routing on your behalf.

Key Features include the following: Advanced call routing (for example failover paths), support for Survivable Branch Appliance (SBA) for local calling during internet outages, and compatibility with legacy endpoints like analogue phones or Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT.

Direct Routing is best for businesses with complex, on-premises setups needing customisation. DR setup involves more planning, as well as more IT and scripting skills, and deployment is likely to take weeks to months.

Choose Direct Routing if you need on-prem survivability (for example, SBA for internet outages). DR is well suited for complex routing or when full control over media paths is required, due to its granular control over your calling environment.

Typical industry use-cases include manufacturing and utilities organisations (often incorporating legacy DECT/analogue integrations), or logistics and healthcare, which are typically device-dependent, and where offline survivability is critical).

Integrations: You could add an SBA for offline survivability or integrate ACS for custom analytics.

Vox example: A Cape Town logistics firm retained SIP trunks while routing 80% calls via Teams, using SBAs for depots.

Azure Communication Services (ACS)

Azure Communication Services (ACS) is a developer-centric PaaS for building custom communication apps that extend Teams Phone into other IT assets. It’s not a standalone PBX but integrates for scenarios such as embedded calling in apps or AI-driven interactions.

Key Features include the following: APIs for call recording, transcription, video at 720p+, and interoperability with Teams (for example, joining Teams meetings from custom applications or support platforms).

Azure Communication Services is best for innovators embedding Voice into workflows, such as custom contact centres or mobile apps. ACS pairs well with OC/DR for enhanced features without replacing core telephony services or needs.

Choose Azure Communication Services if you’re building custom experiences (for example, Voice in CRM apps) or need extensibility beyond your standard PBX. ACS’s low-code APIs make it accessible for developers, with pay-as-you-go pricing.

Typical industry use cases include tech or consulting (embedded communications in third party applications); contact centres (CCaaS integrations); finance and healthcare (where secure, compliant bots guide incoming calls, and hand off calls to humans where complexity cannot be handled by a bot).

Integrations: Add Teams Phone for hybrid calls and Copilot for AI transcription.

Choosing the right solution for your organisation does not need to be a one-size-fits-all decision. For example, you could start with Operator Connect for 80 percent coverage, layer in Direct Routing for edge cases, and at a later stage add Azure Communication Services for innovation and automation, thus reducing rip-and-replace risks and costs.

Partner with Vox for your Business Voice Requirements

Teams Voice options empower South African businesses to future-proof their communications without necessarily overhauling existing ecosystems. Your organisation could deploy Operator Connect for effortless deployment and scale, Direct Routing for control, and ACS for innovation.

Microsoft-centric organisations in regulated or distributed verticals often see 30 to 50 percent efficiency gains from hybrid deployments, while legacy-heavy setups thrive on Direct Routing.

As your local certified partner, Vox demystifies the realities of Business Voice to match your reality. Vox will engage with you in an initial consultation that covers the following points within this practical evaluation checklist:

Infrastructure Audit to ensure highest return on current investments;
Scale and speed requirements;
Compliance and resilience needs;
Customisation requirements;
Integration path needs; and
A total cost of ownership review that factors in hidden costs.

Explore a no-obligation assessment at https://www.vox.co.za/microsoft-operator-connect/.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Operator Connect and Direct Routing?
Operator Connect is a managed service where Vox provisions calling directly into Teams with no SBC required by you. Direct Routing connects your SIP trunks or PBX to Teams via an SBC that you host, giving you more control and customisation.

Can I mix Operator Connect and Direct Routing?
Yes. Many organisations use Operator Connect for core users and Direct Routing for specific sites or legacy integrations where survivability or specialised routing is required.

Do I need on‑premises hardware for Teams Phone?
Not if you choose Operator Connect. The SBCs are hosted by Vox and each user can use either their laptop or mobile device as an endpoint.

What is Azure Communication Services (ACS) used for?
ACS is for developers building bespoke voice/video features or embedding calling into apps and CRM systems. It is not in itself a Teams calling solution, but complements OC/DR rather than replaces them.

How does survivability work if the internet fails?
Direct Routing can be paired with a Survivable Branch Appliance (SBA) to provide local onsite calling if internet connectivity is lost. Operator Connect relies on cloud availability and can be paired with hybrid designs for resilience.

How long does deployment take?
Deployments vary: Operator Connect implementations can be hours to days for typical rollouts; Direct Routing projects often take weeks to months depending on complexity.

Will Vox support compliance and fraud monitoring?
Yes. Vox provides fraud monitoring and supports emergency calling compliance. We’ll include these requirements in the assessment.

Vox re-enters the security arena with global leader Sophos

Posted on 29 October 202530 October 2025 by Audrey Vadival

By Audrey Vadival, Head of Division: Security and Value-added Services

Vox is pleased to announce the launch of its new cybersecurity division in partnership with global cybersecurity leader, Sophos.

The Vox-Sophos cybersecurity partnership expands Vox’s long-standing position as a trusted ISP into a full-service digital guardian, offering South African companies an integrated portfolio of connectivity, communication and protection solutions.

Key highlights:

Comprehensive protection: Firewalls, endpoint security, MDR, XDR and Phish Threat solutions all integrated within Vox’s managed security offering.
AI-powered defence: Proactive threat hunting, deep learning analysis, and automated response capabilities.
Integrated simplicity: Unified Sophos Central dashboard consolidates all alerts and data across third-party tools with the XDR and MDR offerings.
Security awareness training: Automated phishing simulations and targeted education to turn employees into first-line defenders.
Accessible pricing: Vox pricing and fibre/firewall bundles for South African customers

The move is a response to a growing need in the market. Cyberattacks are growing more sophisticated and frequent in South Africa, with the country remaining one of Africa’s most targeted for cybercrime.

According to the BDO Global Risk Landscape Report 2025 and Allianz Risk Barometer, companies have faced an average of 2,114 cyberattacks per company per week in 2025 – a year-on-year increase of 14%. The Sophos State of Ransomware in South Africa 2025 report put a price tag on the threat – the median ransomware demand rose from R2.8 million in 2024 to R18 million in 2025 while the median payment nearly tripled to R8.3 million.

Vox’s partnership with Sophos brings enterprise-grade cybersecurity within reach for local companies of all sizes. Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) through to corporates can benefit from a portfolio of solutions designed to combine proactive threat hunting with round-the-clock monitoring and simplified management.

We’re connecting and protecting companies. Our partnership with Sophos gives us the ability to create world-class security solutions which leverage next-generation protection capabilities like AI within a local, managed services model that makes high-end protection both accessible and affordable.

