Your Company’s Telephony Needs: the Right Choice

Posted on 8 August 20258 August 2025 by Natalie van der Merwe

Considering the differences between traditional and hosted PBX

Even in today’s digital business world, Voice remains a key element in the overall communications offering, and so it’s important to make the right choice for your company’s telephony requirements. This includes whether to choose traditional on-premises PBX or hosted PBX (in other words, cloud solutions).

Being able to speak to a person – rather than engaging with a chatbot or following text-based or voice-activated instructions – allows both a customer and the organisation’s representative the chance to convey the right tone of voice, which sometimes means the difference between a successful sale or retained customer, or lost possibilities. Talking over the phone can also help to build good customer relationships.

In this article, we consider the differences between traditional PBX and hosted Voice. Both options can provide effective and reliable company phone systems that offer different benefits, and each have pros and cons for different business scenarios.

Before we go into more detail on the different telephony systems, let’s look at different factors to take into consideration.

Questions to Consider for your Business

When it comes to choosing your Voice communications platform, there are many things to factor in, such as the size of your business, existing infrastructure, budget constraints, the number of remote offices, the level of your technical expertise, your tolerance for being dependent on service providers, and more.

And so, when trying to decide between traditional PBX or hosted Voice, you could ask yourself the following questions:

Budget: How much money is available and what’s your preferred purchasing model?
Maintenance and upgrades: Does your business require full control of your business phone system or will a managed service model be workable?
Scalability: Do you foresee significant changes in your number of employees in the future?
Security and compliance: Are your IT staff capable of maintaining the system?
Features and futureproofing: Does the system of choice offer modern features, or can it adapt to emerging technologies to ensure long-term relevance?

Bearing these issues in mind, we next discuss on-site (traditional) PBX versus hosted PBX options.

On-site PBX: Where It All Began

Private Branch Exchange (PBX) has been used for decades between employees and customers, with the PBX hardware installed on-site. The business purchases and owns the phone system hardware, networking and server equipment, and your IT staff take care of all the updates and maintenance regarding the system. The calls are routed through traditional phone lines as well as SIP trunking[1].

Budget: On-premises PBX systems usually require a higher initial investment in equipment and installation costs, and maintenance and upgrades will also need to have costs factored in.
Maintenance and upgrades: On-premises PBX systems require on-site technical support. This can lead to operational disruptions and additional labour and parts fees.
Scalability: Expanding an on-premises PBX can often require physical hardware or licensing additions, which could lead to incompatibility issues between the current PBX version and the latest software updates, resulting in costly, unplanned upgrades or system downtime.
Security and compliance: On-premises PBX systems allow companies to directly manage the security policies of their hardware but are more susceptible to data breaches if these policies are not managed correctly. This includes risks from outdated software and weak passwords. On-premises PBXs also require physical security measures to protect them from unauthorised access. This would include secure rooms, surveillance and restricted access, which in turn could be more costly and complex to manage.

Key takeaways: On-premises PBX systems can be more suitable for larger corporations with big budgets and space to host the physical hardware, as well as having the resources to manage and maintain the system. Housing the PBX system on-site brings an organisation maximum control over business communications, which might be a better fit for companies with complex and / or secure communication needs.

Hosted PBX

A Hosted PBX solution is a telephony solution where the PBX infrastructure is hosted in the service provider’s Cloud or network. Instead of using traditional phone lines, it relies on internet connectivity, more commonly known as VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol).

