Description
R229.00 / month | 2 CPU cores, 2GB RAM, 50GB NVMe SSD, 1TB bandwidth, full root access
Includes a free .co.za domain for the first year — registered on your behalf from AbsoluteHosting.
Shared hosting puts your site in a crowded environment with shared resources and no control over the server. A VPS changes that. You get dedicated CPU cores, dedicated RAM, your own isolated environment, and full root access to configure everything exactly as your application or business requires.
The Starter VPS is our entry-level virtual private server — built on Debian Linux, hosted in South Africa, managed through ISPConfig, and supported by a local team in the Garden Route. It is a serious hosting environment at a price point that makes sense for developers, small businesses, and anyone who has outgrown shared hosting.
What’s Included
| Feature | Included |
| Operating System | Debian Linux |
| Web Server | Nginx or Apache (your choice) |
| Control Panel | ISPConfig (free, open source) |
| CPU | 2 dedicated cores |
| RAM | 2GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 50GB NVMe SSD |
| Bandwidth | 1TB monthly transfer |
| IP Address | 1 dedicated IPv4 |
| Root Access | Full SSH root access |
| Free Domain | 1 domain included (first year) |
| Location | South Africa — Garden Route hosted and supported |
Note: This is a self-managed VPS. Basic Linux server knowledge is required. Optional setup assistance and ongoing support packages are available — contact us to discuss your needs before purchasing if you are unsure.
Who This Plan Is For
The Starter VPS is a strong fit if you are:
- A developer deploying custom stacks — Laravel, Node.js, Django, Python, or similar
- A business that needs a private mail server with full control over spam filtering and deliverability
- Running WordPress, Joomla, or WooCommerce and hitting the limits of shared hosting
- A freelancer or agency wanting a clean, isolated environment for client work
- A business needing internal tools — CRM, ERP, monitoring dashboards, or data portals
- A rural or farm-based operation running CCTV servers, irrigation monitoring, or secure internal systems
Features in Detail
Full Root Access
You have complete administrative control over your server via SSH. Install any software, configure your firewall, set up cron jobs, manage databases, and deploy your applications without restriction. This is the key difference between a VPS and shared hosting — nothing is locked down.
Debian Linux + Nginx or Apache
Your VPS runs Debian Linux — a stable, well-documented, widely supported distribution favoured by developers and sysadmins. Choose Nginx for high-performance web serving or Apache for broader compatibility with legacy applications. We handle the initial OS and web server setup.
ISPConfig Control Panel
ISPConfig is a free, open-source server control panel that lets you manage websites, email accounts, databases, DNS zones, FTP accounts, and backups through a clean web interface. It is a capable alternative to cPanel or Plesk — without the licensing cost. We configure it during initial setup.
50GB NVMe SSD Storage
NVMe SSD storage delivers faster read and write speeds than standard SSD, which benefits database-heavy applications, high-traffic sites, and mail servers. 50GB is sufficient for most small business sites, developer projects, and private mail servers with standard retention policies.
1TB Monthly Bandwidth
One terabyte of monthly data transfer covers the needs of most small to medium sites and applications. If your project regularly exceeds this, we can discuss upgrading to a larger VPS tier.
Security — Firewall, Fail2Ban, and SSL
Your VPS is isolated from other users by design. On top of that, we can assist with configuring UFW firewall rules, Fail2Ban for brute-force protection, ClamAV for malware scanning, and Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates for all your domains. Security hardening is available as an optional service or we can walk you through it during setup.
Free Domain — First Year
Every Starter VPS plan includes one free domain registration for the first year, sourced through AbsoluteHosting on your behalf. Choose your preferred .co.za, .com, or other available extension. Domain renewal is billed at standard rates from the second year. Let us know your preferred domain when you place your order.
What Our Local Support Covers
Our Garden Route-based team has over ten years of Linux and server administration experience. With this plan, support is available on an hourly basis for setup, configuration, and ongoing assistance. We can help with:
- Initial server setup — web server, PHP, MySQL, and control panel configuration
- Mail server setup — Postfix, Dovecot, SpamAssassin, TLS, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC
- Security hardening — UFW, Fail2Ban, ClamAV, and SSL deployment
- DNS configuration — A, MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC records
- Preconfigured environments available — WordPress VPS, email-only VPS, LAMP or LEMP development stacks
Support contact: WhatsApp, phone, and email (24–48 hour response). Hourly rates apply for hands-on server work.
Scalability — Growing Beyond the Starter Plan
The Starter VPS is designed as an entry point, not a ceiling. When your project grows:
- Add storage or upgrade RAM without migrating your data
- Move to our VPS Plus plan (4GB RAM, 100GB SSD) when you need more headroom
- Install custom applications — CRM, ERP, automation tools — as your requirements evolve
- Automate backups, monitoring scripts, and security updates on your own schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this VPS managed or self-managed?
Self-managed. You are responsible for day-to-day server administration. However, we offer affordable hourly support for setup, configuration, security hardening, and ongoing maintenance. If you need fully managed VPS hosting, contact us to discuss a managed arrangement.
Can I host multiple websites on one VPS?
Yes. ISPConfig lets you create and manage multiple websites, each with their own database, FTP account, and email configuration — all from one control panel.
Can I run a private mail server?
Yes. The Starter VPS supports full mail server deployments using Postfix and Dovecot, with SpamAssassin for filtering and TLS, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for deliverability and security. We can assist with the full setup.
Where is the server physically located?
Your VPS is hosted in South Africa. Local hosting means lower latency for South African visitors and keeps your data subject to South African jurisdiction.
What happens to my data if I cancel?
We provide a 30-day window after cancellation to export your files, databases, and email. We assist with the export process on request.
Ready to Take Control of Your Hosting?
Add to cart and your VPS will be provisioned within 24 hours. Include your preferred domain name in the order notes and we will register it on your behalf. If you need setup assistance or want to discuss a managed arrangement before purchasing, contact us — we respond the same business day.
Related Plans:
- VPS Plus — 4GB RAM, 100GB SSD, increased capacity for growing projects
- Pro+ Web Hosting — 10 sites, 400 emails, managed shared hosting from R1,815/year
- Website Maintenance Plan — Monthly updates, security monitoring, and performance reports