Vox’s new cybersecurity arm forms part of our broader strategy to evolve from a pure connectivity and communications provider into a holistic managed service and security partner. The focus is simple – secure the connection, secure the data, protect customers – and it builds on the foundation of trust Vox has already built with our growing customer base.

Our customers already trust us with their communications and connectivity, and it makes sense to extend that trust into cybersecurity. Sophos has a robust and relevant solution portfolio that ensures we can deliver a synchronised security stack that protects every part of the digital journey, from the connection to the user.

The value proposition within the partnership rests in Vox’s ability to combine advanced technology with real-world simplicity. One dashboard, one licence and one provider, with multiple solutions integrated smoothly through Sophos Central. Companies can monitor and respond to threats rapidly with a single, unified view.

Vox will be offering a suite of five Sophos products which are designed to work together to prevent, detect and respond to modern threats.

The Sophos XGS Series firewall, launched earlier this year, offers AI-powered threat prevention and zero-day defence, while Sophos Intercept X combines deep learning AI and anti-ransomware for rapid threat detection and defence.

Sophos MDR delivers 24/7 expert-led security as a service with proactive threat hunting and rapid incident response. Sophos XDR provides visibility across all critical attack surfaces, including third party tools, while Sophos Phish Threat helps you stay ahead and prevent expensive mistakes by proactively educating your workforce

According to Pieter Nel, Sales Director SADC at Sophos South Africa: “The threat landscape in South Africa continues to intensify, and organisations are looking for a partner that can simplify cybersecurity while still delivering enterprise-grade protection.

“Our partnership with Vox brings the full strength of Sophos’ MDR, XDR and AI-driven technologies directly into a locally managed service model, making advanced cyber defence accessible to businesses of all sizes. Together, we are ensuring South African organisations can detect and stop ransomware and other cyberattacks before they cause disruption or financial damage.”

Vox, a Gold Partner for Sophos, offers highly competitive pricing and flexible security bundles which combine fibre and firewall protection in one accessible package. Starting from October 2025 with the ‘Securing Your Connectivity’ promotion, Vox is making enterprise-level security affordable to South African companies while providing local support and expertise.

Businesses are dealing with complicated threats and sophisticated attacks and are at constant risk, so our mission is making their lives easier. You don’t need a large team or multiple IT vendors, just one partner with the right security tools, and that’s us.

To learn how the Vox Sophos cybersecurity partnership can protect your business, contact Vox for a tailored security assessment and a quote for managed security services and fibre/firewall bundles.

Recommended next steps for businesses

Assess current exposure: Identify critical assets and where detection blind spots exist.
Consider a managed approach: If you lack in-house security resource, managed XDR/MDR can significantly reduce risk.
Combine connectivity and security: Explore Vox’s firewall and fibre bundles for simplified billing and integrated support.
Train staff: Add security awareness training to reduce phishing and social engineering risk.

FAQs

What is the Vox Sophos cybersecurity partnership?
The Vox Sophos cybersecurity partnership is a local managed security service combining Vox connectivity with Sophos enterprise-grade tools (XGS firewall, Intercept X, MDR, XDR and Phish Threat) to protect South African businesses.

What cybersecurity solutions are included in Vox’s offering?
Vox offers Sophos XGS firewalls, Intercept X endpoint protection, Sophos MDR (24/7 monitoring & response), Sophos XDR (cross-surface visibility) and Phish Threat security awareness training, all managed via the Sophos Central dashboard.

Who should consider Vox managed security services?
SMEs through to large corporates that want simplified, enterprise-grade protection—organisations without large in‑house security teams, or those seeking 24/7 threat hunting, AI-driven detection and consolidated management.

How do I get started or request a quote?
Contact Vox’s security team for a tailored security assessment and pricing. Vox offers competitive fibre and firewall bundles (including the “Securing Your Connectivity” promotion from October 2025) with local support and implementation.

The Real Cost of a Data Breach for Individuals

Posted on 20 October 202524 October 2025 by Suhail Dinat

Another day, another data breach.

It seems like every other week that some big company announces they’ve been hacked (seriously, hospitals – heard of a firewall?). Entire databases of private, confidential information are sent into the digital wild more frequently than Trump changes his mind. And, the sad part is, the individuals who’ve been compromised often suffer as much as the entities who let it happen.

A good PR campaign and said company can get back on their feet. Know who can’t? The affected parties who now must recover financially, emotionally, and socially.

Financial Impact: Immediate and Hidden Costs

When people think about breaches, the first implication they consider is financial – rightfully so, as the immediate effect is usually on your pocket.

Fraud, loans and damaged credit:

Criminals don’t even need actual money to run wild – just your card details are enough of a launching pad. How so? Here are some ways:

They may start fraudulently purchasing gift items, electronics, or crypto before you’re even aware of it.
Many criminals take out excessive loans linked to another account using stolen identities. The victim only finds out once collection is due.
On a smaller scale, quick cash-outs via e-wallet, ride sharing, and even food delivery accounts are also small ways victims have been hit.

Think it’s not relevant? Let’s look at the history:

An Equifax breach exposed the personal information of 147 MILLION people in 2017. Most of these victims later reported fake loan approvals and fraudulent credit card applications within a matter of days. And, even if the matter is eventually resolved, you can’t put a price on the stress, hours lost waiting on hold, or any residual damage to your credit score.

Identity theft — a long‑term risk:

Unlike a wallet, you can’t just “get a new” digital identity. Once your data is compromised, criminals can use it for decades. Think credit fraud, tax fraud, or even medical identity theft for prescription drugs.

The knock-on effect of these breaches is immense. They can impact on your ability to rent, apply for loans, and in some cases even find jobs.

The human cost — stress, relationships and reputation:

Everyone talks about Data breaches numerically, but what the victims go through is often overlooked. Many victims have to live with the daunting reality of:

Mounting anxiety as they log in and out of their banking app. Repeatedly.
The uncertainty of not knowing whether your info has been stolen.
The pain of repeatedly explaining your situation to strangers.

Think sleepless nights, relationship stress, and a never-ending daunting feeling. Cybercrime steals more than data – it takes away peace of mind.

Privacy harms that money can’t fix:

Many breaches expose extremely sensitive information. Think dating apps, health records, or your browser history (shudder).

And, unlike credit cards, your bank can’t (eventually) undo this one.

Ever heard of Ashley Madison? They were Tinder before Tinder. Until, one day, users were blackmailed with threats to expose their private activity. You can imagine how this went down.
Or spare a second to think about health-related breaches – and how stigmatised patients can feel when their conditions become public.

Some impacts transcend monetary value – they can damage reputations, careers, respect and relationships.

The problem with a breach is often the delayed effect. Cybercrime has a long tail, and slow burning effect. Once your Data is sold on the dark web, it stays there. In fact, it can even be resold, and repeat issues emerge for multiple years.