Budget: Cloud PBX generally involves a lower initial setup cost because it needs minimal physical infrastructure. Due to economies of scale, providers can offer Cloud PBX services at a nominal monthly fee, making it cost-effective for businesses with limited capital, and easy to budget for with a predictable monthly fee. A reliable Internet connection is a critical core cost factor.
Maintenance and upgrades: A cloud-based PBX system is maintained and upgraded by the service provider, and this remote management makes sure your cloud solution is always up to date with the latest features and security patches, with minimal downtime for the business.
Scalability: A hosted PBX solution allows businesses to add or remove services as needed, providing greater flexibility and cost savings without software compatibility issues or platform limitations.
Security and compliance: With cloud PBX solutions, it’s the responsibility of the vendor to ensure that the systems adhere to the latest security standards and compliance regulations, including the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act. Most cloud PBX providers implement advanced security measures to protect the data and prevent intrusions.
Redundancy: With the PBX in the cloud, a reputable vendor will implement multiple layers of redundancy, which are not available with on-site PBX systems. These include platform replication across geographically distributed data centres, redundant network paths between data centres, automatic failover mechanisms, and continuous system monitoring to aid in ensuring high availability and minimising the risk of service disruption.

Key takeaways: Due to ongoing advancements in Cloud technology, Cloud PBXs offer more advanced features than traditional PBXs, without the complexity of on-site installation and maintenance. They provide higher cost savings, minimal hardware requirements, and a wide range of useful functionalities. Cloud phone systems also allow your employees to work remotely, enabling employees to stay connected from anywhere they have internet access.

Your Business Communications and Vox

When it comes to the choice between traditional on-premises versus cloud PBX systems, there are many things to factor in, such as the size of your business, your organisation’s technical expertise levels, the number of remote offices, your preference for in-house or managed service providers, and more.

Whatever your preferences and requirements, Vox has a solution geared to assist your company, and its present and future needs. We look forward to hearing from you for more information on choosing the best PBX offering for your organisation.

[1] Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunking is a digital method of making and receiving phone calls and other digital communication over an Internet connection.

When Dynamite Comes in Small, Very Passionate Packages

Posted on 7 August 20253 March 2026 by Vivienne Fouche

Meet our Experts: Spotlight on Shirley Cross

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 Shirley Cross, who works in the Project Management Office as the National Programme Manager. Her dedication as a Vox manager, and her passion for both the company and life itself, make her a force to be reckoned with!

Here is a multiple-choice question – please choose the correct answer from the following options below.

Vox National Programme Manager in the PMO Office, Shirley Cross, has been with the company for:

30 days
5 months (30 weeks)
5 years (30 months)
30 years.

Well, you guessed it: the correct answer is D – 30 years! – and Shirley’s anniversary date is today, 07 August 2025. Happy Work Anniversary, Shirley – huge congratulations!

It’s a truly fantastic achievement and an awesome sign of your dedication towards Vox as an employer. We thought this magnificent milestone deserved a special mention here on our ‘People of Vox’ platform, and so we made sure to set aside time to find out more about this small lady (Shirley is very petite!) with the gigantic work ethic.

Shirley joined the company in 1995 as an office administrator, becoming one of only 15 staff members at that time. She’s since seen Vox grow to its current position as one of the country’s leading internet service providers (ISPs), with a mission to bring great connectivity at a fair price to all South Africans.

Today, Shirley is a vital, and very busy, cog in the well-oiled machine that is the Vox Project Management Office, which is an integral part of the company.

PMO: A ‘Perfectly Managed Operation’

Shirley clarifies that the PMO is responsible for ensuring that customer projects are delivered on time and with the highest level of care. She explains: “When I refer to a ‘project’, I’m specifically talking about a customer order that originates from a salesperson. Once the order is vetted, it’s assigned to a project manager, who becomes accountable for coordinating all parties involved to fulfil that order. In essence, we operate in a dynamic and fast-paced order fulfilment environment.”

She adds that the PMO is structured into various teams across the country and organised according to a tiered system.

“This tiered structure not only supports efficient service delivery but also creates clear growth opportunities for our project managers,” Shirley explains. “A project manager can progress from handling consumer-based orders or corporate single-site installations in a fast-turnaround environment, to managing complex, high-value enterprise-level or Tender projects. For example, someone may begin by supporting individual customers, then move on to SMEs, and eventually to large-scale enterprise clients.

“We invest heavily in training to develop our project managers, ensuring they uphold our Project Management Standards and are fully prepared at every stage of their career journey. At the same time, we place strong emphasis on delivering consistent service excellence, whether we’re serving an individual or a large enterprise. What’s important to me is that every project manager understands they have room to grow and is equipped with the right tools to succeed.”

