First Distribution: SA’s Leading Enterprise ICT Value-Added Distributor Since 1984
First Distribution is one of South Africa’s largest value-added distributors, specialising in enterprise and SME ICT solutions across datacentre, cloud, cybersecurity, networking, and client computing. Founded in 1984, the company operates in over 20 African countries and works with more than 2,000 active reseller partners. First Distribution is part of Epsidon Technology Distribution (Pty) Ltd and holds B-BBEE Level 1 (AAA-rated) status.
The company’s model is built around delivering complex solutions through established resellers rather than going direct — a genuine channel-first approach that has earned it multiple industry awards and long-standing vendor mandates.
Vendor Portfolio
First Distribution carries one of the broadest enterprise vendor portfolios in South African distribution. Key vendor relationships span multiple technology categories:
In cloud and virtualisation, the portfolio includes AWS, Microsoft (Azure, Modern Work, 365), Huawei Cloud, Veeam, Commvault, Druva, Omnissa, Virtuozzo, Zimbra, Zoom, and BitTitan. For cybersecurity, resellers can access CrowdStrike, Fortinet, Forcepoint, Kaspersky, BeyondTrust, ExtraHop, Nozomi Networks, One Identity, RSA, TrendAI, Quest, and NettProtect.
The datacentre and infrastructure segment covers Dell Technologies, HPE, IBM, Lenovo, Huawei EBG, Arctera, Cloudera, Cohesity, and ExaGrid. Networking includes Fortinet, Ruckus, Grandstream, Huawei Cloud, and Dell Technologies. Client computing and display solutions come via Dell Technologies, LG, Samsung, and Toshiba.
First for Cloud
First Distribution operates a dedicated cloud services brokerage under the “First for Cloud” brand, enabling resellers to provision and manage cloud solutions from AWS, Microsoft, Huawei Cloud, Veeam, and other cloud-native vendors. This positions the company as both a traditional hardware distributor and a cloud aggregator — helping resellers build recurring revenue alongside project-based sales.
Industry Recognition
First Distribution has accumulated significant industry recognition. In 2025 alone, the company won Best Cloud Distributor, Best Cybersecurity Distributor, Best Customer Service Distributor, and Best Value Added Distributor awards from CONTEXT ChannelWatch, plus Cybersecurity Distributor of the Year from Channelwise. Previous years brought awards from IBM, Microsoft, Dell, Fortinet, Huawei, and Veeam across multiple categories.
Why SA Resellers Should Consider First Distribution
For enterprise and SME-focused resellers, First Distribution offers arguably the deepest enterprise vendor portfolio available from a single South African distributor. The combination of tier-one infrastructure vendors (Dell, HPE, IBM, Lenovo), leading security brands (CrowdStrike, Fortinet, Kaspersky), and cloud aggregation services under one roof simplifies procurement and enables cross-selling across solution categories. The B-BBEE Level 1 status is a practical advantage for resellers bidding on government and corporate tenders.
About the Author
Mechelle Gindra
Mechelle Gindra is the managing editor and lead content strategist at Telecoms-Channel, South Africa's dedicated intelligence platform for telecoms resellers, ICT distributors, and channel partners. She oversees the editorial team's AI-assisted content production pipeline, ensuring vendor news, market analysis, and regulatory updates are accurate, timely, and actionable for the SA telecoms channel community. With deep expertise in the South African telecoms reseller ecosystem, Mechelle directs coverage of vendor partner programmes, ICASA regulatory developments, wholesale market dynamics, and channel business strategy. She is responsible for maintaining Telecoms-Channel's editorial standards, fact-checking processes, and corrections policy.
