Hi! I’m Katleho Tshehle, a graduate of the SANCS Cyber Talent Accelerator Program presented by the Cyber Security Institute (CSI) as part of a Netherlands initiative to build cyber security capacity in our region. Learning about cyber security and its numerous fields has been an exhilarating experience. The program was diverse and deep, as the courses had a hands-on approach, using a variety of different styles and techniques, including simulations, gamification, the actual use of cyber security tools and a modern approach to traditional learning. Through this process I have gained so much knowledge and enjoyed developing skills from my knowledge, putting them into practice on projects such as Project African Thunder and Circadence, gaining real life experience on how cyber security works/applies in the real business world and what impacts it has on a corporation and its partners.

The classes were interesting, instructive and engaging. Meeting and exchanging knowledge and experiences with industry specialists in various cyber security domains helped all students gain a better understanding of the various roles and requirements of their employment. In order to ensure that every student had the skills and knowledge required to succeed in their professional careers, the program combined technical training, professional development, and real-world applications to produce rigorous and employable outcomes.

Graduates of this program received certificates from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and CSI after learning modules which included cybercrime, IT essentials, cyber security fundamentals, practical cryptography, cyber intelligence, risk and compliance. I was able to learn Python programming, take part in Microsoft learning and masterclasses, participate in industry masterclasses, and experience Forage Workplace simulations as part of the SANCS program. Applying my technical knowledge and abilities to enjoyable games like “ON The Wire’’ and the Cyber Range’s tough Circadence’s battlerooms has helped me grow. Participating in Project African Thunder also gave me the fantastic chance to hone my important soft skills, analytical thinking, time management, technical documentation, creativity and presentation abilities, and teamwork/team-building skills. In a six-week capstone project, I led my teammates as we tackled Agri 4.0 IT and cybersecurity scenarios, resolving real-world issues that modern companies face.

My mentors, who were always willing to help and went above and beyond to ensure that every student could provide their best effort, were one of my highlights and favourite aspects of the program. They have opened avenues for me to advance my career in cyber security. My welcoming peers, who became friends, would collaborate and support one another. This program has been an unforgettable life-changing educational opportunity that has paved the way for a successful future.

• • • • • • Katleho Tshehle

CSI intern & SANCS Accelerator Program Graduate