Embracing Both Challenges and Family

And speaking of growth, Shirley is now the National Programme Manager.

“Amongst other things, my focus now includes ensuring that our project managers across the country are fully empowered to deliver such excellent service that Vox customers will never want to leave,” she shares enthusiastically.

“I started out in Durban, where I grew up. Back then, we were just a small team, and everyone pitched in wherever they could. I remember the late nights, sitting on the floor folding invoices by hand, franking them to post to customers. Those were also the times we’d share all the juicy stories! and I truly cherished those moments – it was such special times. I worked across several departments, from planning to debtors and creditors, until eventually I felt it was time for a new challenge. After a few conversations with our director at the time, he gave me the incredible opportunity to transfer to Johannesburg. And that’s when my real journey began.”

Shirley and Eugene resized | Vox | When Dynamite Comes in Small, Very Passionate Packages — Shirley and Eugene Smit

But the move wasn’t without its difficulties, as Shirley explains: “I found it challenging to be without my family at first, especially during the first six months, but after the first year of persevering, I was definitely happy to call Johannesburg my home. I have loved being part of this vibrant city ever since. The initial challenges in my move from Durban to Johannesburg have most definitely been worth it for me.”

Family is very important to Shirley, and with some of her family members now also in Gauteng, and others remaining in Durban, she takes time to stay in touch through regular visits. She’s one of five siblings and they remain close.

Shirley and her mum resized | Vox | When Dynamite Comes in Small, Very Passionate Packages — Shirley and her mum

“My family is my number one support,” she smiles. “I call them my cheerleaders! I wasn’t blessed with kids, myself, but within my family I adore my nieces and nephews – and their children in turn – to bits.”

And of course she has her ‘surrogate kids’ at work also.

The ‘Family at Work’

Shirley and colleagues resized | Vox | When Dynamite Comes in Small, Very Passionate Packages — Shirley and her colleagues in 2025

“I enjoy liaising with the different age ranges within the Vox PMO,” says Shirley. “I make a point of actively engaging with their mindsets, their thoughts and experience, including the younger members in our PMO management team. I believe that people from different generations can think very differently from each other, and it’s a strength when people in the same company can benefit from the knowledge and thought processes of different generations – it’s another form of diversity.

“I’m so happy to have different ages within my working environment, so that I learn from the younger generations as well as having the youngsters learning from me – they give me significant strengths and insights. It’s good to have that balance in your team and that’s what I have.”

Shirley says that it takes time for her to trust people but when she does, “Our friendship will then be for life! For example, Diana Prenner, who is the Vox Marketing Manager for PR and Events, has also been at Vox for a significant time frame, and we’ve been friends almost from her first day, which means we’ve now been friends for about 20 years!”

Shirley and Diana | Vox | When Dynamite Comes in Small, Very Passionate Packages — Shirley and Diana

It seems like Vox really does have ways in which the work environment is like a family… Away from work, my sources tell me that Shirley is an excellent cook, although she’s too modest to mention this herself. She is also a whizz at party-planning and loves making a celebratory occasion – for people of all ages! – even more special with beautiful decorations, matching balloons and giftbags, all set out according to a pretty décor theme.

Party planning resized | Vox | When Dynamite Comes in Small, Very Passionate Packages — Shirley’s party planning!

She does say that she takes pains to be active in mind as well as body: “I love word games – it’s always been my biggest hobby,” she says. “I used to play Scrabble and other board games with my family very regularly – we played at weekends. I still try to play board games as often as I can.

“I also go hiking, with my family and friends outside work. We find different places to go to, about twice a month, and I enjoy stretching my legs and getting out into nature. I’m sticking to the five kilometre routes for the moment but might start building up my distance over time. And I have relatively recently started playing padel on a more regular basis, which I was first introduced to by some of my work colleagues.”