What to do right now if your data’s been breached

But enough fearmongering, what can we do if we find ourselves compromised? Here’s an easy guide:

Change your passwords. Immediately. ALL of them.
Enable your multifactor authentication (MFA).
Verify whether your email has also been leaked (use sites like “have I been pwnd” – you can even do it now).
Monitor your bank accounts (and notify your bank).
Temporarily freeze your credit file.
Double-check any calls, emails, or texts asking for information.

You can’t simply measure the true cost of a Data breach via a spreadsheet. The price you pay is intangible, and how do you quantify a lifetime of looking over your shoulder?

Act now – protect your data

Companies can move on – but victims carry the burden even once the headlines fade. This is why taking your cybersecurity seriously is no longer optional. It’s necessary. Because, in today’s digital world, your bank account isn’t your most valuable asset – your data is.

You can’t undo every breach, but you can limit the damage. Change passwords, enable MFA, keep an eye on your accounts and use reputable security tools. Treat data protection as essential because your information is often more valuable than the cash in your account.

Get immediate protection with Norton from Vox.

FAQs

What immediate steps should I take after a breach?
Change passwords, enable MFA, check Have I Been Pwned, notify your bank, and consider freezing your credit.

How long can identity theft affect me?
It can last years. Stolen data can be resold and reused, so ongoing monitoring is essential.

Will my bank always refund fraud losses?
Not always. Many banks will help, but you still face time spent on disputes and potential credit impacts. Report fraud immediately.

Can consumer security software really help?
Yes. Reputable suites (like Norton 360 offered through Vox) reduce your risk of phishing, smishing and device compromise and include privacy tools and 24/7 support.

Secure Your Connectivity with our Fibre Plus Firewall Bundle October Special

Posted on 14 October 202521 October 2025 by Audrey Vadival

Secure connectivity is about speed and protection.

South African networks face multiple threats on a daily basis. Recent reporting shows that Interpol detected roughly 230 million cyber threats in South Africa, which is a clear signal that homes and businesses must harden their borders.

Secure connectivity prevents unauthorised access, data loss and downtime, helping you to keep operations and productivity running smoothly within your business.

Sophos Firewalls with Vox

Vox has partnered with Sophos to offer next-generation firewalls to help you better protect your network, quickly and efficiently.

With Sophos firewalls from Vox, you can enjoy no hidden costs – just great security, and you will find that it’s easy to use, even if you’re not technical.

The advanced threat protection blocks viruses, ransomware and hackers, leaving you with peace of mind. You can also block websites and non-work apps so that your employees’ efficiency is boosted, allowing you to boost security and productivity at the same time.

The solution is designed to promote a fast and secure network that continues running at high speed, which serves as another productivity value-add.

Why A Fibre Plus Firewall Bundle Is Crucial

Vox’s Fibre Plus Firewall bundle gives you both speed AND protection.

Our October 2025 special offer combines resilient Vox Fibre with next‑gen Sophos Firewall protection, allowing you to protect your devices, data and productivity with a single, easy solution.

Firewalls: Your First Line of Defence

A Firewall monitors and filters incoming and outgoing traffic based on set rules, creating a perimeter between your trusted network and the internet. Modern, next‑generation Firewalls also:

Detect and block intrusions and malware (IDS/IPS).
Support VPNs for secure remote access.
Log activity for rapid incident response.
Block malicious websites and non‑work apps to protect users and increase productivity.

Why Pairing Fibre with a Firewall is a Great Idea

Fibre delivers fast, symmetrical bandwidth essential for cloud apps, video conferencing and backups. Pairing that connectivity with a dedicated Firewall ensures high performance isn’t offset by exposure to threats. The Fibre plus Firewall bundle gives you:

Speed and security in one purchase.
Simpler billing and deployment with Vox.
Managed support to keep both connectivity and protection performing.

Sophos Firewalls with Vox: What You Get

The key benefits include the following:

Advanced threat protection against viruses, ransomware and hackers.
VPN support for secure remote workers and branch offices.
Centralised logging and reporting for faster incident handling.
Options to block websites and non‑work apps to boost staff productivity.
Backed by Vox 24/7 support and clear pricing with no hidden costs.

October special: Fibre plus Firewall bundle

This October, Vox is running a limited‑time Fibre plus Firewall bundle special. It’s an ideal time to:

Move to faster Fibre connectivity;
Add enterprise‑grade Sophos Firewall protection; and
Consolidate services and simplify billing.

Enquire early to reserve bundle availability and special pricing.

How To Get Started

Assess your needs in terms of the required bandwidth, number of users and remote access requirements. Then:

Choose a Vox Fibre package and Sophos Firewall level.
Book installation and configuration with Vox support.
Activate monitoring and policies with assistance from Vox 24/7 support.

Protect Your Network with Vox and Sophos

By protecting your sensitive data, devices and systems from threats like malware, hackers, denial of service attacks and malicious software, firewalls are a fundamental component of any network security strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Fibre plus Firewall bundle?

A Fibre plus Firewall bundle combines Vox Fibre internet connectivity with a managed next‑generation Sophos Firewall, to deliver both high performance and network security in a single package.

Why should I buy a Firewall if I already have Fibre?

Fibre gives you speed; a Firewall protects that connection. Without a Firewall, your fast connection can make attacks more damaging. A combined solution ensures both performance and protection.

What protection do Sophos Firewalls provide?

Sophos Firewalls include intrusion detection and prevention, anti‑malware and ransomware protection, VPN support, web and app control, and central logging for incident response.

Who is the Fibre plus Firewall bundle suitable for?

The bundle is ideal for small businesses and larger organisations that need reliable Fibre speeds with enterprise‑grade security and managed support.

When is the Vox October special available?

Vox will run the Fibre plus Firewall bundle special in October 2025 – contact us to confirm availability, exact pricing and terms.

Can Vox manage the Firewall for me?

Yes. Vox offers managed services and 24/7 support to help configure, monitor and maintain your Firewall and connectivity.

Will a Firewall slow down my Fibre connection?

Properly configured next‑gen Firewalls are designed to protect without significant performance impact. Vox matches Firewall capacity to your Fibre speed to preserve throughput.

How do I enquire about the October bundle?

Click here on the Vox website to request details and a tailored quote.

Real Risks of Critical Infrastructure Cyber Attacks

Posted on 7 October 202521 October 2025 by Vivienne Fouche

No longer only in the movies…

There are very real cyberthreats lurking today, including critical infrastructure cyber attacks, and all organisations need to protect themselves. We tune into the movies and TV shows for entertainment – sometimes because we need a serious dose of escaping reality to forget about our challenges for a while.

