Residents of at least 10 Roodepoort suburbs streamed in their hundreds to a meeting on 14 June at Laerskool Helderkruin “on the fibre rollout project.” There was clearly a great hunger and thirst for fibre, but sadly good judgement was blinded by the citizens’ enthusiasm.
Something was off. Councillor Suzanne Clarke, who called the meeting, refused to say what the purpose, process and agenda were.
It soon became apparent that the meeting was called to announce that Vumatel has obtained wayleave (the right to install their fibre infrastructure) from Joburg Council. This will probably mean a monopoly for Vumatel. Other fibre providers may not be able to install. It was a done deal; it will be Vumatel – take it or leave it. The citizens had no say.
Disturbing reports about Vumatel were not mentioned at the meeting: According to one report, customers will have to pay Vumatel something like R1 000 every time they switch internet service providers – every time. Vumatel also has a very low rating with ‘reviewers’. A well-known complaints website gives them a single star – the lowest rating available.
I am convinced the cock-sure Vumatel salesman at the meeting will emerge as the fibreless multitude’s knight in shining armour and will deliver stellar service. If not, a voting booth looms in the future. Citizens simply don’t like being bulldozed.