Shirley and padel resized | Vox | When Dynamite Comes in Small, Very Passionate Packages — Getting into the social sport of padel

[Editor’s note:]

Hang on, so not so much ‘away from work’ then – the Vox PMO department is famous for working together and playing together! 😊]

Staying with the Vox ‘family’, Shirley is most appreciative of the Vox Executive team: “I’m so proud to be part of a company where the top management are always ready to show appreciation for their employees and for work well done. From Nathaniel Govender, Vox’s Executive Head of the Project Management Office, to Vox CEO Jacques du Toit and the entire executive team, they are always ready and willing to show us that they are involved with, and care deeply about, Vox employees.

Shirley and Nate | Vox | When Dynamite Comes in Small, Very Passionate Packages — With Nathaniel Govender

“Certainly it’s true that we get paid to do our jobs, but the gratitude and the respect that they give us as people is worth its weight in gold. I am passionate about my job and Vox, and it’s wonderful to know that in turn, the Vox Executive Team is passionate about looking after its employees. This knowledge means the world to me, and is one of the reasons why I have stayed at Vox for 30 years,” she concludes.

And so from Vox to Shirley, we say once again: Congratulations on this stunning achievement. Your long hours, patience, perseverance and leadership are a shining example of dedication, passion and commitment.

We close with a congratulatory message from Shirley’s manager, Nathaniel Govender, who says: “Congratulations on your 30th work anniversary, Shirls! Witnessing your remarkable growth and unwavering maturity as a leader has been truly inspiring. Seeing your transformation over the years has been a genuine pleasure, and your journey continues to motivate and uplift everyone around you. Your dedication is a testament to the incredible professional and person you are. It sets a great standard for those following and leaves a legacy you can be exceptionally proud of. Here’s to many more years of success and positive impact!”

Answering at any cost

Posted on 4 August 20254 August 2025 by Duo Marketing

Call centres are increasingly using mobile numbers for outbound calls which is effective but against regulations, making it a costly tactic in terms of reputation and brand perceptions, says Natalie van der Merwe and Andrew King at Vox.

The ICASA 2016 Numbering Plan Regulations prohibit the use of mobile phone number ranges such as 082, 083, or 072, for example, for fixed-location services such as call centres. The cost of contravention is as high as R3 million per infringement. Yet, South Africans are enduring a radically increased volume of spam calls and a large percentage of these are from mobile numbers. These call centres are using prepaid SIM cards which have unlimited calling bundles or they’re spoofing mobile numbers to increase their answer rates. Calling back is impossible and reporting them pointless – the numbers are swapped when they’re flagged for abuse.

This practice is effective. Call centres adopting these tactics have a 69% connect rate compared with the 29% for landlines. This is an important metric because every connection has an impact on the number of leads generated and each lead rolls through to potentially successful sales. At a time when the economic situation is challenging, it’s understandable that companies are opting in despite the reputational and financial risks. Currently, the fine is the only real ramification faced by these companies, and a R3 million fine after generating potentially R50 million in revenue is just a drop in the proverbial ocean.

While regulations and rulings must change to become even more onerous and rigorous, particularly to protect consumers from the onslaught of spam calls, companies have a choice to opt into a more ethical approach. An approach that minimises the impact of spam on their customers and stands in line with the work that organisations like the Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA) and Vox are doing.

In April, ISPA asked the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to take ‘firm action to prevent the unlawful use of mobile numbers by call centres operating from fixed premises’. The company is advocating for the use of legitimate, assigned geographic numbers, supported by ISPs that have a vested interest in protecting consumers and the industry.

This is not good practice. Not only does it place an additional burden on the consumer, but it is affecting those who adhere to good practice standards. Companies playing by the rules are not just falling behind but are being tarnished by the same brush – irritated consumers refusing to engage because they’re on their tenth spam call of the day.

Change must come from the brands. Adopting ethical best practices with service providers that align with regulations and prioritise brand reputation is the right way forward. It is also the way forward that ensures brands will be on the right side of change when the ramifications of going against regulations become increasingly onerous. They won’t need to adapt their systems or find new ways of managing their contact centre processes because they’ll already be ahead of the curve.

