By Kgothatso Monono
The SENTECH Centre for Cybersecurity, a joint venture between SENTECH and the Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT) was officially unveiled at the Soshanguve Campus on 10 March 2025.
As cybersecurity threats become more complex and widespread, South Africa’s ability to produce skilled professionals capable of safeguarding its digital infrastructure will be critical. The SENTECH Centre for Cybersecurity is well positioned to ensure that the country is geared to meet these challenges, positioning it as a leader in the global digital economy.
The Centre is designed to be a hub for education and research, equipping students with the practical skills necessary to address the ever-evolving challenges in the digital world, while shaping the next generation of cybersecurity professionals in South Africa.
In his opening address, Dr Etienne van Wyk, Executive Dean for the FoICT, accentuated the importance of this partnership and its alignment to a shared vision for advancing research, technological innovation and the growth of South Africa’s digital economy.
This collaboration between TUT and SENTECH also corresponds with TUT's broader goal of developing highly skilled professionals who can provide innovative solutions within the telecommunication and ICT sectors.
Through the Centre, students will be able to engage with real-world digital threats and develop practical skills to address such. Owing to its dynamic nature, the Centre is focused on bridging the gap between theoretical learning and hands-on application, ensuring that graduates are prepared to meet the growing demands of the cybersecurity industry.
According to Dr Emily Mabote, Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Technology, : "The lab will serve as a critical resource in enhancing the skills of students, preparing them to tackle complex challenges in encryption, penetration testing and digital forensics, all of which are vital to ensuring the security of our digital ecosystem," she explained during her address.
She added: “In a progressively interconnected world, cybersecurity threats become increasingly sophisticated, presenting significant risks to businesses, governments and individuals. The launch of the SENTECH Centre for Cybersecurity is a timely response to these challenges, providing students with the tools and knowledge to confront these threats head-on.”
The Centre’s activities are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in key areas of cybersecurity, including ethical hacking, digital forensics, incident response and malware analysis. Through simulated cybersecurity scenarios that mirror real-world cyberattacks, there will be ample opportunity to gain practical experience, ensuring students are equipped to handle the challenges they can expect to face in their careers.
The collaboration between TUT and SENTECH is part of a broader effort to create a more skilled and competitive workforce in South Africa.
Prof Joey Jansen van Vuuren from TUT’s Department of Computer Sciences, outlined the rationale of the partnership to bring together leaders in academia and industry to guide curriculum development, identify emerging skills gaps and ensuring that students are trained to meet the current and future demands of the cybersecurity industry.
“As South Africa continues to embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), initiatives like the SENTECH Centre for Cybersecurity are essential for ensuring the country remains at the forefront of technological innovation. With the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals, the Centre will help to address the country’s skills gap in the field while contributing to strengthening South Africa’s digital infrastructure,” said Bongani Ngwenya, SENTECH’s Head of Research and Innovation.
The SENTECH Centre for Cybersecurity, a forward-thinking approach to cybersecurity education, is an investment in South Africa’s digital future. As the country’s economy becomes increasingly digitized, the urgency to secure its digital infrastructure also increases. By training students in cutting-edge cybersecurity practices, the Centre will help to build a pool of highly skilled professionals capable of defending the country’s digital assets from evolving cyber threats.
* SENTECH is the signal distributor for the South African broadcasting sector that specialises in connectivity and digital infrastructure services.
From left: Prof Joey Jansen Van Vuuren, Department of Computer Science(TUT); Dr Emily Mabote, Executive Director for Institutional Effectiveness and Technology(TUT); Dr Etienne van Wyk, Executive Dean FoICT(TUT); Nomahlubi Ogoh, IT Head of Department(SENTECH); and Dumisani Ngwenya, Research and Innovation Head of Department (SENTECH).