Wonga Vakala: Fast-tracking South Africa's internet revolution

Wonga Vakala leads with unwavering vision, transforming South Africa's townships into launchpads for tech innovation. As a Founder and CEO of Wonga Technologies, Vakala delivers reliable connectivity to underserved communities, building a legacy of purpose-driven leadership.

Roots of resilience

From Motherwell township in Gqeberha, Vakala was shaped by his parents who instilled love, culture, unyielding strength and ubuntu. He launched a computer centre to empower high school students with essential skills, addressing barriers to opportunity and laying the groundwork for his greater mission – this is evident in the work ethic of his team.

Vision in action

Since founding Wonga Technologies in 2018, Vakala has pioneered affordable Wi-Fi solutions using fibre, LTE, and 5G boosters tailored for homes, businesses, Airbnbs, and now rural schools. Their comprehensive service offerings include seamless installations, reliable uncapped internet packages, customised tech support, and community-focused upgrades that ensure zero downtime even in remote areas. Strategic partnerships, like the one with Axxess and Huawei has propelled subscribers from from 119 in early 2024 to over 500 subscribers by mid-year, with zero fibre cancellations reflecting trusted service excellence.

Leadership milestones

·      Created jobs through the private IP YES program and sponsored schools, tackling youth unemployment head-on.

·      Earned recognition as a Triga Ventures fellow, positioning the company for national scale.

·      Shared insights on SABC's Expresso Show amid 45% youth joblessness, inspiring a generation.

·      Balances executive demands with his roles as a devoted husband, son, brother and a Christian leader.

Strategic goals ahead

Vakala steers toward bold expansion: securing an ICASA license for nationwide reach, equipping at least eight rural schools with free Wi-Fi by early 2026, and attracting international investment to bridge Africa and Europe. With 35% annual subscriber growth targeted, revenue is projected to reach R19.5M by 2028.

Lessons from 2025

2025 reinforced the kind of passion that fuels enduring success - solving real community needs drove organic growth and resilience – our clients have become strong allies of our marketing team. The adoption of AI innovation into our business accelerated progress ensuring lasting customer trust and loyalty.

The founder's unique privilege

Vakala's greatest edge is his intimate knowledge of his customers' realities - having lived the daily struggles of remote villages and townships himself. This shared experience allows him to anticipate needs, from load-shedding-proof boosters to budget-friendly data plans, fostering unbreakable trust and loyalty that turns users into lifelong advocates.

Enduring legacy

Vakala exemplifies principled leadership by identifying challenges, delivering solutions with conviction, and perseverance.

In Africa's connectivity frontier, he doesn't just connect networks - he unites communities, inspiring leaders everywhere to build with him, with purpose and precision.

About Wonga Technologies