For industry leaders, like Vox, taking a stand now is essential. Trusted service providers ensure companies are not exposed to any contravention of numbering or calling practices, offering value for money and contact centre support services that are designed to enhance success rates without compromising on reputation or risk. Choosing to work within a contact centre environment that’s aligned with the law means your business is safeguarding your brand and sustainability.

While the mobile numbers do a lot of talking, so do customers, and as word of mouth about poor practices spread, companies that stay on this side of the thin blue line are the ones that will thrive.

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.

Can Minecraft Help to ‘Craft’ Budding Engineers, Architects and Designers?

Posted on 24 July 202524 July 2025 by Vivienne Fouche

Online gaming – it’s categorically bad for your kids, right? Or is it…?

So there you are – having yet another argument with your six-year-old about video games. The last half-an-hour has seen whining, snot-en-trane and threats about who has control over the controller – and that’s just the adults.

Your youngster, meantime, is on the brink of a meltdown rivalling the tantrums you last saw during the Terrible Two’s period. Wasn’t parenting supposed to get easier when they were out of nappies and actually sleeping through the night?

You know you have to win this battle because ‘The School Said That Screen Time Must Be Limited to Maximum One Hour Per Day’ in the last newsletter – or something deeply unrealistic like that; but anyway Junior is definitely well over that limit on average every day… And resorting to bribery is going to prove difficult because screentime normally *is* the prize at the end of the bribery equation.

If only there was a game that wasn’t so bad…

Everything In Moderation?

Most parents today have wrestled at some time or another with how to manage their children’s daily online screen time, starting with movies and shows, and graduating to online gaming. ‘How much is too much?’ is an ongoing question.

The bad news is that, in excess, online games CAN be bad for your kids. This happens when your children, both younger and older, become too fond of gaming to the detriment of – or even the exclusion of – other ways to occupy themselves in real life. (This, of course, goes for adults as well.) Even the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a description of ‘gaming disorder’ as an addictive behaviour.

But the good news is that, properly managed, the opposite can also be true, and playing video games can actually be beneficial in some ways for your kids. Here, you can read how a mom of nine sets out some suggested do’s and don’ts around video games and your children.

From a Vox perspective, we wanted to be more specific, so in this article we look at whether playing Minecraft could actually encourage your youngsters in such career path options as architects, engineers and interior designers – never mind graphic designers and software animation.

It seems there just might be a video game that’s actually good for your kids – in moderation, of course.

How Minecraft Works

It’s a game where the players can build things with blocks or resources – think Lego, only online, with almost unlimited possibilities – and you work your way up through basic resources to more complex ones. You can choose to work in either a creative mode – where you build virtual structures and worlds – or a survival mode, where you must harvest the materials and try to stay alive without dying. Because of the visual style of the graphics – the little block-like people in motion are really quite funny! – it never really looks very violent (even if someone gets terminated).

A description from Minecraft itself is as follows: “Minecraft is a game made up of blocks, creatures, and community. You can survive the night or build a work of art – the choice is all yours.

“…Minecraft has no set goal and can be played however you’d like! This is why it’s sometimes called a ‘sandbox game’ – there are lots of things for you to do, and lots of ways that you can play. If you like being creative, then you can use the blocks to build things from your imagination. If you’re feeling brave, you can explore the world and face daring challenges.”

The ‘mining’ part of Minecraft means removing or taking away, while the ‘crafting’ refers to creating by using materials within the online world. You can progress in the game by scavenging or ‘mining’ blocks of various materials such as stone, wood, iron, gold, emeralds and a whole lot more (if only it was as easy to get precious metals and jewels in the real world!). These are used as the basis for creations, or combined to create more advanced materials, tools and objects.

Players can design houses, cities, and even machines, and so the requisite problem-solving skills include learning how to plan, adapt and experiment. We shared a link earlier to an article giving tips on managing kids and video games in general – here’s another useful parental resource about Minecraft itself.