And if we’re watching a thriller, when the film is over, we breathe a sigh of relief that what happened in it was much too far-fetched to have any actual connection to reality.

Perhaps viewers a couple of years ago were comfortable, while watching the 2023 American apocalyptic thriller ‘Leave the World Behind’, to think that they would be returning safely to reality when the credits finally rolled, because….

[Editor’s note: If you haven’t seen the movie, here comes a spoiler alert!]

…because a war was NOT actually being started outside the cinema by sinister forces who began by first destroying communication networks and critical infrastructure through a highly targeted cyber attack.

(If you haven’t seen the movie and want to know more, here’s a quick sneak peek at the trailer. The movie stars Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke and Kevin Bacon.)

Except that… attacks on infrastructure ARE becoming more commonplace in the real world, as Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems become increasingly intertwined.

Let’s look at some real-life examples.

Why It’s real: IT and OT Convergence

One of the largest oil pipelines in the United States, the Colonial Pipeline in the eastern USA, went down in May 2021 for a few days because of a massive cyber-attack. It caused fuel shortages, panic buying and a temporary spike in gasoline prices.

The attack, from a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) operation named DarkSide, caused a four-day shutdown of the pipeline, after DarkSide’s operators had accessed the company’s IT network, stolen 100 gigabytes of data and encrypted several critical systems. A significant section of the eastern part of the country was affected, and Colonial Pipeline paid the hackers nearly $5 million as a ransom to finally regain control of their systems.

The Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack is considered to be one of the most significant attacks on critical national infrastructure in history.

So perhaps the moral of this particular story is this: Taking down critical infrastructure is not so far-fetched after all!

As for communications networks, cyber-attacks on telecommunications companies (telcos) can have far-reaching consequences. The nature of the information held on customers can put their personal safety at risk if it’s breached.

American telco giant AT&T has had its systems breached more than once. System breaches have also taken place on Tangerine in Australia, Kyivstar in Ukraine, Alphalink in France, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited in India… the list of international telcos that have been attacked just goes on.

Data breaches and service failures undermine customer trust and have a negative impact on reputations. The result is companies being hit with recovery expenses as well as a potential loss of future customer revenue.

Closer to Home: South African Incidents

South Africa has not gone unscathed as far as significant cyber attacks are concerned.

Transnet Attack: In July 2021, South Africa’s state-owned logistics firm, Transet, suffered a major ransomware attack that disrupted operations at ports and significantly affected the supply chain, demonstrating how ransomware can affect national economic activities. You could perhaps regard this as being SA’s own version of the Colonial Pipeline major critical infrastructure attack, because the results were also severe and far-reaching – in fact, Transnet declared a ‘Force Majeure’, meaning an event that cannot be reasonably anticipated or controlled.
Experian South Africa: In August 2020, this renowned consumer, business and credit information services agency experienced a data breach where a fraudster gained unauthorised access to the personal information of approximately 24 million South Africans and almost 800,000 (793,749) businesses. The exposed data included contact information and employment details.
National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS): When the IT systems of the NHLS were targeted by ransomware in 2024, all files on the affected computers and servers became inaccessible, leading to a halt in NHLS operations. In addition, 1.2 terabytes of data was stolen during the attack, including the sensitive medical information of millions of patients.
South African Weather Service (SAWS): In January 2025, the SAWS disclosed that its ICT-base systems were disrupted by an attack led by ransomware-as-a-service group RansomHub.

These are just a few examples of local cyber breaches in South Africa. Knowing the cause, impact and response to past data breaches can help businesses protect their own data – and bottom-line – by ensuring that they avoid the same pitfalls and mistakes.

Practical, Non-technical Actions Organisations Can Take

You don’t need to be a security expert to take sensible steps that reduce risk. Recommended actions include:

Develop and exercise an incident response plan and communications strategy so you can act fast when an event occurs.
Classify and prioritise critical assets and data to focus protection and recovery efforts where they matter most.
Conduct regular tabletop exercises with leadership, legal and communications teams to test decision-making under pressure.
Strengthen supplier and vendor oversight — downstream vendors can introduce supply-chain risk.
Train staff to recognise phishing and social engineering, the most common initial vectors for ransomware attack.
Consider cyber insurance and ensure coverage aligns with your operational risk profile.

It’s important to understand that kidnapping today is no longer only the domain of Somali pirates operating off the coast of Northeast Africa, using speedboats and machine guns to take over lucrative international cargo ships. Cybercriminals – like the Colonial Oil attackers – now ‘kidnap’ data, holding systems and companies to ransom until significant sums of money are paid.

No organisation wants to be in the media spotlight for the wrong reasons. Being aware of cyber attacks suffered by other companies can help your business to learn from these pitfalls and stay safe moving forward. Let’s go back to the movies to ponder that one a bit more closely:

“In my line of work, you have to understand the patterns that govern the world. It can help you see your future. And I knew something was coming.” – George H Scott, ‘Leave the World Behind’

Any business can be a victim of cybercrime. If you need help with cyber protection for your organisation, please contact Vox to see how we can be of assistance.

FAQs

What are critical infrastructure cyberattacks?
Critical infrastructure cyberattacks target systems that support essential services — such as energy, transport, health and communications — and can disrupt services, harm the economy and endanger the public.

How can I tell if my organisation is being targeted?
Common signs include unexplained system slowdowns, unusual login patterns, unexpected file encryption, or ransom notes. Prompt investigation and containment are vital.

What’s the difference between a ransomware attack and a data breach?
A ransomware attack encrypts and locks systems to demand payment; a data breach involves unauthorised access and exfiltration of sensitive information. Both can occur together.

How can smaller businesses protect themselves against these threats?
Smaller businesses should focus on basics: backups, an incident response plan, staff training, and assessing third-party risks — these steps significantly reduce exposure.

Does cyber insurance replace preparedness?
No. Cyber insurance can help with financial recovery, but it does not replace proactive measures like planning, training and asset prioritisation.

Microsoft Family and Personal Licences Unlock the Power of Ai

Posted on 15 September 202515 September 2025 by Vivienne Fouche

The speed at which artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed from being a niche technology into a mainstream tool these past few years is astonishing. The key differentiator in the recent AI journey has arguably been the introduction of ‘generative AI’, meaning a type of AI that can create new content and ideas, including conversations, stories, images, videos and music.

Artificial intelligence is the broader concept of making machines more human-like. It includes everything from smart assistants like Alexa, chatbots and image generators to robotic vacuum cleaners and self-driving cars. Generative AI is a subset that generates new content meaningfully and intelligently.

