Lokshin Wi-Fi is here. They are a force. I am talking about three powerful sisters: Koleka, Tobeka and Bongeka Lwana. They are the founders and directors of Cultivation Point (founded in 2014). Last week, the sisters launched a low-cost Lokshin Wi-Fi for townships and semi-rural areas.
Lokshin Wi-Fi is a women-led enterprise, breaking the boundaries of what is traditionally a male dominated sector. It is looking to bring low cost, high speed Wi-Fi into under-served communities with a particular focus on uplifting Ed Tech and small business.
They do this through affordable home router solutions and easy to access outdoor Wi-Fi for mobile access on the go. They create Wi-Fi hotspots in our chosen sites, that in turn offer Wi-Fi coverage and access to their customers.
The black all-women owned communication and technology services company Cultivation Point launched a new high speed, low-cost Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) called Lokshin Wi-Fi on the 12th of August 2022.
Kholeka Lwana of Lokshin Wi-Fi comments
“We are making technology easily accessible to this audience, where it was previously inaccessible. Through an intuitive, gamified and fully customizable platform, we provide cost effective internet to households and businesses and our digital solution enables consumers in urban and more rural areas to connect, engage and consume content, media and services.”
“Mobile users in the location will via our defined access points of sale, purchase Wi-Fi access passwords for connection into educational materials, skills development information, e-commerce services such as university application forms, banking and women development information on GBV and health issues.”
How did the idea of Lokshin Wi-Fi come about?
Connectivity has stopped being a luxury but has become a necessity, yet a lot of people still struggle with it in our country. Lokshin Wi-Fi has found a solution that provides underprivileged areas an affordable solution to ensure that we provide everyone with an opportunity to help balance the connectivity issues in South Africa.
As load shedding is also an issue, utilizing solar helps people to continuously stay connected, this is especially helpful for students who need to study for exams or do their homework and entrepreneurs running their businesses.
Who is involved in the project?
The company is involved with an innovative technology provider named Fibrepoynt, they have developed a uniquely South African IP using antennas to provide affordable internet coverage to communities. This is customised for South African townships.
Their other strategic partner is Flash, we use their payment platform at the point of sale with our vendors (spaza, tshisa nyama, etc). In terms of backhaul, they use whichever network has existing infrastructure in the specific areas, in other words, we are fluid in approach.
Which areas will the Wi-Fi be available?
Their strategy is to go into areas that struggle with connectivity. The choice of their current location in Olievenhoutbosch is based on this, and their partners Bellaggiotech have an established footprint in Cosmo City, and they took learnings from Cosmo City. They intend to roll out our expansion plan into all provinces in the next 3- 6 months.
At what costs and how do these differ from what is currently available?
Lokshin offers low-cost Wi-Fi which is competitive ranging from as low as 1 Gb at R5 and a variety of affordable packages.
How did the idea come about?
As a business, they are interested in solving issues that affect the underserviced communities. They started by rolling out a coding training program that is accredited by the MICT Seta which is when we realised that that is not enough. Connectivity is a necessity for all communities.
What does the company specialize in?
ICT, Strategic Communications, Strategy, Webinars, and Corporate Events.
Who are some of their clients?
BCX, Transnet, Thungela, and Anglo to name some.
What did they see that led them to start your business?
As Communications and Marketing professionals, they wanted to extend their skills and knowledge to the benefit of under-serviced communities and do their bit in delivering solutions and services that will add value.
What are the challenges of working as siblings?
Challenges are the same as with any relationship. When you have two minds in one space they sometimes agree, sometimes disagree. They are no different. Instead, there are more pros than cons, it’s mostly a beautiful and rewarding experience.
What challenges did they face in the beginning before their business started running smoothly?
As with most start-ups in the beginning cash flow, access to market, not being able to define their offering succinctly whilst finding their feet. It was not easy to access the market and find clients that would take a chance on a new start-up, but through perseverance, they have managed to gain the trust of their clients and partners.
How many people do they employ?
10 full-time and a whole host of freelancers that work on various projects.
How did they fund their business?
They used our own savings and have had a couple of companies that would fund them from time to time on various projects. As with Lokshin Wi-Fi – they have a partnership with Sentech, and they are always on the lookout for more Telco partners that can provide the necessary backhaul in order to stimulate growth and expansion.
How do they attract clients?
Networking, word of mouth, and normal tendering processes. They have learned that mostly reputation is important because people “talk” and if you deliver with the excellence they will recommend and give you more opportunities, so Trust is BIG.
It is women’s month, what is their message to young aspiring female business owners?
Go out there and make it happen for yourselves. Do not be afraid to tap into male-dominated spaces; there’s a gap here and opportunities are rife for us women. Ensure that you conduct your due diligence, sign all the necessary legal instruments, and get proper counsel before you embark on projects.
Be frugal. Push more than the next person. Do not get despondent when things take time. They once persisted for two years knocking at a client’s door because we believed so much in our partnership, and it eventually happened. In the same vein, know when to cut your losses, and do not sell your soul. Always stick to your values.
As women in Wi-Fi, they intend to leave a mark in the communities they operate: by creating jobs, technical skills transfer, and ensuring that we partner with local female businesses to ensure they benefit from our solution.
On your browser on Google or if you are at our Lokshin Wi-Fi hotspot area, you can download the Lokshin Wi-Fi App on the Google App platform, you will automatically get 250 Mb for free then follow the normal registration process with your cell number, then you can further recharge, get more services or you can buy more at Lokshin’s Wi-Fi sites. Their Wi-Fi is available for 24 hours (unless you buy their extended products).
Watch this space for updates in the Technology category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
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