Besides Creativity, What Else Does Minecraft Encourage?

Wall-E in Minecraft [courtesy: https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/17-amazing-minecraft-creations-that-will-blow-your/2900-84/#13]

According to many educators and child development experts, playing Minecraft can be great for children, if used responsibly. Playing Minecraft supports a range of skills, including:

Creativity: Players design houses, cities and even machines, and you can work in a free-form design that just keeps growing, or strictly according to design parameters.
Problem-solving: Players learn to plan, adapt and experiment.
Teamwork: Being in a multiplayer game encourages collaboration and communication.

Computational thinking: By designing and building complex structures and automated systems, players develop their computational thinking skills, learning to break down problems into smaller steps and devising logical solutions.

Having been released in November 2011 (the earliest version was released for PC players in May 2009 and was called Cave Game), Minecraft was bought by Microsoft in November 2014 (for a staggering amount of money!).

Microsoft then wasted no time in releasing Minecraft Education in November 2016, a special version of Minecraft created specifically for use in schools, with extra tools and features that allow teachers to harness the fun and creativity of Minecraft to teach everything from reading to chemistry to coding.

Can Minecraft Encourage Career Choices?

Besides the creation and use of Minecraft Education in schools, there are other ways in which Minecraft can help children with learning in a more focused way.

In mid-2024, an event in the United Kingdom showcased the use of Minecraft to explore careers in aerospace, during the annual Farnborough International Airshow of that year. The event, Pioneers of Tomorrow, is a dedicated STEM-focused (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) event designed to inspire and engage the next generation of aerospace leaders.

During Pioneers of Tomorrow in July 2024, over 300 children played the Skills Miner aerospace game. As they proceeded through each game level, students explored core STEM principles and gained insight into engineering careers by experiencing the different roles from designers to coders, and maintenance engineers to aerodynamicists and stress engineers.

Analysis revealed that playing the game improved participants’ understanding of engineering concepts and left a lasting positive impression, encouraging many to consider a future career in the field:

91 percent of participants said they had gained new insights into engineering; and
87% expressed increased interest in pursuing a career in engineering.

Anecdotal evidence is also available for people who say they’ve chosen their career because of a love of playing Minecraft as a child. One such person is Arihant Bhattacharjee, a student in Year 11 at The British School of Beijing, Shunyi – China. He told his story of how he was inspired to become an architect during a Ted Talk entitled ‘From Blocks to Bricks’ – you can listen to his story here. On the design side of life, Lucas Pion believes that playing Minecraft inspired him to become a designer.

While some people don’t agree that Minecraft is necessarily going to lead to a career in architecture and similar design- or building-related careers, others have strongly positive views. James Delaney, who studied architecture at Cambridge University in the UK, says: “Whilst the architects of today grew up playing with LEGO, I have no doubt the next generation will have played Minecraft. People have to stop thinking of it as a game. It’s a CAD tool, and as such it is the most widely used one in the world. We’re looking forward to bridging the gaps between design and reality.”

And then there was the release earlier this year of ‘A Minecraft Movie’, starring Jason Momoa, Jennifer Coolidge and Jack Black. According to a Google Trends analysis, there was a nearly 200% (194.1%) surge in interest around building, design and architecture careers among younger generations, with searches for ‘builders’ alone almost tripling following the premiere of the movie. (We’re not so sure about how many people searched for ‘pink fringed leather jacket’ after the movie’s release but that’s a different conversation.)

While the jury is out for some, for others the message is very clear: Minecraft can inspire people to pursue careers in architecture, design, and engineering. The game’s creative environment definitely encourages players to experiment with building, spatial reasoning and problem-solving, and these are all fundamental aspects of these professions. It can also act as a stepping stone to more advanced design tools and concepts.

And so back to your kids and the ongoing debate in your home about online gaming time.

Perhaps good advice would be to follow a similar attitude to car pioneer Henry Ford, in the early days of car production lines, when he said: “You can have it in any colour as long as it’s black.”

Ok then.

“Kids, you can play any video game you like, as long as it’s Minecraft.”