Generative AI has been a major step-up from the relatively simple chatbots that we’ve been used to for a while now. For some people, it’s exhilarating and for others, a little intimidating.

In this article, we look at Microsoft Copilot – a generative AI chatbot developed by Microsoft – and how it can help people in their work and home lives with the Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans.

But first, let’s take a quick glance at how we got to this point.

From ELIZA to LLMs

The history of generative AI dates back further than you might think, to the 1960s in fact. The first historical example of generative AI was called ELIZA, created in 1966 by Joseph Weizenbaum, a computer scientist and professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). ELIZA was a talking computer program that would respond to a human, using a natural language and responses designed to sound empathic. We could say that ELIZA was the first chatbot!

weizenbaum at computer w eliza | Vox | Microsoft Family and Personal Licences Unlock the Power of Ai — Image courtesy https://www.cbc.ca/radio

The transition from basic chatbots to advanced platforms like Microsoft Copilot represents a shift from rule-based interactions to large language model (LLM)-powered conversational AI.

Microsoft explains that LLMs: ‘are advanced AI systems that understand and generate natural language, or human-like text, using the data they’ve been trained on through machine learning techniques.’

Traditional chatbots are limited by their predefined scripts, while today’s generative capabilities allow for context-aware and human-like responses, enabling more natural and flexible interactions.

Let’s fast-forward to the 21st century. In November 2022, OpenAI introduced ChatGPT, a generative AI combined with large language models. This was closely followed by Microsoft Copilot in 2023.

The combination of generative AI training with large language models has resulted in artificial intelligence that is able to think and reason. With today’s ‘smarter chatbots’, we’ve achieved a new level of artificial intelligence – they can perform research; support reasonably good writing; and generate realistic videos, audio and images.

So how can Microsoft Copilot help you and your family members?

Technology Working Smarter for the Whole Family

Microsoft 365 Copilot is now available in Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans.

It’s an AI-powered assistant built right into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem – a digital assistant designed to help you with a range of tasks and activities. It’s not just a chatbot bolted onto Office but instead can interact with your content, understand context, and execute complex tasks using your data securely.

You could think of it as a digital co-worker that understands your documents, spreadsheets and conversations, and then helps you work faster with automated ideas.

Microsoft Copilot can create drafts of content, recommend different ways to reword something you’ve written, suggest and insert images or banners, create PowerPoint presentations from your Word documents, and many other helpful things.

With your licence, enjoy intelligent features like:

Smart suggestions for faster document creation and editing;
AI-driven insights to help you stay organised and make informed decisions;
Enhanced security with AI-powered threat detection for peace of mind; and
Personalised experiences tailored to your preferences and usage patterns.

From seamless collaboration to smarter everyday tools, Microsoft’s AI integration ensures that you get the most out of your Personal and Family plans.

Bring the future to your fingertips with cutting-edge AI features included in our Family and Personal licences. Whether you’re managing household tasks, boosting productivity, or exploring creative projects, our AI-powered tools are designed to simplify your life and elevate your experience.

Choose a Family or Personal licence today and step into a world where technology works smarter for you – and the whole family!

Heading Up the PMO with Leadership, Presence and Empathy

Posted on 31 July 20259 March 2026 by Vivienne Fouche

Meet our Experts: Spotlight on Nathaniel Govender

At Vox, we value, support and actively engage people with the levels of expertise that we require to keep us moving forward as a company. In this edition of ‘Meet our Experts’, we find out more about Nathaniel Govender, who is the Executive Head of the Vox Project Office (PMO). Known to friends and colleagues alike as ‘Nate’, he is softly spoken and gentle of manner, but always driven to achieve.

Perseverance, persistence and overcoming personal challenges are all part of the journey for Nathaniel. From starting out as a call centre agent in Vox to achieving the level of one of the company’s directors, he is proof that at Vox, talent is always empowered to rise to the top.

Despite some significant difficulties along the way, Nathaniel has never allowed obstacles to suppress his optimistic outlook on life, or dampen his determination for too long.

We take a look at his story and unpack what drives him.

Ensuring a Strong Career Foundation

Nathaniel is another of Vox’s longstanding employees, having joined the company in 2005 and then going on to clock up 20 years of loyal and innovative service. Today, he says, his role centres on providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for all customer orders in progress – in other words, the ‘projects’ that give the PMO its name – which are sold across the company.

“I’m responsible for defining the vision, structure and governance of the Project Management Office, while also leading its execution. Ultimately, I hold full commercial accountability for the financial performance of all active orders within Vox,” he explains.

Before joining Vox, Nathaniel’s career evolved through a range of operational and leadership roles that gave him a strong foundation in customer service, technology and project delivery.

He clarifies: “While based at a previous company, I started out as a Call Centre Agent, where I developed a deep understanding of customer needs and frontline operations. I was later promoted to Call Centre Manager, taking on team leadership, performance management and process improvement responsibilities, and from there, I transitioned into the role of IT Manager.”

As IT manager at this organisation, Nathaniel led the implementation and support of critical systems, aligning technology with business objectives. These experiences, which included customer service, operational leadership and IT, equipped him with a holistic understanding of business operations, which he was later to carry forward into more strategic roles, culminating in the founding of the Projects Office at Vox.

However, the trajectory of Nathaniel’s relatively smooth career path was to hit a significant bump when, in late 2004, he experienced a cruel setback in his professional life.

Never Give Up…

“I’d love to say that my journey into Vox was a carefully planned progression driven by a passion for operational excellence, customer delivery and technology,” notes Nathaniel wryly, “but the truth is a bit more unexpected. While serving as an IT Manager, I arrived at work one morning to find the office locked and the business liquidated – and just like that, I was out of a job!”

Determined to continue moving forward despite this blow, Nathaniel searched online for the top IT companies in the country, and DataPro (later to become part of Vox) stood out for him.

“I took a chance and sent my CV to the generic info email address,” he outlines, “and to my surprise, I received a reply from the CEO the very next day, referring me to their Helpdesk Manager. That’s how my journey with Vox began: starting over as a Call Centre/Helpdesk Agent. Since then, I’ve grown through the business, eventually founding and leading the Project Management Office in 2016, where I was able to combine everything I’ve learned along the way.”

Nathaniel clarifies that one of his main challenges with the PMO is managing complexity at scale. “Each project involves multiple stakeholders, tight deadlines, shifting priorities and technical variables, often all at once,” he says.

“No two days are ever quite the same, but a typical week for me includes maintaining visibility across multiple active orders while simultaneously keeping teams aligned and customers satisfied.”

Nonetheless, he faces and deals with any challenges in a balanced manner and is highly skilled at staying on top of things while presenting a calm and reassuring manner.

