Major South African ISP’s plans after takeover

RSAWeb has confirmed the successful sale of a majority stake in its business to a consortium of investors, following final regulatory approval from the Competition Tribunal of South Africa.

The transaction has resulted in African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), STOA, and Thebe Investment Corporation acquiring a majority stake in the Internet service provider (ISP).

RSAWeb was founded by Rob Gilmour and Mark Slingsby in 2001 and has become one of South Africa’s leading ISPs.

In addition to FTTH, the company sells a wide range of fibre-to-the-business, fixed-LTE, cloud-based hosting, cybersecurity, and voice-over-IP services.

RSAWeb said the new shareholders had extensive experience in infrastructure investment.

The ISP explained that AIIM managed some of the most significant digital and energy projects in Africa.

The firm owns 100% of fibre network operator Octotel and is the biggest shareholder in MetroFibre, in which it holds a 28.5% stake.

These two FNOs cover nearly 900,000 properties with their fibre-to-the-home networks.

STOA specialises in sustainable infrastructure development, while Thebe works in strategic local partnerships.

RSAWeb said the transition marked a new chapter for the ISP and comes at a “pivotal time” in South Africa’s evolving digital landscape.

“RSAWeb has played a key role in expanding fibre internet accessibility, empowering businesses, and enhancing connectivity for thousands of homes nationwide,” the ISP said.

“With AIIM, STOA, and Thebe Investment Corporation joining as shareholders, RSAWeb is well-positioned to accelerate its growth plans, continue to invest in next-generation infrastructure, and drive innovation in the country’s connectivity sector.”

This investment will enable RSAWeb to further its efforts in:

• Expanding fibre network coverage to underserved areas
• Enhancing digital infrastructure to support South Africa’s growing demand for high-speed connectivity
• Delivering cutting-edge solutions for both home and business users, including connectivity, mobile, voice and cloud-based technologies
• Ensuring home and business customers receive the highest level of service and support

RSAWeb CEO Rudy van Staden thanked the ISP’s exiting shareholders for their role in growing the company.

“Over the years, they have been instrumental in helping us scale our operations and reinforce our position as a leader in South Africa’s ISP market,” Van Staden said.

The CEO also highlighted that the new shareholders’ expertise in infrastructure investment and commitment to advancing digital connectivity in Africa aligned perfectly with RSAWeb’s long-term vision.

Van Staden said the new transaction would empower RSAWeb to provide world-class, reliable, and affordable technology solutions to all South African businesses and homes alike.

“We are committed to providing our customers with fast, reliable, and scalable future-proof connectivity solutions, while also playing a leading role in bridging the digital divide in South Africa,” he said.

AIIM Investment Director Thor Corry said that RSAWeb and Octotel were outstanding companies with world-class management teams and the firm was thrilled to include them in its broader stable of assets.

“Enhancing digital connectivity in South Africa and contributing to the ongoing digital transformation is critical to economic growth and transformation in the country,” said Corry.

“We are thrilled to be able to support the management team to achieve this goal alongside our partners STOA and Thebe.”