Because it’s actually good for you… Have fun!

[Editor’s note: Of course, good gaming requires a fast Internet connection, and Vox is always available to help with your connectivity!]

AI and Enterprise Wi-Fi: New Frontiers of Possibility

Posted on 18 July 202518 July 2025 by Craig Blignaut

Artificial intelligence (AI) makes it possible for machines to learn from experience, adjust to new inputs and perform human-like tasks.

Using technologies such as deep learning and natural language processing, computers can be trained to accomplish specific tasks by processing large amounts of data and recognising patterns in the data. The Wi-Fi arena is no different in that AI can also make the processing of tasks speedier and more efficient – we are now in the era of AI-driven networking.

AI Wi-Fi refers to wireless networks that make use of artificial intelligence to optimise connectivity, performance, connected user experience and security. This technology uses machine learning (ML) algorithms to analyse network hardware, traffic, user behaviour and environmental factors in real-time. The AI initiates closed loop automation to adjust the network settings, such as resource allocation, to improve performance.

This article discusses how AI can be used in Enterprise Wi-Fi networks, and how AI is benefitting Vox and our Wi-Fi customers.

AI-Driven Business Intelligence for Enterprise Networks

Artificial intelligence in Wi-Fi networks today can assist significantly with the configuration of the network, as well as with support thereafter, including being able to spot issues before they become a serious problem.

Vox has partnered with Wi-Fi networking equipment specialist, Ruckus Networks, for approximately the last decade, and within our partnership we proudly offer its AI Managed Wi-Fi offering for enterprise networks, which presents AI-driven business intelligence for enterprise networks.

As a cloud-based service for network intelligence and service assurance, Ruckus AI Managed Wi-Fi with Analytics is powered by machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). This in turn helps customers get the most from their network, for example by identifying network assurance incidents, classifying them by severity, tracing root causes and making specific AI recommendations for remediation. It automatically monitors network health relative to configurable thresholds.

Benefits of AI-Driven Enterprise Wi-Fi

AI can dynamically adjust Wi-Fi parameters like channel selection and contention window size to optimise network performance, ensuring smooth and efficient data transmission. In addition, it simplifies life for IT departments and technicians, as AI dramatically reduces the time to resolution for service incidents.

It can also eliminate some Help Desk tickets by addressing issues before they affect users, allowing the organisation to be proactive in this regard and solve problems before they arise. Additionally, by addressing the root cause for one incident, organisations can avoid other incidents that might arise from that cause.

Most importantly, it alleviates the need for an organisation’s IT department to manage the Wi-Fi network – Vox will manage this. Organisations can view real-time dashboards and, if required log tickets via the Vox enterprise support desk, because Vox has comprehensive visibility into network operations, which accelerates troubleshooting.

By proactively addressing issues and optimising network performance, AI can contribute to a better overall user experience, with faster speeds, reduced buffering, and fewer connection problems. In addition, AI can simplify network management, by automating many of the tasks associated with managing a complex Wi-Fi network, thereby reducing the burden on IT staff.

Faster Feature Updates Due to Cloud-Based Licences

A question that might spring to mind is the following: ‘How does South Africa compare to the developed world with regards to our access to AI within the Wi-Fi arena?’ and the answer may surprise you on the upside.

In essence, because today we have the option of moving to a cloud-based licence, all users globally are able to benefit from feature updates to cloud platforms, as they could all be on the same version due to simultaneous software updates. In this regard, South African companies will not necessarily be running behind users in other parts of the world, thanks to the cloud.

Vox is very pleased to be able to bring our customers the latest Wi-Fi networking feature updates as soon as they are made available to us from our upstream providers and placed onto the relevant platforms. Because Vox is accessing features as they are rolled out by the supplier, this means in turn that our customers benefit as and when new features and updates become available.

Knowing that we are able to offer our clients first-world AI-enabled Wi-Fi technology, in partnership with Ruckus Networks, is something of which we are truly proud.

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.