Overcoming Obstacles

And staying with the topic of challenges, Nathaniel is open about having to overcome some personal obstacles along the way in achieving his current position at Vox.

“One of the biggest was obviously starting over from the bottom, after previously holding a senior role, when I re-entered the workforce as a Call Centre/Helpdesk Agent at Vox. It was a humbling experience, both professionally and personally, but it taught me resilience, adaptability and the value of perseverance. Another challenge was proving myself in a new environment without relying on titles or past roles. I had to rebuild professional trust, credibility and influence from scratch.”

To rebuild his credibility within a new organisation, Nathaniel focused on consistently delivering results, being solution-oriented, and never losing sight of long-term growth: “Even when the day-to-day challenges felt like a step backward! However, when I look back, I see that these experiences built the foundation for my leadership today. They made me more empathetic, grounded and driven to create opportunities for others to grow, no matter where they start.”

When we delve deeper into Nathaniel’s personal history, his ability to rise up from challenges makes sense.

He explains: “I grew up in the small, lively town of Tongaat on Durban’s north coast, proudly South African through and through! My heritage is a colourful mix of Indian and Cape Coloured roots, and I was lucky to be raised in a warm, tight-knit community where family came first, hard work was second nature, and there was always a plan B (and sometimes a plan C) thanks to plenty of resilience and resourcefulness.

“That upbringing shaped my character and taught me to never take opportunities for granted. It instilled in me a deep commitment to leading and serving with empathy, staying grounded, and embracing continuous learning and adaptation: qualities that have guided my career and continue to define my leadership journey today.”

Outside work, Nathaniel has always had a passion for the outdoors and sport.
“Growing up, I spent countless hours playing with friends, and that love for activity has stayed with me. These days, I’m an avid padel enthusiast and currently on track to qualify with my Padel MBA, something I’m incredibly excited about!”

(Editor’s note: We mentioned at the beginning of this article that Nathaniel has a gentle manner, but perhaps the one exception is on the padel court, where he is known to take no prisoners! He remains softly spoken though – a gentleman always… )

Moving Forward

There’s an old saying that goes: ‘Every cloud has a silver lining’, and perhaps it’s not too fanciful to imagine this silver lining shining quietly over Nathaniel on that long-ago day when he arrived at his place of work, only to find the doors shut and barred. After all, if not for that rudest of terminations, he might never have landed up working for Vox, which, he says, has been a uniquely rewarding experience.

“What truly sets Vox apart from other ISPs in South Africa is its entrepreneurial spirit, agility and hunger to challenge the status quo,” notes Nathaniel. “We’re not weighed down by too much red tape or legacy thinking. Instead, Vox is constantly looking for ways to disrupt traditional models, whether it’s through bundling services in new ways, leveraging emerging tech, or delivering faster, more responsive support.”

Nathaniel is part of this innovative thinking within the company, and he really enjoys helping others in the workplace to also achieve their true potential.

He explains: “I take immense pride in mentoring and growing people, helping others step into leadership and taking ownership of their work. I’m passionate about building leadership capacity and empowering the next generation of leaders.

“Creating a culture where people can grow, take ownership, and innovate with confidence is important to me – I really enjoy seeing ideas and people transformation come to life. There’s real satisfaction in building something sustainable, not just in terms of projects, but in terms of culture, capability and customer trust,” he concludes.

Active-Active Failover Solutions from Vox

Posted on 15 July 202527 November 2025 by Andre Eksteen

When your business can’t afford to have its network go down, you need more than a backup: you need intelligent, always‑on connectivity.

Enter Vox Active‑Active Failover: a high‑availability solution that uses two live links at the same time for better performance, more usable bandwidth and seamless resilience when one link fails.

Why failover matters for your business
Imagine driving to work and discovering a massive traffic jam on your usual route. A quick off‑ramp saves the day and you arrive on time. That’s exactly what a failover does for your network. Whether you rely on cloud services, VoIP, payments or remote access, even a short outage can cost time, revenue and reputation. Failover options keep your services running when faults or outages happen.

Failovers make sure that systems stay operational even when unexpected failures occur. They guarantee that users experience negligible disruption, just like the alternative traffic route. Failover is a critical part of IT resilience, helping companies to navigate these challenges with minimal impact to the business.

Vox is proud to announce our newest business Failover bundle options, which go beyond the traditional parameters in an exciting and innovative way. This article unpacks our new ‘Active-Active Failover solution’, which is unique in the South African ISP landscape and designed to assist with significantly reducing and controlling network disruptions.

Active-Passive Failover Operations: Keeping Your Internet Alive

There are many reasons why Internet networks fail, including congestion, physical damage to the Fibre, area outages, planned or emergency maintenance, router issues, DDoS attacks, malware on devices, outdated software on customer equipment, and more.

Setting up a Failover option helps organisations to remain ready for any challenge. The alternative option – no Failover plan (unthinkable!) – leads to downtime, causing financial and reputational damage. ‘Active-Passive Failovers’, which have been the standard offering to date, provide a secondary connection to your organisation’s Internet – preferably on diverse infrastructure – where the secondary link is used only once the primary link goes down.

How it works: In a typical Active-Passive Failover configuration, one is configured as primary (Active) and the other as backup (Passive), as shown in the diagram below. If the primary network connection fails or is unresponsive, the backup automatically takes over. Network parameters are shared so that other devices on the network can continue operating as if nothing has changed. When the primary wide area network (WAN) link is restored and once again stable, the connections ‘failback’ to it.

In this example, the primary network link is via a Fibre network operator (FNO). The secondary link can be provided by either another FNO, or alternatively via a Wireless network operator (WNO). The secondary link is used only when the primary link is down.

Active-Passive Failover operations — Active-Passive Failover Solutions

When the primary link is active, 100 percent of the traffic goes through it and zero percent via the secondary link.
The situation is the exact opposite when the primary link is down, when 100 percent of the traffic goes through the secondary link.
When the primary link is restored and the connections failback to it, zero percent of the traffic once again goes through the secondary link.

Vox has been providing Active-Passive Failover systems for many years and has built up significant expertise to assist our customers. Recently, however, we started thinking: ‘What if we can provide more value to a failover customer at similar price points as on Active-Passive?’

And guess what? We can!

Introducing the Active-Active Option: A Failover Plan on Steroids

Vox is proud to present our new ‘Active-Active Failover’ bundle options. (And no, this is not a term that applies to busy toddlers having a meltdown.)

The problem with the Active-Passive Failover option outlined above is that a customer can only use one link at a time – the secondary link hardly gets used. Here at Vox, we thought that this seemed like a waste of potential ‘always-on’ connectivity.