Staying in Touch with Family and Friends

Posted on 15 July 20259 December 2025 by Suhail Dinat

…Remotely with Vox, because the world as we know it has drastically changed.

Back in the day, it was all small communities and big families. Next-door neighbours were basically an extension of your clan. You knew everyone in the neighbourhood (and their business, plus a weird nickname based on some embarrassing life story), and the only people who went overseas generally came back after 6 weeks loaded with gifts.

Today, the world has changed. Times have changed. We’ve become complexly complicit of complexes and apartments with interchangeable neighbours. In a world where families are spread like butter and friends too busy, staying connected isn’t just a convenience – it’s essential. Maybe your parents still live in your hometown. Maybe your sister moved overseas. Maybe you’re in a long-distance relationship, or you’re the one hiding in exile. Whatever the case, modern communication technology bridges the gaps and keeps relationships strong.

Great idea in theory, right? But anyone who’s actually tried maintaining a long-distance anything knows this: it’s one thing to have the phone or the tech… it’s another thing to actually use it correctly.

But enough exposition – let’s get into the meat and potatoes.
Here’s how technology is turning “long-distance” into shorter distances, or at least making them a whole lot more bearable.

A picture beats a thousand words

True, texting has its merits. Who doesn’t love thumbs-up emojis and those broadcast messages from Gran that somehow reach every contact you’ve ever met? Although it’s endlessly comforting, nothing beats the feeling of seeing a loved one’s face. Video calls bring conversations and energy to life. Real-time laughter, micro-expressions, hiding tears – what’s not to love?

Beyond calls, connection is built on the everyday moments. Whether it’s photos from a family trip, snippets of your kid’s first steps, or even a quick voice note while driving home, these digital touchpoints make people feel part of your life no matter where they reside. It’s technology doing what it does best: shrinking emotional distance.

And when it comes to special occasions, the right tools can turn any milestone into an all-inclusive experience. You can dial into birthdays and weddings, host video-call dinners, sync up for online movie nights, or play games together for genuine bonding. Distance stops being a wall and becomes a mild inconvenience – like buffering, but for relationships.

Introducing Vobi – making keeping in touch as simple as 1,2,3

Stay Connected Without Burning Through Minutes or Data

The fact is, not everyone has unlimited minutes or wants to torch their mobile Data just to stay in touch. That’s where Vobi comes in – Vox’s easy-to-use calling app that gives you affordable, reliable local and international calling over Wi-Fi or mobile data.

With the Vobi App, you can:

Make affordable local and international calls using Wi-Fi or Data.
Keep your personal number (or route it) so family always knows it’s you.
Save costs compared to regular airtime and mobile carrier rates.
Manage one predictable monthly cost instead of endless top-ups and overpriced bundles.
Stay connected with minimal buffering, even when mobile signal isn’t exactly vibing.

Vobi is perfect for your daily check-ins, those long overdue catch-ups, or late-night crush calls without being yelled at by the “one minute remaining” lady (who, for the record, always sounds unnecessarily angry).

Reliable Calling Needs Reliable Connectivity – Enter Vox

Everything you use to stay connected – from Vobi VoIP calls to video chats, shared moments, high-quality voice notes and online bonding sessions – relies on one thing: solid, high-speed Internet.

Vox ensures your connection is strong enough for:

Crystal-clear VoIP calling
Uninterrupted video chats
Smooth streaming and sharing
Stable performance across all devices

There’s a reason we’re the #1 VoIP provider in South Africa.
Your connection is our whole personality.

Connection Keeps Us Human

Life moves fast – but relationships are what keep us grounded. With Vox’s high-speed Connectivity and the Vobi App, staying in touch (and keeping your people close, even when they’re far) is no longer a schlep.
It’s as simple as picking up the device already semi-grafted to your hand.

We’ll handle the rest.

Stay connected, stay human, and stay in touch with Vox today.

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.

Stay Connected Without Burning Through Minutes or Data

Reliable Calling Needs Reliable Connectivity – Enter Vox

Connection Keeps Us Human

Available in your area