The Vox Active-Active Failover option solves this problem by allowing customers to use both network links at the same time via load balancing, giving them more available bandwidth when both links are up. Then, when one link goes down, the secondary link will still work as a Failover to keep pushing traffic.

Technology note: ‘Load balancing’ in this context is the process of distributing network traffic across multiple links.

How it works: In the example in the image, both the networks are used in tandem. Again, the primary link is provided by an FNO, while the secondary link can be provided by either another FNO, or alternatively via a WNO.

When both links are available, the traffic is load-balanced based on the capacities configured per link.
When one of the Active links are down, all the traffic fails over to the remaining link.
When the broken link is restored, the load balancing will reestablish.

Vox’s Active-Active Failover solution is unique in the South African market, as it delivers customers more value while saving costs, and without compromising on the essence of network redundancy. An Active-Active Failover bundle is ideal for any organisation where having no down-time is vital.

Active-Active Benefits:

The benefits of using your links to their fullest potential all the time are groundbreaking. Think about implementing these positives for your business:

Business continuity due to increased uptime: The probability for downtime reduces drastically with two links on distinct networks.
More value for money: With both links able to carry traffic, the Failover can almost always be used.
Improved cost efficiencies: There is no need for additional devices and licences; it is all delivered on the included router.
Bandwidth efficiencies with burstability: More bandwidth is at the customer’s disposal when both links are up.
Peace of mind with seamless Failover: If one link fails, the other continues to carry the traffic in an uninterrupted manner.
Vox does everything for our customers: We provide the links, the Active Failover setup on the included router, and the support that comes with it.

Our current offerings start from R1,798 (ex VAT) per month. Currently, the Active-Active solution is offered through either Fibre plus Fibre, or Fibre plus Wireless, but the offering could also be offered via other technologies. It depends on what’s available at the customer’s site, and what they can afford.

Vox is enormously proud to be the first local ISP to officially offer the Active-Active Failover solution! We look forward to bringing you even more options in the future.

For more information, please contact us through this convenient enquiry page and we’ll call you back promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vox Active‑Active Failover?

Vox Active‑Active Failover is a managed connectivity bundle that uses two live internet links concurrently. Traffic is load‑balanced across both links and automatically fails over to the remaining link if one fails, ensuring continuous connectivity.

How does Active‑Active differ from Active‑Passive?

Active‑Passive keeps a standby link for use only when the primary fails. Active‑Active uses both links simultaneously for increased usable bandwidth and continuous redundancy.

Which link types can be used in an Active‑Active bundle?

Vox currently offers Active‑Active as Fibre + Fibre or Fibre + Wireless. Availability depends on the technologies present at your location.

Will I need extra hardware for Active‑Active?

No additional customer hardware is usually required. Vox supplies and configures the router included in the bundle to manage load balancing and failover.

How much does Vox Active‑Active cost?

Packages start from R1,798 (ex VAT) per month. The final cost depends on the selected speeds and any optional add‑ons such as static IP ranges or QoS VLANs.

What happens if both links fail?

Having diverse links reduces the chance of simultaneous failure. If both links do fail, Vox provides support to restore service and can offer temporary connectivity options where available.

Is Active‑Active suitable for small businesses?

Yes. Any business that values uptime, small or large, can benefit from the redundancy and performance gains of Active‑Active.

How quickly does failover happen?

Failover switching is automatic and happens within seconds depending on the configuration, keeping interruptions to a minimum.

Vox Fibre Frenzy!

Posted on 7 July 202521 October 2025 by Suhail Dinat

The Fibre deal that actually makes sense

William Shakespeare once said, “what’s in a Frenzy?”

(Spoiler – he didn’t. But, then again, we hardly know what he’s saying most of the time anyway.)

Question, though – what IS in a frenzy?

Is it the frenzied breakdown when you told your boss you completed a presentation (you didn’t) and they ask for a copy (which you don’t have) and you’re trying to ChatGPT your way to success? Or is it that random Teams request from the CEO with no context (and the three days of nail biting preceding it)? Or is it being late, not connecting to a meeting, rushing for a deadline or just streaming your favourite season finale when, BOOM, Murphy invokes his Law and you meet the dreaded cry of dead Wi-Fi?

Actually; it’s none of the above. At least not today. So let’s step back from the fearmongering for a second.

You see, at Vox, Fibre Frenzy isn’t Fibre Inducing Frenzy situations – but rather getting caught up in a promo so crazy, it can’t be anything BUT a Frenzy.

What You Get with Vox Fibre Frenzy

Let’s break it down:

With the Vox Fibre Frenzy, you enjoy:

High-Speed, Uncapped Fibre (because who has time for loading screens?
Prices dropped to as little as R400pm* (previously? It was R490)
Free installation? You got it (another saving. May as well be a superhero).
Month-to-month options available.
Smart support – so you’re never left wanting when your router gives you the stink eye.

How it Works (Three Easy Steps)

Pick your FNO (Fibre Network Operator) — check which networks cover your area.
Choose your line speed — from everyday browsing to heavy streaming and gaming.
Sign up, wait for installation, and get connected.

The catch? There is none – just solid internet and a good deal.

What hiccoughs can I expect?

Other than the risk of struggling to keep up with your line speed (it can be THAT fast if you want it to), the promo is FNO/Line Speed Dependent (in non-tech terms: depends on which Fibre Network Operator is available in your area). Oh, and of course, Ts & Cs Apply (don’t they always?).

Naturally, it’s a limited time offer – so make fast (unlike your old ADSL line). That being said, if your area is covered and you’ve even given a spare thought to upgrading your line, now’s your time to shine.

Who Is This For?

If you work from home, binge-watch without shame, run a small business, game competitively, or simply refuse to watch a single spinning wheel, then this is for you. Vox Fibre Frenzy fits households and businesses wanting fast, flexible Fibre internet that South Africa trusts.

The long and short…

We live in a world where even buffering can feel like a personal attack. Whether working, playing, gaming, binge-watching, side hustling or juggling a house full of Internet demon-kids, you never DON’T need fast and stable Internet.

And with the price of everything (except, strangely, the Rand) going up lately, these huge savings aren’t just nice – they’re necessary.

And did we mention free installation? We meant it.

So, why sign with Vox?

Every ISP promises you Fibre. One step further – they all promise the same keywords (super-fast, reliable, uncapped, blah blah blah). Vox, however, actually delivers it (plus adds world class support and a multitude of option add-ons – think failovers, voice, and more). Plus, our team won’t ghost you once your Router is plugged in.

One could even say that the Frenzy isn’t just about the price – but rather about finally having Internet that’s *worth it*.

Call us Greta Thunberg, because we’re right royal philanthropists.

Our Fibre Frenzy Promo is one of those sweet, unscripted moments where everything just feels right. It’s cheaper. It’s faster. It has all the support you could need. And it’s just so worth it. Remember, though, this deal isn’t here forever. It’s a promo. And, as promos do, it will end. Probably right as you decide to sign up – so maybe try not losing out instead?

Check availability and sign up at vox.co.za — or call our Fibre Specialists on 087 805 5050 for personalised help.

Peace.

Quick FAQ
Is the R400pm price available everywhere?
No, the offer hinges on FNO-dependent availability, meaning that pricing and package options depend on FNO coverage in your area. Use our availability check.

Can I add failover or voice later?
Yes, failover and voice add‑ons are available so you can scale your service as needed.

Are there contracts?
We offer month‑to‑month options. Specific terms vary by package, so please read the Ts & Cs.

Our Queen of Customer Service and Caring

Posted on 30 June 202520 February 2026 by Vivienne Fouche

People of Vox: Spotlight on Bandi Maduna

At Vox, we believe our employees are the beating heart of our company, with merit and value built into all our available positions. In this edition of People of Vox, we meet Bandile (Bandi) Maduna, who works in the Johannesburg Head Office premises as a Receptionist. Bandi doesn’t just get compliments from satisfied customers – sometimes they go out of their way to bring her coffee and muffins, and even flowers! Now that really says something.

There’s something special about amazing customer service, especially when you’re on the receiving end of it. As the world saves time by moving towards service via chatbots, smart apps or telephonic voice prompts, there are still times when talking to a person is the ultimate end-goal.

Here at Vox, our Johannesburg Head Office Receptionist Bandi (Bandile) Maduna is famous for her warm and wonderful way with people.

In this edition of ‘People of Vox’, we shine the spotlight on Bandi and how she has perfected customer service into an art form.

When the Warm Words Keep on Coming

The secret to Bandi’s successful ways with people isn’t a secret at all.

In fact, it’s very simple: she just really likes dealing with people and is always inclined to give them her very best efforts. In turn, she seems to bring out the best in the people she’s dealing with.

Bandi explains: “I deal with phone calls that come in, as well as walk-in queries and deliveries. I could find myself assisting on insurance and payment issues, as well as follow-ups on the status of a technician call-out. I’m always happy to help by trying to move a customer’s challenge along.

“This could include helping the customer to pay on the Vox portal, or following up to find out if a technician is en route. I really enjoy dealing with our customers and trying to help them with their queries or challenges, to move towards an outcome.”

In essence, one of Bandi’s strengths is making people feel that they are being heard. Perhaps this is why she gets the compliments that she does.

Here are just two of the warm words that customers went out of their way to pass on via email:

I must compliment your lady at the front desk, Bandi. She was most friendly, calm, efficient and immediately put me in touch with the person I needed to speak to. In my opinion, Bandi is an amazing ‘first face’ to engage with when arriving at your office. I thanked her on my way out, and I hope you pass this message on to her.

AND

I was welcomed by the switchboard operator, Bandi, in the most professional, warm, welcoming, efficient manner. Bandi was extremely polite and assisting. I give lots of praise to this wonderful employee of yours.

And then there was the time when a satisfied customer dropped in to bring Bandi coffee and a muffin – topped only by the person who once brought Bandi flowers!

When people in today’s busy world go out of their way to say ‘thank you’ like this, taking time and effort, you know that the service must be well deserved.

A True People Person and Life-Long Learner

Perhaps Bandi’s skills are also rooted in her deep understanding of ‘Ubuntu’ – the belief that ‘a person is a person through other people’ – with its underlying principles of interconnectedness, kindness, and the importance of community and relationship.

“I regard myself as being a typical Zulu,” she says. “I was born in Ladysmith in Kwazulu-Natal, and I grew up with a deep respect for Ubuntu – for giving back and being part of your community. When I joined Vox, in 2009, I think this came through in my first job, where I was a tea lady. I spent my days going from desk to desk at set times with a trolley so that I could bring some of the Vox office workers beverages at regular intervals – tea, coffee, water – and in that way allow them to concentrate on their jobs.”

It would not be too long before Bandi, who is versatile and always open to new challenges and responsibilities, was able to start moving into different positions within the company. She completed a course in facilities management, and became a facilities team leader in 2014 and was able to showcase her leadership skills in this role.

Bandi’s people skills began truly coming to the fore in 2016, when she spent time at the front desk as a reliever for the then-receptionist – proving to be so good at this that she was able to begin working in a full-time position in reception the following year. Another highlight was when Bandi became the personal assistant to the chief financial director, which again spoke to her skills with people as well as her organisational abilities. Today, she still assists the current Vox CFO, Gert Koen, by doing various insurance claims for him as part of her duties.

Bandi adds: “I’m always eager to gain knowledge and learn new things. I am open to new challenges, and I like being versatile. I’m very grateful to Vox for giving me opportunities to use my skills in different ways. Vox has also paid for me to do two different one-year courses, to help me with my learning aspirations and my workplace skills. I have completed an administration course through Damelin, as well as a project management course through Boston City Campus.”

While she regards herself being as a lifelong learner, Bandi also notes that it hasn’t always been easy. “You could say that I am a BBT – ‘born before technology’ – and I did find parts of my project management course very challenging, when it was online during Covid,” she explains.

“I was ready to give up, actually, and here I am so grateful to our HR Director, Pam McLeod, who supported and encouraged me to keep going. I am also very grateful to Trudy Truscott for believing in me; she took me from being a tea lady to a facilities manager and receptionist, and she is still my line manager today. She has been very supportive at all times.”

Creative with Her Hands

Away from work, Bandi remains busy in her spare time with her hobbies, which include cooking, crocheting, knitting and making soap.

“I like using my hands,” she says. “Recently, I began taking some of my unused plastic bags to make them into a crocheted welcome mat for the entrance to my home. And I enjoy making soap from scratch, which I often scent with ingredients such as cinnamon and lemon juice, and give to my friends and family as gifts from time to time.

“I also like taking part in ‘isipheko’, which is a traditional custom of bringing food or other provisions to a family or community during celebrations or periods of mourning, and which is also part of the spirit of Ubuntu.”

Bandi says she has experienced this same spirit of warmth and community working at Vox, which is another reason why she has been with the company now for 16 years.

“I am grateful to be part of an organisation that takes care of its clients as well as its employees. I find Vox as a company to be very reliable, with a strong ethos of caring and humanity. I think this is very much a distinguishing feature of Vox, and I’m proud to be associated with this constant theme of caring, mixed in with humour and humanity.

“I love working for Vox – I always like to say that ‘My blood is green!’ and am very grateful for all the opportunities that the company has given me,” she concludes.

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